Posted by Mary Ann Kelly
Recently on Facebook I’ve noticed an uptick in “What kind of ____ are you?” quizzes. These quizzes range from TV shows to famous people to cities. I even saw a “What kind of cereal are you?” I had to sit this particular one out, but I admit to taking a few.
With these quizzes in mind, I decided to write about “What Kind of Mobile App Are You?” I’ve downloaded some duds recently (Checkout51) and I wanted to get to the bottom of what makes an app good and meaningful to me. PS – Evidently, I’m not alone: At least 1 in 4 apps downloaded are never opened or used.
I realized quickly that I’m a purposeful app user, meaning I need my apps to do something for me or help me in some way. For example, I’d be lost without GoogleMaps — literally. And I love Shazam because I never know who sings the songs I like. I love my messaging apps like WhatsApp so I can keep in contact/share pics/video, etc…
Everyone likes utility, but there’s also a whole cadre of entertainment, gaming and social app users too. What kind of app user are you?
Whatever your purpose, mobile apps with staying power have these qualities:
- Occupy you when you’re bored or make your life easier
- Provide a reason to return frequently
- Ability to attract critical mass – Social apps especially depend on users to drive and refine content
- Offer intuitive user interface, easy navigation, minimal clicks and option of ad-free experience
- Performs to the strengths of mobile, e.g. Communications, Spontaneous, Geo-sensitive, Short periods of use and focused activity
- Ongoing improvements & support – Attention to how people are using the app and the features they want
What do you have to say, app developers & mobile strategists? In researching this post, we came across a lot of dated articles. What’s the latest thinking and best practices?
Check out PC Mag’s 2014 Top 100 iPhone apps, here.
