Principles of User Centered Design in Mobile App Development

The smartphone storage space is among the most valuable pieces of digital real estate. So, what convinces people to install your business app is how usable it is. Relying on user centred design, the Techtio software development team creates apps that get installed, used and loved by users.

In this article, we will explain how these design principles work and why.

What is User Centred Design?

User centred design (UCD) means planning a mobile app with the end user at the heart of every design decision. Rather than building apps based on assumptions or technical capabilities alone, UCD prioritises:

• User behaviours
• Preferences
• Usage goals

Apps developed with the end user in mind are intuitive, accessible, and genuinely useful. Every feature, interaction, and visual element has a purpose and serves a need. This makes apps visually appealing and truly useful.

Essential User Centred Design Principles

Successful mobile app development is the result of following core user centred design principles. These principles guide every aspect of the process. Our software development team follows these principles – and this is the secret behind our apps, which not only meet technical requirements but also deliver exceptional user experiences.

These principles are:

1. Accessibility: Design for Everyone

Anyone should be able to use a mobile app, including people with various physical limitations or disabilities. Accessibility features include voice commands, screen readers, and high-contrast modes. Their existence ensures that your app is available to everyone, increasing its reach.

What’s more, accessible design benefits all users, not just those with specific needs. You can boost user experience with features such as:

• Clear navigation
• Readable fonts
• Intuitive layout.

2. Iterative Design: Ongoing Improvement Is the Recipe for Success

The iterative design principle means that creating exceptional user experiences is an ongoing process. This approach involves:

• Continuous cycles of prototyping
• User feedback collection
• Design refinement.

Each iteration weeds out errors and bugs, bringing the app closer to the finished version: a version that serves all users and offers them an exceptional experience. The Techtio software development team will keep you continually involved during these iterations, asking for your feedback at critical moments. 

3. Consistency: Create Predictable Experiences

Consistency is the key to a seamless experience throughout your app. This means more than using the same visual layout. Users should encounter similar interaction patterns, wording and functionality.

Consistency makes the user feel in control: they know exactly how to reach a certain app section, perform an action or go back to a previous screen. This sense of control builds trust and helps nurture app users towards their first purchase.

4. Simplicity: Prioritise Clear Communication

Effective mobile apps communicate with clarity, guide users intuitively, and eliminate any elements that hamper the user in reaching their goals. This principle is particularly important because mobile phone screen space is limited and user attention spans are short.

5. Intuitive Navigation: Guide Users Seamlessly

Simple and effective navigation helps users move through your app effortlessly. They are confident that they know where they are and perform the exact action they mean to. Thus, a clear menu (both buttons and gestures) reduces frustration and helps users use your apps to satisfy their needs or solve their problems.

Good navigation design includes visible indicators, logical information architecture, and easy ways to return to previous screens or main sections.

Ready to Build Your User Centered Mobile App? Talk to Techtio!

Your mobile app deserves to be one of the most frequently used apps on your customers’ phones. And Techtio can help you achieve this goal. We design and develop beautiful and functional apps that offer an exceptional user experience.

Contact us today so we can start building your user centered app, setting you apart from the competition!