Lecture Notes: Mobile App Design Review

Introduction

• Topic: Mobile app reviews and design feedback
• Guest: David Siegel, Co-founder of Glide, a no-code tool from YC Winter 2019
• Objective: Analyze app designs, offer feedback, and provide guidance for developers

Glide: Overview

• Glide is a no-code software tool for creating custom applications
• Emphasis on design execution over just code implementation
• Goal: Eliminate poor design in software

Key Design Principles

• Adhere to platform standards
• Consider user context (environment, usage scenarios)
• Basic design principles: legibility, contrast, usability

App Reviews

Pearls (Medical Reference App)

• Strengths: Contemporary, smooth design; good initial navigation
• Weaknesses: Small screenshots, non-intuitive navigation indicators
• Improvements: Increase tap area size, better expand indicators

Blue Dot (EV Charging Station App)

• Strengths: Immediate access to core functionality (map of charging stations)
• Weaknesses: No indication of station availability, non-matching app color scheme
• Improvements: Color-code station availability, adjust brand colors

Duffel (Snack Delivery for College Students)

• Strengths: Fun, eccentric design
• Weaknesses: Overly complex UI, distracting gamification elements
• Improvements: Simplify navigation, highlight search and categories

Bold Voice (Accent Improvement App)

• Strengths: Clear onboarding, engaging exercises
• Weaknesses: Design inconsistency, subtle key actions
• Improvements: Enhance design consistency, highlight key interactions

EdenCare (Healthcare Management in Africa)

• Strengths: Potentially valuable service
• Weaknesses: Appears more like a website, lacks interactive features
• Improvements: Simplify design, enhance interactivity, focus on user actions

General Observations

• Importance of real user testing to identify practical issues
• User context and environment play a critical role in app design
• Feedback loops between design and user experience are vital for app improvement

Conclusion

• Encouragement for app submissions and community feedback
• Aim to shape future reviews and provide valuable insights into app design

These notes capture the essence and feedback from the mobile app design review session, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and possible improvements for each discussed app.