Photo by XiaoXiao Sun on Unsplash

Improving user experience means building better connections for users across a variety of devices, especially smartphones and tablets. And in order to build this enhanced experience, there are a number of considerations that can help designers better meet their users’ needs.

Luckily, a number of mobile usability studies have recently been completed to help designers better understand the UX and how they can respond to many of their users’ biggest challenges.

Here are 7 User Experience and Usability Statistics that you need to know in order to build responsive apps and design:

1. Security is a still a significant fear for most users.

Studies report that fear of stolen data is reported as often as accessibility and screen size as reasons why users won’t enter credit card or banking info on smartphones or tablets. Since most users won’t enter credit card information on an app, or on a cluttered website, consider this in your design.

2. Default mobile screens are unnecessary and unpleasant, according to recent user interviews.

Sources have found that users often find interacting with mobile screens frustrating and a difficult transition from other devices. Mobile screens, while often more simple, are also a difficult transition for the user, leaving them frustrated and less likely to engage.

3. With over 20 apps on each smartphone or tablet, studies suggest that most users forget or have forgotten what apps they’ve downloaded.

This means that apps that are hard to use, or too different from the webpage will be quickly forgotten altogether or deleted. Often users find they are prompted to download an app during a visit to a website, only to find that the app is less user friendly than the website itself. Consider this when designing an app that transitions easily between desktop and mobile devices.

4. Because of a small screen size, visual appearance of data and accessibility is more important for users on a smart phone or tablet than it is on a website.

Efficiency is key. If users have to scroll on their smartphones or tablets or if they find the information is scattered, too small or overwhelming on the phone, users will not engage.

5. Tablet users engage with about as many pages as desktop computer users.

On average users of tablets view about four times as many pages as smartphone users. And not only do tablet and computer users engage with more pages but tablets are used mostly in the evening hours at home between 7 and 10 pm. Sources say this is because less than half of users have purchased cellular data plans for their tablets.

6. Most users prefer shopping on websites using a desktop or a tablet.

Citing both security issues as well as the importance of a full keyboard, users are more likely to use smartphones to research product availability or price shop while in a store, but more likely to make purchases from a desktop or tablet.

7. One of the biggest user complaints while using mobile browsers is with the prompting to download apps.

Since most users want to interact with a richer page than an app can provide, most don’t enjoy the interruptions or find it an easy transition from website to app. In fact, the distraction of an app prompt can discourage participation in the site altogether. We know that if a website takes longer than 3 seconds to load, users will move on. When users are interrupted or delayed while using an app or website, they will abandon it.

With this data, you’re prepared to better understand your users’ experiences to and facilitate more user-friendly design. By remaining committed to finding better more accessible, user-friendly design you’re demonstrating commitment to the user. Since 48% of users believe that a poorly functioning website indicates that a business simply does not care, remaining committed to good user experiences is essential.