Top 10 Design Tools For UX And UI (2023 GUIDE)

Differences In UX Demands Of A Desktop And Mobile App For A SaaS Product

While it was more common for individuals and institutions to buy software in the earlier days, the concept of software as a service isn’t that new either. And as smartphones get smarter and more accessible, many product companies are shifting their focus to this ballooning market to sustain and increase profit. But even though many have increased revenue by enhancing their mobile apps, some companies are excelling thanks to a good desktop app UX. Mobile apps often shine when it comes to daily life products for the individual end user while desktop apps encapsulate stunning collaboration and productivity solutions. In fact, a recent StatCounter study put desktop traffic at 56.51%, with mobile traffic at 50.48%. Many other reports show that there’s still a roughly 60-40 split in mobile and desktop traffic. Clearly, both market segments are here to stay, so let’s examine the differences between UX design for desktop and UX design for mobile: UI Details One of the major differences is that desktop users are more comfortable with having plenty of items fixed on a single UI screen/window. In contrast, mobile users have limited screen space, and many use their thumbs more than any other finger, so you can hardly get away with a cluttered UI. Not only does it look overwhelming, but it also increases the chances of a user tapping the wrong button/option. Unfortunately, there are no straightforward solutions to this challenge. You're likely to tuck a feature/function two or more screens away, which users won't be so happy about. Luckily, some designs enable you to have retractable menus that slide into place and then slide away. You also have the option to create circular icon menus that appear when you hold down a button for a while. Ultimately, you should have a navigation option that makes it easy to go to the previous page or return to the general menu. Source: Freepik Source: Freepik You’ll also need to include a button for the most important action a user can take at that stage in their journey. If it's the opening page, this could be a signup button; if it's a category page, it could be an "add to cart" button or a "buy" button if it's the checkout page. Whatever the CTA is, it should be visible. The user shouldn't have to first scroll down the page. It should also be within the thumb zone, so ensure it's wide enough. Source: Freepik UX design for mobile should also consider the unique gestures like swiping, tilting and shaking that can make a mobile app more fun to use, not forgetting the use of haptic feedback to respond to a user’s command. Performance Ideally, both desktop and mobile app versions should be as smooth and fast as possible. However, when you consider the context in which they operate and the behind-the-scenes work involved in making apps faster, you realize that you might need to put more emphasis on one of them. Mobile apps are more likely to be run on devices with limited RAM, storage space and processing power. Additionally, users are more likely to travel with mobile devices to remote areas where internet connectivity may be poorer. Photo by ThisisEngineering RAEng on Unsplash This is why it is essential to optimize mobile apps so they can still work fine when low on resources. From memory allocation to caching, reliance on CDNs and compression for lighter media file versions, offline modes, variable streaming bitrates and data template reuse, there are various techniques you can use to achieve higher mobile app performance. Additionally, don’t forget to test on as many devices and OS versions as possible. Personalization Many software users want to feel like the product was made just for them, and it deeply understands them. In the past, personalization came in the form of changeable skins, fonts and colors. Later, it advanced to more important features like changing languages, currencies and measurement systems. However, personalization has to evolve even further. For instance, if the user has enabled your mobile app to access their location, can it suggest the perfect playlist when it detects that they are by the beach or at a riverside campsite or safari lodge. Source: Unsplash Can your shopping app switch to suggestions for sweaters and cold-weather clothes when the user is in a cold region? Will your food app point them to the places with the best hot beverages and confectioneries? Personalization covers several areas, including the way a person types and uses emojis, the order in which they browse pages, how they use search bars and more. Unlike desktop apps which run on devices like work computers that stay in the same place and are shared, or laptops that usually move between work and home, a mobile app often runs on a device that spends most of its time with one person, going everywhere with them. This is why making mobile app versions as adaptable to the user as possible is crucial. Security and Customer Support On the security front, mobility creates more headaches since it increases the chances of a user losing a device or connecting to an unsecured public network, among other scenarios. This means you should augment mobile apps with more security options, such as fingerprint locks, face ID and other approaches that a mobile device's native hardware can allow. On a deeper level, developers can look into code obfuscation, "root," and "jailbreak detection " to further protect against attack techniques that take advantage of the mobile app-specific architectural and operational characteristics. When it comes to customer support, mobile app UX designers can look into things like the ability to screenshot an error message page and quickly submit it via live chat or tap a call button to speak to an agent. Image by Freepik Another vital customer support area is self-help. Remember, desktop app versions have the advantage since there's more space to display a help article column alongside the actual screen/dashboard where the user is working. They can also properly display video demos and offer an Info view where you see what a button or other element does by hovering the cursor over it. That said, mobile app UX designers need to find ways to condense knowledge bases and other self-help materials within the app to simplify the journey from learning to applying. They can also use GIFs to strike a middle-ground between heavy videos and static images when delivering demos. Wrapping Up All-in-all, it's prudent not to look at the desktop as outdated. Instead, focus more on what they easily accommodate, then figure out how to emulate that on mobile devices. As always, it helps to work with a team of professionals conversant with the nuances of developing and delivering desktop and mobile SaaS apps. You can start this journey by contacting the SupremeTech team for a free consultation on how we bring software ideas to life for our clients.

