When it comes to mobile design, not all advice is helpful. Here are some common but misleading tips we've heard:
- "Just Shrink Your Desktop Site." Mobile design requires thoughtful adaptation, not simply shrinking desktop interfaces.
- "Users Will Figure it Out." Intuitive navigation and clear instructions are critical; never assume users will automatically understand.
- "Design Once for All Platforms." Ignoring platform-specific guidelines can harm user experience and app performance.
- "Animations Always Improve UX." Overloading your app with animations can distract and frustrate users.
- "Accessibility is Optional." Accessibility isn't optional; it's essential for reaching and retaining a broader user base.
- "More Features Mean a Better App." A cluttered app confuses users—simplicity and clear purpose always outperform complexity.
- "You Don’t Need User Feedback." Ignoring feedback from real users leads to poor design decisions and low engagement.
- "Testing on Emulators is Enough." Testing must include real devices and real-world scenarios to identify practical usability issues.
- "Performance Isn’t a Design Concern." Performance directly impacts user satisfaction and engagement; design must prioritize responsiveness.
- "Once Released, Your Design is Finished." Successful mobile design requires ongoing improvement, iteration, and updates based on user feedback.
Avoiding these pitfalls will significantly enhance your mobile design outcomes.