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With the growth of apps and systems in the digital market, companies have been increasingly investing in technology to offer more practical experiences to their customers.

In this context, app design has become one of the most important elements to guarantee a good experience, since it directly impacts the interaction between people and the solution.

In other words, having a functional and well-designed application is essential for user satisfaction and for the success of a digital product.

In this article, we will explain what app design is, the difference between UI and UX, why this planning matters, and what the main best practices are.

Check the content below to learn:

• ● What app design is;
• ● The difference between UI and UX;
• ● Why app design is important;
• ● App design best practices.

What is app design?

App design is the creation of the layout and infrastructure project of a platform. It includes defining the structure of screens, visual elements, navigation flows, and the user experience.

In practice, app design aims to build an interface that is visually attractive, functional, and easy to use.

It is also closely related to the field known as HCI (Human-Computer Interaction), which studies how people interact with technology and how digital products can be created to make this interaction more efficient.

Because of that, app design is not only about aesthetics—it is also about usability, accessibility, and the overall journey of the user within the product.

UI and UX: what’s the difference?

UI and UX are concepts that are directly connected to app design, but they refer to different aspects of the product.

User Interface (UI)

UI (User Interface) refers to all the visual elements that the user sees and interacts with in the app.

This includes, for example:

• ● Colors and typography;
• ● Icons and buttons;
• ● Layout and spacing;
• ● Menus and navigation components.

In short, UI is the “appearance” of the app—what makes the interface visually coherent and pleasant.

User Experience (UX)

UX (User Experience) is related to the experience the user has while interacting with the application.

It involves:

• ● Ease of use;
• ● Clear and intuitive flows;
• ● How quickly the user can complete a task;
• ● Whether the solution is useful and solves the user’s problem.

In other words, UX is focused on how the app feels to use and whether the experience is positive.

Why is app design important?

App design is important because it influences the success of the digital solution. Below are some of the main reasons to invest in it.

Provides usability

A well-designed app should be easy to use. If the interface is confusing, the user may get frustrated and abandon the solution.

Design helps create logical journeys and clear navigation, improving usability.

Helps attract and retain customers

When the application is visually attractive and offers a good experience, users tend to stay longer and return more often.

A poor interface, on the other hand, can increase churn and harm engagement.

Enables innovation and new features

A structured design makes it easier to evolve the product over time.

With a well-planned interface, it becomes simpler to add new features and implement improvements without compromising the user experience.

Builds credibility and strengthens the brand

Design also influences brand perception. An organized, modern, and consistent interface conveys professionalism and trust.

Meanwhile, a poorly designed app can cause insecurity and weaken the company’s image.

Makes development easier

Having clear screens and defined flows helps the development team understand what needs to be built.

That reduces rework, speeds up delivery, and avoids misalignment between what was planned and what is implemented.

Improves accessibility

App design should also consider accessibility so that different audiences can use the solution—regardless of limitations or specific needs.

This includes, for example, good contrast, legible fonts, and elements that are easy to interact with.

Saves time and costs

By planning the design before development, you avoid changes during execution that tend to be more expensive.

Testing prototypes and validating the experience early makes the process more efficient and reduces the cost of adjustments later.

App design best practices

To get a good result, it’s important to follow some best practices during app design planning. See the main ones below.

1. Plan the project

Before creating screens, you should define the objectives of the application, the target audience, and the main features.

This planning helps ensure the solution is aligned with the real needs of users and the business.

2. Build wireframes and a prototype

Wireframes are simple representations of screens that help visualize the structure of the interface.

With prototypes, you can simulate the use of the app and validate flows before development starts, identifying possible problems and improvements early.

3. Choose colors and fonts carefully

Visual identity is part of the design. Colors and fonts should be consistent with the brand and help readability.

Avoid exaggerations and ensure good contrast between text and background.

4. Define icons and buttons

Icons and buttons must be intuitive, with clear meaning and consistent style.

It’s important that the user understands what each element does without needing explanation.

5. Run tests

Testing is fundamental to validate whether the design makes sense in practice.

Usability tests with real users help identify friction points and ensure that the final product delivers a positive experience.

Would you like to build an application with high-quality design? Talk to X-Apps now!

Chat with one of our specialists here.

Read also

>> Best UX practices for applications

>> 5 mobile development tools you should know

>> What is a web app and what are its benefits?