John Radford

Another route to consider is product management. As a product or companies grows and scales the role of a product manager, particularly in the context of app development becomes more and more significant. Defining the product roadmap, ensuring the features are aligned with user experience and user feedback. Ensuring the roadmap matches the ambitions of the company and the growth plans. Making sure that the product is optimised for conversions and optimal user experiences. These are all super important in defining the long term success and growth of an app.

I'd probably put this right up there with a developer being able to code. A slick user experience and user centric designs can be the difference maker when choosing a developer. Hiring a company that focuses on what I call the 'edge cases' and 'closing the loops' is essential. So often, small UX flaws get overlooked in the early stages of development which can lead to a poor user experience and bad first impressions. Choose someone who values design and takes time to deliver quality. It pays in the long run.

Creating a great user experience involves reducing friction and what is known as 'user load' where possible. Essentially, the cognitive and physical effort users exert to interact with a product. The art of good product lies in the simplicity. Creating products that are simple to use and look elegant is the way to ensure users enjoy the experience. Consistency in visual elements, such as colour schemes and typography, creates a sense of coherence throughout the product. A well-thought-out information architecture ensures that users can effortlessly find what they need, contributing to a smoother navigation experience as well.

Choosing how to build your app to maximise accessibility is a big call. Native: Top performance but needs more time and skills. Web: Accessible but limited on device tricks and network quirks. Hybrid: A balance, efficient yet compatible. Pick based on your vibe—performance, accessibility, or a mix. They all have their perks, so choose the one that resonates with your app goals and budgets.

Great products start with understanding your users. So first you have to understand your ICP (Ideal Customer Profile). Who are we fixing a problem for? Once you have this down you need to really focus on the pains of those users.To understand what it is you can do the following: Clear Objectives: Define specific goals for interviews. Diverse Sample Open-Ended Questions: Encourage detailed responses. Probe Deeper: Uncover the "why" behind challenges. Active Listening: Listen attentively. Empathy Building: Understand challenges from the user's perspective. Note Emotions: Capture emotional responses for insights. Record and Analyse: Document findings for pattern analysis. Iterative Process: Refine questions based on initial insights.

Craft an app that truly welcomes all: Clear Navigation: Keep it simple and intuitive. Screen Reader Optimisation: Text alternatives and logical reading order are non-negotiable. Contrast Matters: High contrast aids visibility. Adjustable Font Sizes: Let users customise for readability. Multimedia Captions: Make videos accessible with captions. Small tweaks, big impact.