Top Emerging Trends In App UI Design (2023 OUTLOOK)

While an app is made with a specific group of people in mind, that is, people who have a problem that the app solves, its user interface has to consider the existence of several sub-groups within that group. UI designers have to ask themselves a wide range of questions, such as; “Does everyone understand what a certain symbol means?” “Could there be an end-user who is blind?” “Will everyone be able to see this button or read this language?” And on top of that, they also have to consider business interests like branding and cost efficiency. So how are they getting better at harmonizing all this? To answer that, let’s discuss the emerging trends in app UI design: Augmented Reality (AR) AR is gradually becoming a more common aspect of various app UIs, particularly because of its wide range of possibilities when using real graphics to communicate. This technology shows that you can communicate quickly and induce different responses by superimposing extra graphics onto an image or video of an actual entity captured. For example, you can create something that’s funny because it's not real, like showing yourself with dog ears or a flower crown. And on the contrary, you can also create something that's captivating because it's almost real, like a view of your living room with a couch or your face with makeup. Screen-Shot-2022-11-28-at-10.10.09-949x1024 Source: Unsplash AR gives you a chance to visualize elements you'd otherwise have to physically put together and does so with unprecedented accuracy such that the imaginary representation is as close to the real thing as possible. Some examples of excellent AR usage include Modiface, See My Fit/Virtual Catwalk, IKEA Studio, Amazon Salon, Snapchat, Gucci Sneaker Garage, View in Room and Asian Paints. Voice UI Technically, Voice UI isn't entirely new. For a while, many software tools could respond to commands with something like an error message or instruction in audio form. However, what's changed recently is that thanks to artificial intelligence, users can converse with the software on a device. This is already in use with Google Assistant, Siri and Alexa, but there’s still room to expand. For example, designers can create interfaces that automatically pick up ambient noise in a room and use it as a guideline for adjusting music volume or as a trigger for something else, like a display of birthday party graphics and lighting when a crowd yells “Surprise.” Virtual Reality (VR) VR takes the concept of visualization one step further by immersing you into the space you’re viewing rather than simply pasting it onto a screen. It enables you to perceive dimensional changes when you move within a space, like an object getting closer or farther away. Screen-Shot-2022-11-28-at-10.10.30-1024x684 Source: Unsplash It's one thing seeing an object at the end of a room on a screen while being told the length and width of the room. However, it’s totally different when you’re actually in the room. You’re no longer trying to extrapolate from a smaller image on a screen that is also a certain distance away from your eyes. VR's capabilities come in handy when trying to do something like touring a house remotely. Moreover, it is about more than just viewing objects. VR can be used to relay commands that involve body movements, which makes it ideal for use cases like rehearsing a surgical procedure or assembling and repairing an intricate machine. Some good VR apps include Provata VR, Space Explorers, Tilt Brush and Gravity Sketch. VR is also common in the gaming world. Haptic Feedback Haptic Feedback is designed to address a user through their sense of touch. In that sense, haptic feedback messages are usually conveyed as vibrations within the device a user handles. Initially, this technology was used in a basic manner, like notifying someone that they are being called if their phone is in silent mode or that they've chosen the right or wrong option on a screen. Later, it advanced into an exciting way to keep a user engaged by trying to simulate what it’s like to be in a particular situation, like the rattle in a car when it leaves a smooth tarmac track and goes off-road onto a rough and bumpy Murram strip. This use case has been prevalent in gaming controllers. Nevertheless, haptic feedback continues to evolve, with companies like NewHaptic using this technology to create fluid Braille touch screens that use tactile pixels (also known as taxels). Clearly, haptic feedback could be a great tool for making apps more accessible to people with disabilities. Additional trends Many other UI trends are impressive, even though they may not have the most significant impact on user behavior. These include dark mode, flat UI, glassmorphism, neumorphism, animated illustrations, buttonless design and minimalism, asymmetrical layouts and more. Ultimately, UI is an intersection of expression and technology, which means many designers will come across the same concepts, but the difference will be in execution. On that note, here are a few questions to answer before you jump onto a UI trend: Does it make life any easier for the user, or is it merely a fancy nice-to-have?What does it say about your brand? (futuristic, sleek, nostalgic, sexy, young and vibrant, sophisticated etc.)How much computing resources does it require? (Will it end up slowing down the app and making it heavier, or will everything still run smoothly)Is it inclusive, or does it speak to the strengths of a few while sidelining many who have a specific weakness?How much money will it cost to install and maintain? Lastly, remember that UI design goes hand-in-hand with many other elements of a software product. For instance, an ecommerce app's item display may require a slider to see different angles of a product, while a fitness app may only need a thumbnail for each workout. There are other considerations, like whether the subtle tones of neumorphism buttons would work well for a CTA, which usually needs to stand out. Wrapping Up UI design is a far-reaching aspect of app development that often requires various team members’ input. This can be tricky to execute while responding to changes in user demands and other project challenges during the development lifecycle. If you need professional guidance on addressing every facet of app UI design, contact us for a free consultation.

