10 design tips for the best looking mobile apps

1. Prioritize clean and intuitive UI

A clean, intuitive interface is the cornerstone of successful mobile app design. Users prefer apps that are easy to navigate, visually clear, and clutter-free. A clean UI reduces friction and allows users to find what they need quickly. For example, removing unnecessary elements and focusing on core actions ensures that users can interact with your app without distractions.

Tips for a clean UI:

• Use clear, readable typography.
• Limit the number of colors and focus on consistency.
• Keep navigation straightforward.
• Avoid overloading the screen with information.

By prioritizing clarity and simplicity, you make it easy for users to complete actions, which directly influences conversion rates. If you’re planning a new app or revamping an existing one, these principles are essential for both mobile app development and mobile app design.

2. Adopt minimalism with complexion reduction.

Complexion reduction is a design trend focused on simplifying the interface. It’s a step beyond minimalism, removing non-essential elements and giving prominence to bold, clear icons and text. A prominent example is Instagram, which reduced its color palette, used bigger headers, and simplified icons for a cleaner, more focused user experience.

Key elements of complexion reduction:

• Larger, bolder headers.
• Simplified icons and navigation.
• Reduced color use for a cohesive look.

Adopting a complexion reduction approach can help you create a focused, elegant design that supports high conversions by keeping users engaged with the essential elements of your app.

3. Optimize mobile navigation for accessibility

Effective navigation is essential in mobile app design. Users should be able to move through the app seamlessly, whether by swiping, tapping, or scrolling. Consider various navigation options like bottom menus, side menus, and gesture-based controls to give users a natural experience.

Tips for mobile-friendly navigation:

• Use swipeable tabs for easy access to main sections.
• Implement gesture-based interactions (e.g., swiping, double-tapping).
• Keep frequently used features accessible with single taps.

Good navigation design allows users to quickly access key areas of the app, making their journey more enjoyable and contributing to higher engagement. For complex apps, providing offline navigation can further enhance the user experience.

4. Use a monochromatic color scheme for visual impact

Monochromatic color schemes create a clean and professional look by using variations of a single color. This approach is both visually appealing and easy on the eyes, providing a harmonious experience. In mobile app design, this can create a sleek interface that doesn’t overwhelm users.

Best practices for monochromatic color schemes:

• Choose a primary color and use its shades, tones, and tints.
• Ensure high contrast between text and background for readability.
• Pair monochromatic designs with bold typography for impact.

For mobile eCommerce apps, consider using bold colors that highlight action buttons or callouts, creating a design that draws attention without distracting users.

5. eCommerce app design

If you’re developing an eCommerce app, designing effective product pages is crucial. Key elements like high-resolution images, clear descriptions, and prominent calls-to-action are necessary to create a seamless shopping experience.

Essential elements for eCommerce product pages:

• Use high-quality images with zoom capabilities.
• Write clear, benefit-focused product descriptions.
• Ensure CTA buttons are prominent and easy to tap.

Consider integrating WooCommerce features for product categorization, filtering, and search options to create an optimized shopping experience. High-quality visuals and clear CTAs directly impact conversions by guiding users toward purchasing decisions.

6. Implement gradients for a modern look

Gradients add depth and a modern feel to your mobile app design. While once overused, subtle gradients have made a comeback, enhancing the visual appeal of buttons, backgrounds, and icons.

Using gradients in mobile apps:

• Apply gradients to background elements for added depth.
• Use color transitions on buttons for an interactive look.
• Avoid overly complex gradients; subtlety is key.

Gradients can make CTA buttons more noticeable, encouraging users to take the desired action. However, make sure gradients don’t distract from functionality—they should enhance rather than overpower the design.

7. Streamline user onboarding with simple screens

A good onboarding experience is crucial for user retention. Keep sign-up screens simple and avoid asking for too much information upfront. For instance, only request essential details and save additional questions for later stages of the user journey.

Tips for effective user onboarding:

• Use progressive disclosure to avoid overwhelming users.
• Limit required information to essentials like name and email.
• Offer skip options for optional fields.

An onboarding process that’s clear and easy helps users get started quickly, which reduces drop-off rates and increases conversions. The easier it is to onboard, the more likely users are to return.

8. Leverage micro-interactions and feedback

Micro-interactions add delight and functionality to your mobile app by offering visual feedback on user actions. These small animations can make the experience more engaging, such as highlighting buttons upon a tap or displaying a success animation when an action is completed.

Examples of effective micro-interactions:

• Loading animations that entertain while waiting.
• Feedback animations on buttons (e.g., color changes when tapped).
• Pull-to-refresh animations to indicate content updates.

These details not only improve usability but also make the app feel more interactive, adding to user satisfaction and encouraging continued use.

9. Ensure flawless performance

A flawless design is about more than aesthetics; it also needs to function well. Ensuring smooth navigation, fast load times, and responsive touch elements is essential for a positive user experience.

Key eements for flawless performance:

• Optimize load times by compressing images and minimizing code.
• Test for responsiveness across different devices and screen sizes.
• Ensure touch interactions are intuitive and responsive.

Mobile apps with consistent, responsive performance create a sense of reliability and trust, which in turn encourages users to stay engaged and come back. Smooth, lag-free performance is particularly critical in mobile app development.

10. Simplify the checkout process for eCommerce apps

A lengthy or confusing checkout process is a leading cause of cart abandonment in eCommerce apps. Simplifying the checkout experience can significantly increase conversion rates.

Tips for an optimized checkout:

• Minimize the number of steps to complete a purchase.
• Offer guest checkout options to speed up the process.
• Display progress indicators to guide users through each step.

For WooCommerce-based apps, integrate streamlined checkout features and clear payment options. Reducing friction at checkout makes the buying process straightforward, leading to a smoother and more successful shopping experience.

Ready to start your mobile app design journey?

Creating a high-converting mobile app requires more than just aesthetic design; it’s about enhancing user experience at every step. At Studio Ubique, we specialize in mobile app design and mobile app development that balances beauty with functionality. Want to explore how we can bring your app vision to life? Book a no-obligation, 30-minute video call with us today. Let’s build something extraordinary together!