This study explores the crucial role of app user experience in today's digital landscape, where mobile applications have become an integral part of our daily lives. With the global mobile market valued at approximately $252.89 billion in 2023, it is essential to identify and address usability challenges that can negatively impact users' intention to use these apps.

To investigate this topic, we conducted structured interviews with twelve experts in the mobile application development industry. Our findings highlight the top five concerns related to information architecture, user interface design, performance, interaction patterns, and aesthetics. Furthermore, we identify five key directions for future research: usability in AI-powered mobile applications, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), multimodal interactions, personalized mobile ecosystems, and accessibility.

The Importance of App User Experience

Mobile applications have revolutionized the way we live, work, and communicate. They provide on-the-go access to critical tools and resources, improve communication through instant messaging and video conferencing, and streamline processes such as project management and customer relationship management. Additionally, mobile applications are powerful marketing tools that offer a direct channel to engage with customers, deliver personalized content, and analyze user data.

At the individual level, mobile applications provide online services for banking, shopping, and traveling, facilitate social connections through social media platforms, support health and well-being goals with tracking and monitoring features, provide entertainment through streaming services and games, and enable personalized education and learning through online courses and freely available multimedia information resources. It is clear that mobile applications have made our daily lives easier and better in the way we communicate, interact, and do business.

The Need for Research

Although mobile applications have been in development for over two decades, they continue to face numerous usability issues that can negatively impact users' intention to use them. In addition, dissatisfied users often seek alternative solutions, eventually leading to the abandonment of such applications. This highlights the timely need for research on mobile usability as the development of effective, efficient, and engaging mobile applications still remains a relevant endeavor.

Research Directions

Our study provides insights into emerging usability challenges and trends, contributing to both the theory and practice of mobile human-computer interaction. The five key directions for future research identified in our study are:

  • Usability in AI-powered mobile applications
  • Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)
  • Multimodal interactions
  • Personalized mobile ecosystems
  • Accessibility

Conclusion

In conclusion, the importance of app user experience cannot be overstated. By understanding the top five concerns related to information architecture, user interface design, performance, interaction patterns, and aesthetics, we can develop more effective, efficient, and engaging mobile applications that meet users' needs. Furthermore, by exploring future research directions, we can continue to improve the usability of mobile applications, ensuring a positive user experience for years to come.

Target Keyword: app user experience