What makes a successful mobile app in 2023?

Mobile Apps are all around us in today’s modern society, and if projections are to be believed, their impact on our day-to-day lives is only set to increase. However, like with many things - not all apps can be classed as useful, successful or beneficial to a user. Understanding what constitutes a successful mobile app in 2023 is crucial given the continuous evolution of technology around us paired with constant shifting consumer preferences. In this article, we will run through the essentials when it comes to mobile app development, and the success criteria you should stick to when considering either creating or refining your mobile app(s).

Design with the user in mind.

A user-centric design is one of the most important elements determining a mobile app's success in 2023. The target audience's needs and preferences should be taken into account when creating the app. The layout must be logical, simple to use, and visually appealing. Whilst this may seem like a challenge, you could use the opinions of friends and family as a guide. Constructive criticism can be incredibly useful in defining and refining the concept for an app or design. If your app is designed towards your target user, the engagement of your app long-term will increase as the user is more likely to return as they see a benefit from using your app.

Personalisation.

In 2023, it is unfortunately inadequate to have an app interface which simply does its job. Users are demanding more. If you already believe your app has solid foundations in terms of concept and usability, you should definitely explore options in terms of personalisation. A user will be more likely to return to an app which has been tailored to their preferences and needs, such as filtering news to their favourite football team, for example. From a business perspective, this can only be a good thing as it can increase the traffic through the app as well as the potential return on investment, or ROI, from the app itself.

Perfect Performance.

Users have come to expect a smooth performance and experience from mobile apps in 2023. The app should open promptly and quickly, function without any error messages, and react quickly to any input by the users. Furthermore, users will be more satisfied with a mobile app with flawless performance, which will increase their engagement and retention. It is worth testing your app rigorously and optimising code, it will pay off in the long run, for sure.

Compatibility with Other Apps.

A trend that was first seen about three years ago but has grown exponentially ever since is an app’s ability to communicate and share data with other apps. For example, if a user wants to share a picture from their camera roll, they will be able to share directly to all the large social media platforms at the push of a single button. If you are looking to propel your app to the next level, why not explore app integrations with social media platforms, email providers or payment processors? The user experience can further be enhanced and the app's accessibility and use can be made simpler through integration with other apps.

New & Innovative Features.

As the app market evolves, users are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to use mobile apps. Is there a chance that you could include new and interesting features in your app that are not currently available through your competitors? If so, this could form a USP for your marketing strategy and will be sure to attract new users who are keen to see what all the fuss is about and whether these new features are a must-have. Advanced features can differentiate the app from the competition and increase user appeal.

Privacy & Security.

In 2023, consumers of mobile apps will have serious concerns about security and privacy. You need to look no further than major news tabloids to hear horror stories of user data breaches, so it is essential that you store user data effectively and securely. Users should have control over their data, and the app should be intended to preserve their privacy and data. Additionally, the app needs to be updated frequently to fix any security flaws. It is important to note that apps must comply with the Data Protection Act of 2018, any developers should be aware of this act, so if you have any questions about it, make sure to speak to them about it to make sure you are compliant with these regulations.

Conclusion.

In 2023, a mobile app's success will be largely determined by a number of critical elements, such as user-based design, personalisation, performance perfection and more. It should always be a priority to get your app launched and functional before introducing new and complex features. We would always recommend an incremental development process, to allow users to familiarise themselves before major changes are made to an app all in one go. Do you have any questions about creating or refining mobile apps? Why not get in contact with Element16 Media today, who would be more than happy to answer questions you may have about specific cases, projects, or the industry in general?