Key Features Users Subconsciously Look in Apps & Websites

What makes a website or app truly unforgettable? Let’s uncover the secrets! What features do the most successful platforms have in common?

Top apps and websites like Amazon and Spotify thrive because they incorporate user-centric design principles and focus on "what makes a good app/website." 

In this blog, we’ll explore these essential tech features, how they shape user experiences, and why they matter for your digital success. 

Top 10 Most Important Things For an App/Website

Ever visited a website and left within seconds because it felt confusing or dull? 

A great site goes beyond visuals, offering essential website/app features that ensure a seamless experience. Just like apps, what makes an app successful is its ability to combine functionality and user-centric design for lasting impact.

Let’s explore the key elements that can turn any website into a digital masterpiece!

1. Navigation & Structure

• Clear Navigation: Ensure logical menu placement and intuitive paths for seamless navigation. Avoid clutter and overwhelm with judiciously selected options.
• Consistent Layout: Use a uniform design across all pages to foster a sense of familiarity and reduce user confusion.

2. Speed & Performance

• Fast Loading Times: Optimize for quick loading (under 3 seconds) to minimize bounce rates. Regularly test and resolve performance issues. For example, in e-commerce, features like predictive search rely on fast response times to deliver relevant product suggestions instantly; any delay can lead to user frustration and lost conversions.
• Error-Free Functionality: All features, pages, and links must work as expected to maintain professionalism and user trust.

3. Mobile Optimization

• Responsive Design: Adapt layouts for various screen sizes and devices to ensure accessibility for mobile and tablet users.

4. Content Quality & Presentation

• Engaging Content: Create clear, concise, and compelling content. Use headings, subheadings, and calls-to-action (CTAs) to guide users effectively. A rephraser can be useful for refining tone, simplifying language, and ensuring clarity across diverse audiences.
• Fresh Updates: Regularly refresh your content with blogs or social media updates to keep it relevant and improve SEO rankings. Using an SEO rank tracker can help monitor how these updates impact your keyword positions over time. 

5. Visual Appeal

• Aesthetic Design: Employ professional visuals, effective white space, and high-quality images to make the website visually appealing.
• Clarity in CTAs: Use clear and action-driven microcopy on buttons and menus to guide user actions confidently.

6. Accessibility & Inclusivity

• Inclusive Design: Ensure your website features are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Use alt text, keyboard navigation, and readable fonts.

7. Engagement & Interaction

• Interactive Features: Integrate comment sections, feedback forms, or social media links to foster community engagement. Incorporating a fun and interactive Quiz Maker can further enhance user interaction and keep your audience actively engaged.
• Strategic Content Flow: Use related content and strategic callouts to keep users engaged and improve their journey.

8. User-Centric Design

• Empathy in Design: Understand user needs through research and craft experiences that evoke trust and satisfaction.
• Plan User Paths: Consider multiple user journeys and optimize navigation for their goals, whether browsing or searching.

9. Social Proof & Conversion

• Place Testimonials Near CTAs: Position customer reviews and case studies near conversion points to increase trust and conversions.

10. Search Engine & Social Optimization

• SEO Best Practices: Optimize with meta tags, alt text, and clean code. Partnering with a link-building agency can further strengthen your SEO strategy by earning high-quality backlinks that improve domain authority. Joining a Link Building Slack community can also help you stay connected with professionals who share backlink opportunities and proven strategies.
   

A great website combines speed, usability, and an engaging design tailored to users' needs. By focusing on these essentials, businesses can create experiences that attract, effectively retain, and convert visitors. Prioritise updates, test consistently, and maintain a user-first approach to stay ahead in the digital landscape.

Some Examples of the Coolest Applications and Websites?

Have you ever wondered why some apps become favorites for millions of users worldwide? 

From connecting with friends to simplifying everyday tasks, these apps have mastered the art of creating seamless experiences. Let’s explore how each app and website has unique features and benefits!

1. Instagram

Instagram is a social media platform for sharing photos, videos, and stories, connecting with others, and discovering inspiring content. Instagram, with 2 billion monthly users, is the 3rd most popular social platform. It’s perfect for sharing, connecting, and staying trendy. With creative tools like filters & reels, Instagram offers a fun and interactive way to express yourself online and with an AI reel maker, you can effortlessly enhance your video content creation for even more engagement.

