Building apps swiftly is one perk of low-code platforms like PowerApps Microsoft. However, while convenient for developers, poorly constructed apps quickly give users headaches.
Without thoughtful design, complicated layouts and confusing controls overwhelm people.
Thankfully, following field-tested best practices when architecting PowerApps leads to intuitive experiences. We will explore actionable tips on:
- Conducting UX research
- Optimizing page layout
- Standardizing elements
- Designing logical flows
- Choosing clear language
- Testing with end users
Read on to discover how proper planning and user-centric design prevent PowerApps from inflicting user rage.
Top PowerApps Pitfalls That Frustrate Users
Before diving into solutions, understanding common pitfalls provides useful context…
Overloaded Pages
Cramming multiple objects onto pages makes interaction chaotic. Users struggle to find key functions hidden among crowded buttons, fields, and data visualizations.
Inconsistent Layout
The placement of elements should align intuitively across app pages. Random organization forces users to relearn navigation on every screen.
Excessive Screens
Flipping through endless screens overwhelms users with navigation fatigue. Evaluate if the same data fits onto fewer pages.
Confusing Language
wordy, technical labels baffle users. Terms should resemble natural speech, not developer jargon.
Illogical Flow
Ensure workflow steps align with user expectations and real-world process order. Don’t make people guess what comes next.
With awareness of these stumbling blocks, we can prevent them through thoughtful design.
Step 1: User Research Informs Good UX
Like any quality software project, apps need UX research before writing any code. Analyze how your target users currently accomplish the tasks your app aims to simplify. Note environmental factors, emotional states, and ergonomic challenges.
Gathering user insights in the field leads to an intuitive user experience matching real behavior.
Alternatively, apps built solely from assumptions inevitably seem logical to the developer but perplex end users.
Step 2: Organize Pages Strategically
Once research finishes, thoughtfully map page layouts and element placement. Group related items visually into clear sections to guide interaction.
Apply principles like Gutenberg Diagrams to direct attention efficiently:
- Place essential functions users access most in primary locations, like the upper left region
- Position secondary tools that augment key features, like filters or settings, in easier-to-reach areas
- Relegate lesser-used items users won’t interact with often to bottom or right spots
Such structured organization helps users contextually distinguish objects based on priority and relationships.
Step 3: Standardize Design Elements
While each page serves specialized purposes, using familiar UI elements boosts ease of use.
Employees toggle between apps constantly in modern workplaces – don’t demand they relearn controls every time.
Instead, leverage user interface conventions from popular software end users already understand intuitively:
- Follow platform standards – e.g. iOS or Material Design for Android
- Use common controls like toggle switches, star ratings, search bars
- Format elements consistently across modules
- Re-use successful patterns between apps when relevant
Uniformity breeds familiarity. Users grasp functionality quicker sticking to intuitive interfaces borrowing from broader software ecosystems.
Step 4: Ensure Logical Workflow
Beyond static page design, also assess the dynamic flow through app tasks. Map step sequences to match user expectations, not just technical feasibility.
Efficient alignment to real-world processes requires knowing users’ context for adopting the app. Watch for blind spots as an internal developer supporting different roles.
Plan flow iteratively. Storyboard screens with a focus on user goals and motivations first. Then craft optimal interactions facilitating natural progression between objectives.
Step 5: Use Simple, Conversational Language
From captions to menu names, language-permeating apps should speak the users’ tongue. Avoid over-technical verbiage only engineers understand.
Write all visible text as if explaining to a colleague lacking niche domain knowledge. Use a conversational tone resembling helpful speech.
Performing content audits ensures terms are:
- Free from software development jargon
- Common vocabulary end users know
- Short and uncomplicated
- Friendly and supportive
Step 6: Validate with User Testing
No amount of planning prevents all design flaws. Thus, testing with real employees identifies remaining usability issues pre-launch.
Observe participants working through key tasks during moderated trial runs. Ask them to vocalize thought processes during interaction so you understand emotional reactions.
Fixing problems early based on user feedback fuels adoption by ensuring audiences can utilize applications built for them.
Prioritizing intuitive design takes concerted planning, research, iteration, and validation.
But structuring PowerApps around user goals – not just technical possibility – pays dividends in productivity and workplace satisfaction once deployed.
Including people in the process is the number one way to prevent poor UX from triggering headaches.
