Consumers and business owners prefer technologies offered through mobiles. They provide instant access to data and services across multiple devices. And with the impact of the IoT, the forecast is bright for the evolution and incorporation of mobile strategies. The increasing popularity of Apple Pay and Google Wallet over regular debit and credit cards is proof that the ways of eCommerce are changing.
The harsh reality of this technological era is that while every aspect of life is becoming automated, people will only use things that are fast, simple, and easy. Anything that falls short of these expectations is simply overlooked. Over the last decade, there has been a positive trend of consumers towards mobile commerce. And the same ideology applies to a mCommerce app.
The importance of this can be easily grasped by considering Google’s implementation of changes to its search engine rankings in early 2018. Google now takes into account the loading speed of websites on mobile devices. Though this is not the only factor that influences rankings, it highlights the shift towards a mobile-friendly world.
Statistics show that consumers love going digital. Retail ecommerce sales are expected to rise to $34 trillion this year. But people are in search of a complete package. They need a solution that handles all their shopping needs, such as purchasing, providing extensive details, payment options, reviews, customer support, shipment, etc. With people looking for quick and easy-to-navigate applications, the importance of user interface (UI) and the user’s experience (UX) cannot be overlooked. In fact, it’s a vital component of development that every ecommerce website design company needs to consider.
What is UI/UX
The boundary between UI and UX is blurry. UI focuses on how the app is laid out and how users interact with it. Efforts are concentrated on presentation, such as the design of the screen or page that a customer interacts with. It visually communicates what a UX designer has built. A UI designer is responsible for designing a cohesive style throughout the app with a consistent format across the product and other visual elements.
UX is a broader term that encompasses UI but is not only limited to it. It's aimed at enhancing the quality of a customer’s interaction with a website or app. A UX designer integrates several aspects such as shapes, controls, language, task flows, physical interactions, etc. to improve the way a product feels. The UX of your app has an exceptional impact on your brand. An effective design enhances the experience through the ease of usability and simplistic design. It increases consumer trust and satisfaction.
The effect of UI/UX design on your business
For your app to be successful, it must not only provide end-users with an engaging interface but also a pleasant experience. UI and UX go a long way in building your brand name, improving brand reputation, generating more traffic, and increasing revenue. Here are some ways UI/UX can positively influence your business.
- A straightforward design encourages a user to continue using the app.
- The site should be simple and tidy to facilitate navigation as much as possible. 74% of mobile visitors leave if it takes longer than five seconds to load.
- A good browsing experience promotes the desire to buy products.
- Your app represents your brand. The better the experience, the greater the trust and confidence customers have in the company.
- The quality of your app attracts customers to your brand. Increasing traffic is a way to increase ROI.
- Good UI/UX enhances customer loyalty. They will return to buy more products or services.
- It’ll help you stand out in the crowd and establish your company in the market.
Important aspects of UI and UX design
- Do not use too many elements such as graphics or links that add weight to the app. It could slow down the mobile connection. Making users wait longer could make them abandon the site.
- Incorporate common colors, symbols, buttons, styles, and icons.
- Provide an exceptional and outstanding user interface in your mobile app.
- Keep elements such as language, graphics, and visuals simple.
- Keep the user informed about ongoing processes even if the app is loading content.
- Make interactions as pleasurable as possible. Creating good memories is essential for repeat sales.
- A uniform design makes it easier for the customers to identify patterns of the app.
- Create enough touch space to allow users to make selections, purchases, CTA, etc. 44 pixels square is an appropriate size for touch. It enables customers to click on a specific button without mistakenly pressing another.
- Incorporate the use of visual cues, buttons, or toggles as an alternative to typing information, making your mobile app naturally easy to use.
- Enhance displays with shadows and gradients to create a 3D effect.
The advantages of an mCommerce app for your business
There are numerous reasons why companies are directing their efforts to develop the best UI/UX for their mCommerce apps. It promotes user acquisition and engagement. Here are some that you should look into.
- Constant companion
People will not go anywhere without their mobile devices. Your business can be with customers 24/7.
- Faster
Mobiles are compact, and so are their apps. They don’t occupy much space, so they have faster loading times. Plus there are no ad banners or pop-ups to slow you down. The most important aspect is that purchases are completed quicker.
- Simpler design
With less typing and more clicking, could life be simpler?
- Effortless transactions
Whether you are ordering pizza for dinner or buying a jacket from leather skin shop, one-click ordering makes the process faster.
- More functionality
Implementing the functions of the camera or GPS opens the door to greater possibilities. So GPS can pinpoint the nearest pizza parlors in the vicinity, and your camera can empower the augmented reality feature to help you ‘try on’ a leather jacket before deciding on a purchase.
As businesses are learning more about the true value of UI and UX design, they are investing more in mobile app development. It’s a vital part of the equation for the long-term success of your company. Providing the best UI/UX simply means that you are rendering the best service to your customers. This will create more conversions, drive up sales, increase visitor frequency, and escalate downloads, all of which will positively impact your brand and bottom line.