Why it stands out:

• Simple and user-friendly interface.
• Visual content is appealing and easy to scroll through.
• Features like Stories, Reels, and IGTV for diverse content.
• Personalized content recommendations based on user interests.
• Strong community and interactive features like comments and polls.

2. Shopify

Shopify is an all-in-one e-commerce platform that empowers businesses to build and manage their online stores with ease and efficiency. It provides tools for customizing storefronts, handling inventory, and streamlining payment processing. With Shopify, businesses can easily set up and scale their online presence, catering to a global audience.

Why it stands out:

• Easy to set up and use, even for beginners.
• Offers various customizable templates.
• Reliable payment gateway and secure transactions.
• Integrations with popular sales and marketing tools.
• 24/7 customer support for assistance.

3. Medium

Medium is a platform where writers share articles, stories, and ideas on a variety of topics. It connects authors with readers, creating a space for meaningful discussions and learning. With Medium, anyone can explore and express ideas, reaching a diverse and engaged audience.

Why it stands out:

• Clean, distraction-free reading experience.
• High-quality, engaging content from diverse voices.
• User-friendly for both writers and readers.
• Easy to follow specific topics and authors.
• Personalized recommendations based on reading habits.

4. Airbnb

Airbnb is a service that lets people rent out their homes or find unique accommodations worldwide. It connects travellers with hosts, offering memorable stays and local experiences. With Airbnb, exploring the world becomes more personal, flexible, and exciting.

Why it stands out:

• Wide range of unique places to stay, from treehouses to luxury homes.
• Clear, honest reviews from previous guests.
• Easy booking and payment options.
• Hosts can provide local recommendations and experiences.
• Strong community and customer support.

5. Google Maps

Google Maps is a navigation and mapping app that helps users find directions and explore places easily. It provides real-time traffic updates, making travel smoother and faster. With Google Maps, you can discover detailed information about locations, businesses, and landmarks worldwide.

Why it stands out:

• Accurate directions and route options (car, walking, public transport).
• Real-time traffic conditions and estimated arrival times.
• Street View for a virtual tour of places.
• User reviews and photos of local businesses.
• Integration with other Google services, like Google Assistant.

6. Zoom

Zoom is a video conferencing app designed for seamless online meetings, webinars, and team collaborations. It allows users to connect virtually through high-quality video and audio features. With Zoom, teams can stay productive and engaged, no matter where they are located.

Why it stands out:

• Easy setup and user-friendly interface.
• Supports large-scale meetings with multiple participants.
• High-quality video and audio calls.
• Screen sharing and recording features.
• Security features like password protection and waiting rooms keep users safe.

7. Netflix

Netflix is a popular streaming service offering an extensive library of movies, TV shows, and exclusive original content. Known for its binge-worthy series and films, Netflix caters to diverse tastes and preferences. With Netflix, viewers can enjoy endless entertainment anytime, anywhere.

Why it stands out:

• An extensive range of content, including original series and documentaries.
• Easy-to-use interface and personalised recommendations.
• High-quality streaming options up to 4K.
• Offline viewing for selected content.
• User-friendly interface and multiple profile options.

8. Canva

Canva is a versatile graphic design tool that simplifies creating presentations, social media posts, posters, and more. With Canva’s easy-to-use templates, anyone can design professional-quality visuals without prior experience. Canva empowers users to bring their creative ideas to life effortlessly.

Why it stands out:

• The drag-and-drop design makes it easy for anyone to create.
• Access to thousands of templates and design elements.
• Free and paid options are available for different needs.
• Collaboration features for team projects.
• Mobile app for creating on the go.

9. Slack

Slack is a team communication app designed to streamline workplace conversations and tasks. With Slack, teams can organize discussions into channels, share files, and integrate tools for efficient collaboration. Slack makes it easier to stay connected and productive in a modern work environment.