SupremeTech and BiPlus co-organized an event for the Da Nang IT community

Take a look back to exciting moments in the "Work Smarter, Not Harder with Jira" event for Da Nang’s tech community. Organized by BiPlus, Atlassian's strategic partner in Vietnam, in collaboration with SupremeTech, the event focused on leveraging technology to enhance project management and productivity. The event aimed to show how tools like Jira and artificial intelligence (AI) can help make work more accessible and efficient. By using these tools, businesses can save time and get better results. Beginning of a series of activities for the IT community BiPlus and SupremeTech, two prominent names in Vietnam's IT landscape, teamed up to host this event as part of a broader initiative to engage the local tech community.  Mr. Bui Xuan Hien, CEO of BiPlus, started the event with an inspiring welcome speech. His vision for creating a dynamic, fun, and connected space for the Da Nang IT community resonated with the audience. He emphasized that this event is just the beginning of a series of activities to bring together tech enthusiasts to explore smarter, more efficient ways to work. How Jira can be used to optimize workflows The event focused on how Jira, Atlassian’s popular project management tool, can optimize workflows, streamline communication, and boost team collaboration. With the added integration of AI, the future of work is becoming more intelligent, where smart tools reduce manual effort, freeing up time for more strategic tasks. One of the event's key highlights was the presence of Ms. Lexy, Partner Manager for Southeast Asia and Atlassian’s representative for the Asia-Pacific region. She shared valuable insights into Atlassian’s plans for the region, as well as helpful information on how companies can use their tools to work better. Her Q&A session was especially engaging, allowing attendees to ask specific questions about Jira, Atlassian's tools, and how these technologies can support businesses of various sizes. Expert insights on Jira and AI Integration The event featured a diverse lineup of speakers who shared their expertise on a range of highly relevant topics to today’s IT professionals.  Exploring the evolution of offshore development models This session was presented by Mr. Tien Huynh, Project Manager of SupremeTech, to explore how offshore development models have evolved in recent years. With the increasing need for global collaboration and remote work, he highlighted strategies for managing teams across different locations while maintaining high productivity and quality. He also touched on how Jira helps streamline these complex workflows, enabling teams to stay on track no matter where they are. Managing projects effectively with Jira: Best practice from SupremeTech Ms. Hang Duong, another Project Manager from SupremeTech, delved into the practical aspects of using Jira for project management. She shared real-life examples of how her teams have used Jira to break down complex projects into manageable tasks, ensuring clear communication, accountability, and timely delivery. Her presentation was packed with actionable tips for maximizing Jira’s capabilities, from setting up boards and workflows to tracking progress and handling bottlenecks. Using AI to boost project efficiency A particularly exciting session came from Mr. Truong Cong Phuc, Founder of Luviha Group, who discussed how AI transforms project management. From automating routine tasks to providing predictive analytics for decision-making, he demonstrated how AI can significantly reduce the time and effort spent on project management. He also showed how integrating AI with tools like Jira allows teams to focus on high-level strategy and creativity, leaving the mundane work to intelligent algorithms. Lively panel discussion overcomes challenges in IT project management Following these engaging talks, the event transitioned into a lively panel discussion, where all the speakers joined forces to address the audience’s questions. This interactive session allowed participants to voice their challenges, seek advice, and discuss potential solutions with the panel.  The discussion was moderated by Mr. Bui Xuan Hien, CEO of BiPlus, and Mr. Truong Dinh Hoang, Chairman of SupremeTech, who brought their vast experience to the table. The conversation covered various topics, including managing remote teams, overcoming obstacles in project execution, and the future of AI in IT project management. Keynote of “Work Smarter, Not Harder With Jira” event The event wasn’t just about talks and discussions but also a fantastic networking opportunity. Attendees had the chance to connect with like-minded professionals, share experiences, and explore potential collaborations. The atmosphere was lively and positively charged as participants exchanged ideas and insights on improving their work processes and making their teams more efficient. By the end of the "Work Smarter, Not Harder With Jira" event, it was clear that the Da Nang IT community had gained a wealth of knowledge and practical skills they could immediately implement in their personal and professional lives. Whether working on personal projects, leading a team, or managing a company, the insights from this event provided valuable takeaways for everyone involved. Stay tuned for our upcoming events For those who missed out, stay tuned! BiPlus and SupremeTech have more events planned, offering even more opportunities to dive deeper into innovative work management. As the tech landscape continues to evolve, events like these will play a crucial role in keeping professionals at the cutting edge, ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow with confidence. The Da Nang IT community has just begun its journey toward smarter, more efficient work processes, and with the support of tools like Jira and the integration of AI, the future looks bright! >>> Explore another event: SupremeTech co-organized Vietnam IT Day 2024 in Sydney Contact us if you want to outsource in Vietnam! Let us know if you want to find a local partner who can build great teams that make great products! We have experience working with the world's most demanding nations and are ready to expand our client list.

