Mobile app development is a highly competitive space. It’s very common to see two or more software companies working on similar products, racing each other to launch first. However, being the first to launch a product does not necessarily lead to success!
With over 5 million apps available for download from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in 2020, it’s best to make sure that your app has everything it needs to attract users and make them stay. Here are three areas that every mobile app designer needs to consider to stay relevant for the foreseeable future.
1. Cross-Platform Compatibility
Today’s smartphones are basically running two operating systems: iOS and Android. Together, both platforms capture 98% of the global market share, according to Leftronic. By the sheer number of devices using their platforms, Android dwarfs iOS globally at 51.8% share in September 2019, according to Statista.
(This is because Android is an open-source platform being used by almost every smartphone manufacturer in the world. Meanwhile, iOS is exclusively available on Apple iPhones.)
Given these numbers, it makes sense for developers to focus on Android because it has more users backing it. However, if your mobile app targets the United States, the lines aren’t as clear. Apple dominates the US market and commands a huge following, meaning that if your target users are in the US, it makes sense to give equal—if not more—attention to designing for iOS.
2. Desktop Integration
When Steve Jobs launched the first iPhone back in 2007, he famously proclaimed that the smartphone was no longer going to contain what he called “baby apps.” Instead, his iPhone would support full-sized desktop-class apps that would allow the user to do real work. Using a creative mobile app design that works for the user, smartphone apps would go on to change the way we use our phones.
While revolutionary at the time, we know today that mobile apps have quite a way to go when it comes to achieving desktop-class features. This is primarily because of screen sizes and the difference between using your thumb to type on a touch screen as opposed to using all your ten fingers to type on a regular keyboard.
To get around this, developers usually create a desktop version of their apps that can be downloaded by the user. While this implementation usually works, many features from either mobile or desktop platforms do not port over well. Additionally, users have to fire up both their phones and their desktops—making the experience far from seamless.
Fortunately, the latest developments in the industry—specifically Microsoft and Android integration, and Apple’s announcement of making iOS apps work natively on Macs—will make this an easier transition. This means that very soon, mobile apps will be able to run concurrently with desktop apps on the same screen - for a truly integrated experience!
Both implementations will push mobile app designers to design with both desktop and mobile experience in mind if they want to future-proof their products.
3. Security
With high-profile cases of data breaches and identity theft running rampant in recent years, security needs to be on top of the list for mobile app design. Developers should be considering which security measures to embed in their apps early on in their product development phase. This is especially true for apps that handle credit card transactions, such as apps that handle restaurant ordering, charitable donations, ride-hailing, and e-commerce purchases, to name just a few.
Aside from standard protocols, like multi-factor authentication, mobile app development companies should also find ways to combat social engineering methods—which comprise 98% of all cyber attacks.
Conclusion
Mobile apps have not only changed the ways we use our phones; they have greatly changed the way we do things in general. The phrase "there's an app for that" exists for good reason. There's a mobile app for nearly every human need: food ordering, ride-hailing, exercise, banking, dating, networking, pet sitting, learning music, booking doctors, getting therapy, making hair appointments, and many hundreds more.
However, as the market matures, mobile app developers will need to find ways to keep their users engaged. Far from the novelty of the earliest apps, today's apps have to adapt and navigate various shifts in the industry while developing complex new functionality as well. However, by optimizing these three key areas, you should be on your way to ensuring that your app stays relevant for many years to come.
With precise user research and intuitive design, I can help you design your app to serve your business goals and achieve the results you need to gain traction with your target users. Get in touch below to brainstorm with me about app design for your company’s growth and long-term sustainability.