10 design tips for the best looking mobile apps

Designing a mobile app is like planning a first date: looks matter, but the real goal is to keep them coming back. If your app looks great but feels clunky, users will ghost you faster than you can say “install.”

That’s where smart design comes in. In this guide, we’ve collected 10 mobile app design tips to help you build apps that aren’t just pretty, but also functional, fast, and conversion-friendly. Think of it as a checklist for apps that actually get used, not just downloaded.

1. Prioritize clean and intuitive UI

Imagine opening a kitchen drawer and finding 47 spatulas but no spoon. That’s what cluttered app interfaces feel like. A clean, intuitive UI is the heart of mobile app design.

Tips for keeping things simple:

• Use clear typography that doesn’t need squinting.
• Stick to a consistent color palette.
• Make navigation obvious, not a treasure hunt.
• Avoid loading every screen with five features at once.

When your app is easy to use, users spend less time hunting and more time converting.

Takeaway: clarity beats complexity every single time.

2. Adopt minimalism with complexion reduction.

Minimalism is already about “less,” but complexion reduction takes it further. Think of it as decluttering your wardrobe and only keeping the clothes you actually wear. Instagram did this years ago, bigger headers, fewer colors, cleaner icons. Result: focus on the content, not the clutter.

Core elements of complexion reduction:

• Bold, simple headers.
• Streamlined icons and menus.
• A pared-down color scheme that feels cohesive.

Less distraction = more focus on your app’s core purpose.

Takeaway: strip away fluff, let the essentials shine.

3. Optimize navigation for accessibility

Good navigation is like good manners, people only notice it when it’s missing. Swipes, taps, scrolls, and menus should feel second nature.

Navigation that actually works:

• Swipeable tabs for quick access.
• Gesture shortcuts like double-taps or pull-to-refresh.
• Keep everyday actions just one tap away.

For larger apps, consider offline navigation so users aren’t stranded when signal drops.

Takeaway: smooth navigation means happy thumbs and longer sessions.

4. Use monochromatic color schemes

A monochromatic scheme is like wearing all black, it looks polished without trying too hard. By sticking to shades of one color, your app feels harmonious and easier on the eyes.

Best practices:

• Choose one base color and play with shades.
• Keep text high-contrast for readability.
• Pair with bold fonts to avoid feeling flat.

In eCommerce, highlight CTA buttons with a bold pop that contrasts against the monochrome base.

Takeaway: less rainbow, more rhythm.

5. Focus on eCommerce app design

If you’re selling products, design can make or break a sale. Think of product pages as store shelves, tidy, inviting, and easy to browse.

Essentials for eCommerce pages:

• High-resolution product images with zoom.
• Clear, benefit-driven descriptions.
• Big, tappable “buy” buttons.

Pair this with smart features like categorization, filters, and search (hello, mobile app development), and you’ve got a shop that’s pleasant to use.

Takeaway: make it easy to see, read, and buy.

6. Implement gradients for depth

Gradients are back, but this isn’t 2012 where everything glowed like a lava lamp. Used sparingly, gradients add depth without screaming.

How to use gradients:

• Backgrounds for subtle dimension.
• CTA buttons with soft transitions.
• Keep them subtle, avoid rainbow explosions.

Used wisely, gradients guide attention without hijacking the design.

Takeaway: gradients should whisper, not shout.

7. Streamline onboarding

Onboarding is your handshake moment. Don’t crush their hand by asking 15 questions. Keep it light.

Smart onboarding:

• Only request essentials (name, email).
• Use progressive disclosure, reveal steps gradually.
• Let users skip optional fields.

A quick, friendly start means fewer people rage-quit before they’ve even seen your app’s value.

Takeaway: the faster they’re in, the sooner they convert.

8. Add micro-interactions and feedback

Micro-interactions are the winks and nods of mobile app design. They tell users, “Yep, that tap worked.”

Fun examples:

• A heart animation when you like something.
• A loading spinner that’s actually entertaining.
• Buttons that change color when tapped.

It’s small details like these that make your app feel alive instead of robotic.

Takeaway: little delights keep users engaged.

9. Ensure flawless performance

Looks don’t matter if the app crashes faster than a toddler on sugar. Smooth performance is design in disguise.

Key fixes:

• Compress images, minimize code for faster loads.
• Test responsiveness across devices.
• Make sure taps respond instantly.

Reliability builds trust, and trust builds return users.

Takeaway: speed and stability matter more than fancy animations.

10. Simplify checkout flows

For eCommerce apps, checkout is where money is made… or lost. Long, confusing checkouts = cart abandonment.

How to keep it painless:

• Fewer steps, faster purchases.
• Guest checkout for speed.
• Progress indicators so users know where they are.

If you’re using frameworks like WooCommerce or Shopify, integrate features that make checkout snappy.

Takeaway: the shorter the checkout, the fuller your bank account.

11. FAQs

What are the most important mobile app design tips

Keep layouts clean, navigation obvious, text readable, and calls to action easy to tap. Focus on speed, feedback animations, and short flows that respect thumbs and patience.

How do I choose colors and typography for a mobile app

Pick one primary color, then use its tints and shades for depth. Pair it with high contrast text and two type styles at most, a display face for headings, a legible face for body copy.

What is complexion reduction in UI design

It is minimalism with extra discipline, fewer colors, clearer icons, bigger headers, and less clutter so content takes center stage and users find actions faster.

How many steps should onboarding have

As few as possible. Ask only for essentials, add the rest later with progressive disclosure, and offer a skip so users can explore first.

How can I reduce cart abandonment in a mobile checkout

Cut steps, allow guest checkout, show total costs early, add trusted payment options, and give a clear progress indicator so buyers know where they are.