Successful app design - tips and best practices

Developing app designs is a task that requires creativity, technical knowledge and a deep understanding of user needs. At Snabble, which is all about Scan & Go solutions, UX (User Experience) and UI (User Interface) play a crucial role. As Head of Design, I would like to share some key aspects and best practices that are taken into account when designing our app.

• Focus on user-centricity
• Clarity and simplicity
• Visual design and branding
• Performance and responsiveness
• Feedback and continuous improvement
• Conclusion

Focus on user centricity

The key to successful app design is to always keep the user at the centre. When designing a Scan & Go app, this means understanding the user's needs and expectations precisely and developing intuitive and simple solutions based on this.

How do users interact with the app?  
Users interact with the app in a variety of ways. Here are a few scenarios that need to be considered during the design process:

• Shop search: Users search for the nearest shop in their neighbourhood and can be navigated there using the map function.
• Product search and scanning: Users search for products, scan barcodes and add items to their digital shopping basket.
• Shopping basket management: Users check and edit their shopping basket by adding or removing items or adjusting quantities.
• Payment: Users select their preferred payment method and finalise the purchase.
• Navigation: Users navigate through various menus and functions, such as special offers, product details or account settings.
• Feedback and support: Users give feedback, rate the app or contact support in case of problems.

What challenges might they face when using them?

Here again are a few examples that play an important role during the design process:

• Complex navigation: Users may find it difficult to get to the desired functions quickly and efficiently.
• Unclear instructions: Missing or misleading instructions could lead to users not knowing how to use certain functions.
• Technical problems: Barcode recognition errors, slow loading times or crashes could affect the user experience.
• Limited ergonomics: Users may have problems using the app with one hand, especially if they are holding a shopping bag at the same time.
• Data protection concerns: Uncertainty about the security of their personal and payment data could unsettle users.

How can we solve these challenges through our design?

Here are a few solutions in a nutshell:

• Intuitive navigation: A clear and logical structure of the menus and functions ensures that users can quickly find their way around. A clearly visible search function and clearly labelled menu items help with this.
• Clear instructions: Detailed and comprehensible instructions as well as tooltips at important points make it easier for users to understand the app's functions. Built-in tutorials for first-time users can also be helpful.
• Technical reliability: Regular tests and updates ensure that the app is stable and runs quickly. Reliable error handling and clear error messages help users to understand and resolve problems.
• Ergonomic design: A user-friendly arrangement of the operating elements enables easy operation with one hand. Large, easily accessible buttons and a customisable user interface improve ergonomics.

By taking these aspects into account in the design process, Snabble can offer a user-friendly and efficient app that fulfils the user's requirements. In the following sections, I will go into more detail on one or the other solution approach. 

Clarity and simplicity 

All control panels are positioned in such a way that the user can easily carry out their purchase. The normal shopping scenario has been taken into account in the design process. A cumbersome UX would only make the shopping process more difficult and inconvenient for the user.

Ergonomic placement of controls: The controls are arranged so that they can be easily operated with one hand. This is particularly important as many users handle their shopping bag or trolley at the same time.

Quick access to important functions: Frequently used functions such as scanning products, checking the shopping basket and paying are accessible with minimal clicks. This reduces the time the user has to interact with the app and makes the shopping process more efficient.

Intuitive navigation: Clear and logical navigation ensures that users can easily find their way around and quickly reach the desired functions. Breadcrumb navigation and clear icons help users to find their way around immediately.

Consistent feedback: Users receive immediate visual feedback for their actions, such as the successful scanning of a product or the confirmation of a payment. This builds trust and ensures a smooth experience.

Adaptability to different devices: The app is designed to work equally well on different devices, from smartphones to tablets. The design automatically adapts to different screen sizes and resolutions to ensure an optimal user experience.

Visual design and branding

The visual design should not only be aesthetically pleasing, but also reflect the brand identity. At Snabble, we prioritise a modern and appealing design that strengthens our brand and gains the trust of users.

Our branding and design gives us enough room to manoeuvre so that numerous brands can be placed in the app. In terms of design, the app is kept in the background so that the brand design of the individual companies comes into its own and harmonises with each other. This allows retailers to clearly present their own brand identity while benefiting from the intuitive and user-friendly interface that Snabble offers. This creates a seamless and cohesive user experience that respects and emphasises the individual brands of our partners.

Performance and responsiveness

Users expect a fast and reliable app. Long loading times or delays when scanning can lead to frustration and put users off. It is therefore important that the app is:

• Fast and responsive: optimising loading times and minimising delays.
• Stable: Regular testing and updates to fix bugs and improve performance.
  

Feedback and continuous improvement

Obtaining feedback is essential in order to continuously improve the app. User ratings, surveys and direct feedback help us to identify weaknesses and further develop the app.

Conclusion

Developing a successful app design for Scan & Go requires a deep understanding of user needs and continuous improvement based on user feedback. At Snabble, we strive to provide an intuitive, fast and secure user experience that simplifies and improves the shopping process. Through clear instructions, a seamless user experience and an appealing visual design, we ensure that our app is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.