On a daily basis, there are hundreds of new apps streaming into the market every day. Statistically, more than 2.2 million apps are available in Apple App Store while Google Play Store has around 2.8 million apps. Both numbers are increasing regularly, which heats up the competition for brands.
However, while the demand is high, statistics show that people download around 25% of apps and then do not use it again. There are many causes for that, and one of the prime reasons is people not liking the design of the app. An appealing app design improves the brand image, attracts customers, and increases revenue.
While apps with a standard design can attract attention, it is important to redesign your app to meet the evolving consumer demands. In this article, we delve more into why this is necessary and when you should consider it seriously.
How Does App Redesigning Work?
While redesigning an app, there are many factors that one needs to focus on within the structure of the app itself. This involves the combined efforts of a team of experts, including app developers, business analysts, app designers, and marketers. All professionals have to focus on different aspects of the re-designing process and modify the interface from its base layer.
There are particular steps you have to focus on:
- Framing the main priority points for change
- Deciding on the app functions to add/rectify
- Target audience demographic
- App testing for design modification
While handling the redesign process, you need to set all these parameters carefully. While testing the app for redesigning, the development team finds it easier to complete all points. Before starting the coding process, it is important to plan all the changes that are necessary within the app’s structure to make sure the progress occurs naturally.
Factors to Determine the Need for App Redesigning
Particular situations and app conditions indicate that redesigning the app is crucial. They are as follows.
1. Reduced app traffic
Certain apps notice a dwindling consumer base when it comes to user traffic. They either delete the app or stop using it entirely. Statistically, the churn rate of most apps is high; 70% of users stop using an app within 90 days of downloading it. High competition in the market will not help your business if the traffic is low, so you should focus on redesigning the app at this point.
2. Updates of guidelines
Multiple brands undergo guideline changes frequently in the current period with the growing advancements in technology. Bigger enterprises like Samsung and Apple come up with new updated versions, for example, iOS 7 to iOS 8. With such updates, the newer models notice updated features, like the widespread translucency in iOS 7 to the Do Not Disturb group conversation feature in iOS 8.
With such developments, companies developing apps need to upgrade their interface layout to fit the new features. For example, a feature like Group Face Time which is available in iOS 12 would not work appropriately in the previous outdated app designs.
Therefore, keep note of the changes in guidelines and modify your app design accordingly.
3. Multiple changes in apps
Companies often make updates to their apps to improve their usability. However, several updates over time can lag the system and make the interface appear messy. Most users would find it difficult to navigate through the app structure, which would prompt them to try competitor applications instead.
During the app development process for the redesigning phase, you should add improved feature versions. Include advanced technologies and re-launch the app to entice new and old customers alike.
With the increased number of app updates in the market, keep up with the growing trends. In case you are redesigning particular features of the app only, focus on improving the usability and visual design that are popular in the market. Simplify the app navigation structure and increase responsiveness.
4. Outdated software
In case your app runs on antiquated software or content, it is time to upgrade the design. Conduct consumer-centric research to understand the response of your target audience to the app’s functionality.
Study their feedback carefully to figure out which aspects of the app require modification, or if you need to redesign it completely. Improving the functionality of the app would improve user experience and retain most customers.
5. Add social features
Multiple apps in the market in the current period include social media integration. So, adding this feature to your app would increase your app’s appeal to consumers. rising
To elaborate, statistics show that 54% of consumers research products before buying through social media. So, shopping-based apps that sync with social media platforms make it easier for their users to access social media without leaving the app.
So, if your current app design does not support this integration, redesign your application to include this feature. Users would likely download and use your app if they can sync it with their social media accounts for quick log-in and sharing benefits.
6. Increased usage complexity
A very complex app design would confuse the users from utilizing it perfectly. Users that are struggling with understanding the app’s design or how to navigate the structure appropriately would stop using the app completely.
You need to hire experts from a high-level mobile app development company at this point for app redesigning support. These professionals have high knowledge of advanced technology and can implement it into the app structure accurately.
You must keep note of the interest points of your target users. Add new features in apps that are still operational with some of the users, i.e., some features are still useful. However, if your app is not performing at all with your target audience, redesign it from scratch.
Also, if the features are placed in a messy organization, focus your redesigning efforts on simplifying the structure. Reduce the tabs and make the home screen content informative and to the point.
7. Rebranding of the company
Another important situation when redesigning the app is necessary is during company rebranding. If your business design like the logo is changing, the outdating version of the logo and content would not coincide well with it.
Thereafter, changing the entire app design is necessary to match the new brand image, like modifying the corporate color palate. Users would feel less confused when they try to download the mobile app version if they see the new app design mirror the new company look.
8. System migration
To note, the platforms of Android and iOS have different structural compositions and designs. So, if you are migrating your software from one to the other, you need to redesign your app to fix the new OS better.
To note, you can keep most of the design the same as the original. Therefore, most users would associate the new app (e.g., Android version) with the initial app design that you had when you launched it as an iOS model. However, follow the OS guidelines of the new operating system to make your application compatible with it.
Conclusion
All things considered; it is crucial to update the design of your app to improve the customer retention rate. Carefully understand the main points of concern in your original app structure and make changes accordingly.
However, keep in mind that you should redesign your app only if it is necessary. If the new design does not add anything new for your app’s users, the customer base would remain stagnant or reduced. Take the help of professionals to understand and customize the app properly and improve customer satisfaction.
