Does Your App Have What Every Great App Does?

May 13
10:50

2013

Jennifer Lewis

Jennifer Lewis

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

All apps are obviously not the same, otherwise there would not be such a wide variety in the market. With that said, most apps tend to have certain characteristics in common.

mediaimage
All apps are obviously not the same,Does Your App Have What Every Great App Does? Articles otherwise there would not be such a wide variety in the market. With that said, most apps tend to have certain characteristics in common. According to Apple's app expert Alan Braun, all great mobile apps share at least six similar qualities. If you are wondering the true potential of your app, and whether it has what it takes to become a truly great app, here are the six characteristics as dictated by Braun.

Innovation

Braun says that truly great apps are undoubtedly unique when it comes to following through with the ideas and concepts that have not otherwise been introduced to the market before. In other words, an innovative app will allow users to do something that has not yet been accomplished in a mobile app. So, if your app performs an action or accomplishes an end result that no other has been able to do, then you have this characteristic covered. Braun used the app AirStrip, and its ability to demonstrate heart monitoring capabilities as an innovative app.

Integration

From built-in features like the accelerometer, to widely used features like GPS, great apps use such features to their advantage.  If your app appears to flawlessly integrate with practically any mobile device, then it is one step closer to becoming a great app. More specifically, how an app best utilizes compatible mobile devices is what makes this characteristic particularly relevant to greatness in the app world.

Intuitive

The ease of use for your app is a major factor in how it is perceived by users. If a person can easily use your app without being overly intuitive with technology, then your app will likely be considered to be a great mobile offering. The key to having a remarkably intuitive app is to make the user feel impressed by their ability to use it. In other words, if you can make the navigation and interface on your app accessible enough so that practically anyone can use it, then you will have an intuitive app on your hands. 

User Delight

The more delight that users have when using your app, the more likely it is to be highly regarded in the industry. Braun used several examples of apps that make certain professions easier, and explained how a great app is delightful to use whether it is a game or an app to aid medical professionals. Having a delightful app to use is perhaps the simplest way to make it a great mobile offering.

Connectivity

Braun considers some of the best apps to be connected to utilities like WiFi and Bluetooth. Great apps use connectivity to play in their favor. What's more, they use such connectivity in ways that simply have not been used before. A great example would be a heart rate monitor app that wirelessly uses Bluetooth connectivity to communicate the users heart rate with a piece of additional hardware strapped on the body.

Optimization

A great app is all about optimization with a particular mobile device. Regardless of the device, a great app will be optimized for use on any compatible device, which includes seamless functioning and overall use. Optimizing your mobile app to work on all mobile devices is pretty difficult, however, picking the most popular and ensuring it works flawlessly with such a device, is the real key to creating an optimized app.