5 errors that can be fatal to your application

There is no magic formula for designing a flawless user interface. However, we can readily identify errors that must be avoided when building an application if you want it to stand a chance of success. Even the most talented designers can fall into one of these traps. When you focus too closely on every detail of an application, you can sometimes lose sight of more important, more visible aspects. If you are planning to create an application — either yourself or through a service provider — here are 5 points to consider carefully.

Error 1: Overusing typefaces

In an application, as on a website, you can vary the typefaces used. While an original typeface can help you stand out, avoid going to excess in this area. The text in your application must remain legible and easy to read. The goal is to enhance the user experience, not hinder it. Moreover, typefaces are not the same on an iOS application as on an Android application. For example, iOS uses the San Francisco typeface and Android uses Roboto. Both are easy to read and visually quite similar, but these differences are still worth bearing in mind. It is also possible to commission a custom typeface. If that is the case, however, keep two things in mind: Less is more. As mentioned above, a typeface can be as quirky and original as you like. However, a degree of restraint can only benefit your application. Too many typefaces, sizes, colours, or letters that are too visually complex can greatly undermine the user experience. Think simplicity and consistency. Only add a custom typeface when it is truly necessary. Doing so without good reason is a mistake in itself. Licensing. Like most things, typefaces are generally not free to use. Some exceptions apply to typefaces whose creators have deliberately placed them in the public domain. But as a general rule, do not forget to verify that you have authorisation to use a typeface and to check the terms of use. Also take into account the cost of any typeface you need to purchase.

Error 2: Too many elements on screen

There was a time when mobile phones were considerably smaller. This made it necessary to minimise the textual and visual elements of applications. Each new generation of handsets is now larger than the last. This allows for more elements — larger text, more buttons and more detailed designs. However, be careful not to fall into the trap of excess. It may be tempting to include as much information as possible now that screen size allows it. But, as noted in the previous point, less is more. Select only the truly essential information and include it as concisely as possible. The goal is to draw users' attention to the right places, making their navigation fluid. If there are too many elements on screen, they will feel lost and wonder what they are supposed to do, where to tap. This generally ends with the user simply leaving the app. Use design purposefully to guide the user's eye where it needs to go. The application must feel intuitive. If you are planning to create an application, or need to verify that yours is ready for the market, bear this in mind.

Error 3: Lack of consistency

Design must be consistent. This may seem obvious, but when a project is underway it is easy to lose sight of elements as important as this. For example, every action should have its own specific button that does not change from one screen to another. Users often experiment to learn how an application works. Sending them contradictory signals in this regard could ruin the user experience. Also maintain a consistent overall structure as much as possible — consistent colours in harmonious tones, consistent elements and consistent layout where possible. It is of course possible to deviate on certain special pages, the login page for example. But every change should have its reason and disrupt the user experience as little as possible.

Error 4: Transferring from iOS to Android 1:1

It might seem sensible to port your Android application directly to iOS. It can indeed be useful, but the real goal is to provide the best possible user experience. And it is well known that users dislike change. They use their phones constantly and often grow accustomed to specific features and behaviours. Android and iOS each have their own operating conventions. A direct port from iOS to Android (or vice versa) can therefore cause numerous differences between devices, and your application may no longer behave in the same way. That said, your application can certainly maintain a degree of consistency between Android and iOS — particularly in its overall visual appearance.

Error 5: Poor information hierarchy

Whether you are talking about the design of an application, a website or even a flyer, people will interact with each in their own way. It is therefore important to plan carefully and explain to your designer which pieces of information are more important than others. Think about the key elements you want to highlight. Once your priorities are defined, it will be much easier for designers, developers and graphic designers to arrange your application's visual layout accordingly. Design is not a science; there is no magic formula for success. Even avoiding the 5 errors listed here, your interface may not suit users. It is impossible to anticipate everything a consumer might do. Conducting a market study and analysing the consumption behaviours of your target audience is therefore critically important. There is no other way to understand your users and respond accordingly to improve your application. Application design should be a perpetual quest to improve the user experience.

Freely adapted from Invisionapp