Most websites and apps today are broken, and we’ve just come to accept it.
Not necessarily broken in the sense they don’t work, but broken by design. Every day, you battle with:
- 🍪 Cookie banners demanding your attention
- 🆕 Ads that make a website look like Times Square
- 💸 Paywalls that force you to buy yet another subscription
If we continue on this trajectory, apps will become unusable.
Either that, or we’ll simply get used to it.
That’s why I created the 3 principles every developer or designer should follow to make sure we don’t fall down this rabbit hole.
1. Effortless
Users don’t have to navigate an obstacle course.
Works first time
The most important one: does your app work? Does it allow users to complete the action they intended? Take time to understand your users’ needs and check whether your app can fulfil them.
“I can achieve what I set out to do.”
Fast navigation
Is your app a maze? It shouldn’t be, even when it’s filled with content. Consider structuring it in a way that resonates with users, so that they know where to go next.
“I can easily find what I’m looking for.”
Guided recovery
Mistakes happen; we’re human. Good design should prevent users from making mistakes, but when they inevitably do, they are guided towards correcting their error.
“I know what to do if I make a mistake.”
2. Clear
Make things as simple as possible.
Intuitive and concise
Get to the point.
“I quickly understand what I’m being told.”
Consistent design
Every part of your app should have a coherent design. Legacy is often the enemy here. Upgrade any legacy parts of your app so it doesn’t look neglected and foreign.
“I can tell everything belongs together.”
Meets expectations
When a user clicks on a button, they expect something to happen. If something else happens, or nothing happens, that’s a bad user experience that should be fixed.
“I end up with what I expected to receive.”
3. Welcoming
Build a good relationship with all types of users.
Universally inclusive
It might not be possible to reach every user in every language, in every country, with every accessibility requirement. But striving to target as many users as possible is the way to go.
“I feel included no matter who I am.”
Pleasingly supportive
Treat users as your friend. They’re not the enemy, so don’t bombard them with cookie banners, paywalls and ads. Help them through your app and get them to where they want to be.
“I feel listened to and respected.”
No barrier to entry
This one summarises the other two points in this category: make your app accessible, and don’t block users from accessing it. Provide meaningful value upfront, and make money later.
“I can easily access what I need.”
Summary
So, to summarise, the user should be able to achieve what they set out to do; understand clearly what the expectations are; and feel included and supported throughout the journey.
Your users will thank you for it.
Written by John Disandolo
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