Valentine’s Day is here and it reminds me of not only the relationships that I have in my personal life, but by extension the relationship we at Ioterra have created with you via the platform. We’re always open ears for any feedback you want to give to us, but most of the time we have to rely on analytic tools to see how to improve our relationship with you guys. If you’re creating an app or mobile web app, it’s such an awkward dive into this “dating pool” since you’re just getting to know your target audience. What if your user is just not that into you? The Studio Red team has created 5 tips to help your user swipe right on your application (or to swipe whichever way your application is programmed to do…):
- Make your User Feel Good
Studio Red has an interesting take on what “desirability” is in UX design; basically, if your user can feel good about themselves using your product, that’s what creates an enticing platform for your user to return to. Your user may have eyes for other applications, but as long as you can serve a need and improve upon it, you have a competitive advantage. - Timing is Key
What users are looking for in an application can be based on what they need at the moment. It’s a small window of time to prove that you’re the application for them, so Studio Red mentions that you need to have a key endorsement that can convince new users coming to your application that you’ve already been a great date. Just choose 1 insightful testimony that can convince 100+ people that you’re the ultimate date for them. - It’s All About Communication
Explicitly and implicitly give cues to your user! One example of explicit communication is to use messaging that triggers users to positively react to what you may be asking from them. Studio Red gave the example that if your application is asking for your user’s data regarding a review, be upfront and say, “please share pet-friendly places you’ve visited, so other pet owners can learn from you.” An example of implicit communication is through visual guides. Like Studio Red mentions, users feel accomplished when they are being guided through a goal; therefore, a visual timeline of showing their progress while buying a product from you app is one way to communicate, “Yay, you’re going to get this great thing soon!” - Make getting to know each other, easy
Don’t put up barriers for your user to get to know you, or for you to know them! One example that Studio Red pulled was the design of providing pertinent information upfront so that your user can most easily find it and move onto the next step; this example included how to design a “Select Country” dropdown menu, and instead of putting the “United States” amongst the U’s, place it at the top if your target audience is primarily within the United States. - It’s the Little Things that make an Everlasting Relationship
Studio Red has already remarked upon the importance of communication within the design, but they go into greater detail about the “micro” designs that can influence how your user interacts with your application. One example they brought up was to incorporate hints like a loading circle after a user has input their credit card details to give them the reassurance that their card is being processed and to wait a few seconds. Rather than making them nervous that the sparks aren’t flying and they ditch your application, it’s these little designs that convey that you do care about them!
