It is always said that user experience is everything. The app’s design should be able to invoke the right response from the users that would translate into engagement and transactional completion. UI design is not only important in the aspect of aesthetics but also in exploring user behaviour through the way the user interacts with an app’s interface.UX is the general feel of the app according to a user’s perspective. This could include the coherence of graphic elements, the layout of UI elements and the flow of the app’s screens. UI and UX design defines the mobile function of the app. It should provide the user with mobile functionality that is defined by speed, ease and accuracy.
The problem with app reskinning is that everything is already designed and all you need to do is to reinvent the aesthetic part of the existing app template. That’s actually scary, the thought of buying a source code with great potential only to later on realize that it is difficult to use with a non-intuitive feel and flow. But is UI and UX design really important in app reskinning?
How would user experience and user interface designs impact app reskins?
Since app reskins have short lifespans, it is important to keep the users as happy and satisfied while using the app. UI and UX design plays an important part in keeping this status quo. Some of the aspects that UI and UX design affects are:
- Loading time. Mobile users often access apps on the go, necessitating faster load times. Unnecessary graphics and animations can cause the app to be sluggish or not load properly or even crash.
- Navigation guides. There are moments when it is quite confusing if a design element is a button or just for decorative purposes. Sometimes it’s surprising that a button would bring you to another screen without warning. UI design can also greatly affect the app’s user experience.
- In-app review prompts are part of the user experience. The timeliness and method of prompting users to leave reviews can greatly impact the user’s impression especially if it interrupts the normal flow of in-app processes. The way the prompt is presented is also important. It should be made clear that leaving a review is important but it should not be imposing as if the user has no other choice. The use of buttons that stand out is also advisable.
- Platform-specific design. When buying app templates, you are stuck with the UI that’s available. The usage of standard Android and iPhone UI templates is optimal in many instances especially on the aspect of continuity and familiarization but it doesn’t give a lot of room for branding and creativity. If using custom UI layouts and templates, user experience and memorability should be the main factors to consider.
- Features for target audiences. The UI can be designed according to the core features that are relevant for the target audience. UX design enables these features to fluidly interact across screens. This is important in app reskinning especially with source codes that are reskinned to target a different audience.
- Graphics for multiple devices. Designing for multiple devices with multiple screen sizes is tricky, especially with Android. Creating a button for once screen size doesn’t guarantee that will display properly on other screen sizes. Designing UI elements for different screen sizes is imperative.
