What Makes a Great Mobile App?

I don’t want to tell you that your business is doomed if you don’t have a mobile app. Other people may tell you that, but I think it’s a bit of an exaggeration.

Having said that. A mobile app could be crucial to your increased success, depending on what kind of business you run. If you run an e-commerce business, then you should definitely have an app. If you have a popular communications website, you should consider one. If you run a social media platform... Well, in that case, I’d be amazed if you didn’t already have one.

So if you’re heading into mobile app territory, then it’s good to ask yourself a question. That question: how exactly do you make a great mobile app?

The difference between a decent mobile app and a great mobile app is not negligible. A decent app may see some of your current users use the mobile version. A great app can actually see people convert to customers or users or your service. And as for bad apps? Well, a bad app is simply a waste of your time and money. And a waste of the end user’s time. (But not their money, because you’re not getting rich off of a bad app.)

Here’s what you need to keep in mind.

Great developers

This should come as no surprise. Quality developers develop quality developments. The problem is that a lot of companies assume that the app creation game is going to be easy. This probably isn’t helped by the numerous Internet platforms that try to make it all out to be easy. There are so many places that claim you can make your own business app in minutes. The thing is, you need a great app. And you’re only getting that if you look into great software development. If your company isn’t savvy when it comes to software development? Outsource the job to people who are.

Remembering the key features of mobile use

Picture someone using a mobile phone. Or, y’know, just think of all the times you use your mobile phone. Think about all the things that makes mobile app usage different to desktop-based browsing. The things that make it different from reading a book or going to a store. Key things should be floating into your mind. Communication. Short periods of use. Spontaneity. Geo-technology. Direct interaction. Smartphones are social. People interact directly using their fingers. They’re fun and fast. All of these things should be taken into consideration in mobile app design.

Simplicity

The power of simplicity is espoused in pretty much every market. But you should never underestimate its importance in the world of mobile apps. I made a reference earlier (like, literally just a second ago) to people using their fingers to interact directly with apps. This helps create almost childlike interaction. It’s intuitive and immediate. You need to make sure your app is both of those things. It’s not that your consumers will be baffled by any complexity. It’s just that, when an app is cumbersome and complex, it doesn’t gel with the way people physically interact with it.