Tips to ensure frictionless navigation in your WooCommerce mobile app

Mobile apps have been the coolest invention since sliced bread. This technology has not only made our lives easier and smoother, but has also opened new doors of opportunities for businesses and brands.

DIY platforms like AppMySite are further leveraging this potential by making it easier to build WooCommerce mobile apps for iPhone and Android users. Thanks to these no-coding platforms, businesses are easily creating apps and venturing into mCommerce. 

However, before you proceed to create a full-fledged app, you must be aware of the features and necessities  that are required for the perfect ensemble.  

One such significant feature is frictionless navigation. It not only leverages the UX (User Experience) of your mobile app, but also boosts conversions. Read further and discover the tips that can make you a pro in this department. 

Understand the importance and functionality of navigation   

In the due course of enhancing the visual and technical appeal of their app, people often miss out on this core functionality. Seamless navigation is not a luxury, but a vital stat that all apps must ensure.  

As soon as users install and open your app, the first function that they usually encounter is the navigation. If this feature is not rewarding enough, perhaps they will not hesitate in uninstalling and bidding adieu to your app forever.   

In fact, a recent study showed that 24% shoppers abandoned their cart owing to poor navigation, while many did not even bother to stay, scroll further or add products.  

Hence, a smooth and frictionless navigation is important to: 

• Highlight the core functionalities and leverage the objectives of the app
• Simplify the journey of the users and help them meet their goal
• Boost user engagement, interaction, screen-views, session time and revenue 

Tips that can amp up user experience 

There are multiple navigation patterns and rules that are in trend and can be used for your app interface. However, we will discuss that some other time. Right now, let us get straight to the point without much ado. 

The best practices that you can implement to enhance your app navigation, are as follows: 

#1 Carve out a distinct hierarchy 

It is important that you prioritize the content and give ‘visual weightage’ to it on the screen accordingly. Address questions like what should come first, how should you classify the categories and sub-categories, what should be the hierarchy flow, and so on and so forth. 

Build a clear blue-print based on your app category, market research, product types and audience preferences. This will help you in avoiding chaos and organizing every screen, button, tab, category, image, and other elements on your app. 

#2 Declutter and clear up the screens 

It is important that you minimize the cognitive load, keep your app real estate clear and do not stuff it with irrational content. Optimize the screen space and ensure that it is adaptive to various kinds of devices. Avoid giving too much information on one screen and dedicate separate spaces for different types of content. 

For instance, you can flash the notifications on an imposing bar instead of showing it within the app. Use descriptive icons and embed links that can take the users to other screens if they feel like viewing it. Use minimalist approach and customize the navigation according to users’ activity and preferences, if you can. Choose colors, themes and creative elements wisely as it can impact the appeal of the app.   

#3 Focus on the ‘thumb rule’ 

Thumbs play the most significant role in mobile app usage and thus the navigation should be absolutely thumb-friendly. Place the most used icons and buttons on the lower half of the screen where it can be accessed with minimal efforts. Optimize the size, color and design of those buttons and icons suitably.  

When designing the navigation and interface, always think from the users’ perspective. As a seller you would want to project as much as you can, but your users might not like the same. Ensure that the app is not heavy on users’ senses at any stage.  

# 4 Make transitions smooth 

Transitions can set the overall mood and determine the performance of the app. If the transitions are not smooth enough, the whole point of frictionless navigation becomes null and void. Hence, do primitive A/B testing, research for the popular formats, and then finalize your type. 

You can keep the transition type same for the entire app or change it for specific features and functions. For instance, you can use vertical scrolling for viewing products under one category, and use horizontal transitions for viewing multiple images of the same product.   

#5 Include a ‘Search/Help bar 

Always keep everything just a search away from your customers. Include a distinct search or help bar in almost every functional screen as they might not always right away get what they are looking for. Use ample product attributions and keywords to define your products.

Make the search bar user-friendly and show relevant predictive text. It can also be based on their past search history. You can display a dedicated search box or simply include descriptive icons like the magnifying glass, question mark, etc., to lead them to an external search space. Your ultimate goal should be to aid the customers and resolve their problems. 

Build a frictionless app without coding! 

This was our brief guide about the best practices that can ensure a mesmerizing and smooth navigation experience for your app users. If you want a regular dosage of information and entertainment, and wish to know more about mobile app development trends, you can follow our blogs. 

We understand the need of technical aid for businesses and do our best to keep providing you with the most wholesome solutions. If you still don’t have an app for your business but aspire to enter the mobile market, we have you covered for that too. 

Sign up for our mobile app builder for WooCommerce, and create premium native apps instantly in a completely code-free environment. Design, customize and publish your app in your own time and join the mCommerce league without any hassle. Go ahead and seize the day!