SupremeTech co-organized Vietnam IT Day 2024 in Sydney

Take a look back Vietnam IT Day 2024 with an overview of Australia-Vietnam's tech outlook and how SupremeTech is helping businesses thrive with our tech solutions! Hi tech fellows, SupremeTech was delighted to be a co-organizer of Vietnam IT Day, a flagship event fostering Australia - Viet Nam tech partnership, hosted by GITS Group. With the participation of more than 180 tech professionals, the event presented Viet Nam as a promising tech solutions partner for Australian, in specific, and global companies, in general. Vietnam IT Day 2024 has successfully unfolded in Sydney last May A third gathering with the support from Australian government and IT community partners After the two successful events in 2019 and 2023, Vietnam IT Day has gained trust and recognition from not only local tech community but Australia's prestigious organisations. Government committee: Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)Venue sponsor: PwC AustraliaCommunity partners: Business NSW , Haymarket HQ , Australia-Vietnam Leadership Dialogue , Tech Australia Advocates , IT Professionals In Australia , VNITO Alliance Discuss about tech landscape, know-how in Australian market, and more At the event, a lot of interesting tech topics were brought to discussion. Furthermore, the event was fueled up with business chats and networking activities of C-level participants. In the morning sessions, representatives from both side took us on a trip through Australia and Vietnam's dynamic tech ecosystems with a zoom-in focus from manufacturing, automation and human resource standpoints. While morning workshops provide the macro approach to Australia-Vietnam tech relationship, the afternoon talks went deep into how to take advantages from cross-border collaboration and best practices for scouting tech partners. SupremeTech on best practices for IT outsourcing to Viet Nam In an insightful session about offshore development, SupremeTech's CEO - Mr. Binh Nguyen emphasized the importance of market inquiry for newcomers from Australia. The dynamic IT landscape of Viet Nam offers unlimited opportunities, yet contains potential risks if not thoroughly scrutinized. He gave some social and geopolitical background of Viet Nam with funny highlights. He also suggested a few practices that Australian companies should consider when searching for Vietnam-based IT solution providers. Stay tuned for upcoming Vietnam IT Days Together with GITS network, SupremeTech is looking forward to the fruitful collaboration between the tech community of both countries. We're more than excited to be a pioneering part of it. We hope the upcoming Vietnam IT Days attract the participation of not only local IT companies but also Australian big corporations. Regarding our own initiatives in Australia, we are proactively seeking for strategic partners who aim to build long-lasting and, of course, profitable relationship. Our competency in Agile development would certainly be a driving force for any companies seeking for a highly-efficient and cost-optimized engineering team. Call us if you want to outsource to Viet Nam! If you want to find a local partner who knows how to build great teams that make great products, let us know! We worked with the most demanding countries around the world and we cannot wait to add more to the list.