Why it stands out:

• Channels help organize conversations by topic.
• Integrates smoothly with Google Drive and Trello.
• Searchable message history.
• Customizable notifications to stay focused.
• Easy file sharing and real-time collaboration.

10. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that connects individuals and organizations worldwide. With LinkedIn, users can discover job opportunities, build connections, and share career updates to enhance their professional growth. It is the go-to platform for fostering meaningful career relationships and staying informed in various industries.

Why it stands out:

• Ideal for building and maintaining professional connections.
• Provides job listings and career growth opportunities.
• Helpful for showcasing professional skills and accomplishments.
• Content sharing for professional insights and learning.
• Groups and communities for industry-specific discussions.

11. Duolingo

Duolingo is a language-learning app that makes mastering new languages fun and engaging. With Duolingo, users can explore interactive lessons and tackle game-like challenges to improve their skills. It is perfect for anyone looking to learn languages easily and enjoyably.

Why it stands out:

• Engaging, game-like lessons that make learning fun.
• Progress tracking and daily goals for motivation.
• Offers many language options for free.
• Bite-sized lessons that are easy to fit into your day.
• Speech recognition to practice pronunciation.

12. WhatsApp

WhatsApp is a messaging app that lets users stay connected through free texts, calls, and media sharing. With WhatsApp, communication is seamless, whether you're chatting with friends or making video calls. WhatsApp’s simplicity and convenience make it a go-to app for billions worldwide.

Why it stands out:

• Easy to use with simple user interface elements.
• Supports voice and video calls over the internet.
• No international fees for calls and texts.
• Group chats and broadcast messaging for large conversations.
• End-to-end encryption for privacy.

13. Uber

Uber is a ride-sharing app that connects riders with drivers for fast and convenient transportation. With Uber, you can book rides at your fingertips and travel hassle-free to your destination. Uber’s accessibility and reliability make it a popular choice for millions worldwide.

Why it stands out:

• Easy-to-use app with real-time driver tracking.
• Various ride options to suit different needs (e.g., shared, premium).
• Secure and dependable, with driver ratings and built-in safety features.
• In-app payment options for cashless transactions.
• Transparent pricing and ride fare estimates.

UX Case Study: Amazon Mobile App

Have you ever wondered why Amazon's mobile app continues to lead in the e-commerce space? Despite competition, Amazon’s app achieves high conversion rates, but is its UX the benchmark for new e-commerce apps looking to capture user interest?

Amazon Statistics: The Key Numbers:

• Global Reach: Over 310 million users worldwide.
• Sellers: 9.7 million sellers, with 1.9 million actively selling.
• Sales: Expected to reach $746.22 billion in 2023.
• Shoppers: 92% of online shoppers have purchased on Amazon.
• Preference: 89% of online shoppers prefer Amazon over other platforms.

Objectives: Assess if new users can easily navigate and shop on Amazon’s app, identifying potential pain points and UX challenges.

User Research: We explored user behavior through proto-personas like busy professionals, tech-savvy shoppers, and budget-conscious buyers. Customer journey maps were developed to understand their interactions and experiences.

Findings: While the app is optimized for frequent users, new users may struggle due to its sometimes overwhelming interface and inconsistent layout.

Key Features:

• Easy Navigation: Multiple access points ensure users can find products quickly.
• Drop-Down Menus: Provide comprehensive product details, aiding user decision-making.
• Recommendations & Reviews: Suggests similar items and displays reviews with filter options for an informed shopping experience.
• Personalized Content: Adapts to user behavior and browsing history to suggest relevant products.

Pain Points: The cluttered interface can be overwhelming for new users, making navigation challenging.

Amazon’s app excels thanks to its strong user base and established brand loyalty. However, new e-commerce apps should prioritize clear, simple, and user-centric UX to gain user trust and engagement.

Does your app or website have the right blend of simplicity, navigation, and personalization to keep users engaged and returning? Evaluate your platform’s UX and think about improvements that could boost user satisfaction and growth.

Swiggy: The Subconscious User Magnet

Swiggy’s user interface is designed to deliver convenience effortlessly. Its intuitive layout allows users to browse restaurants, apply filters, and place orders in seconds. A study shows that Swiggy has 17.1 million active users, proving that ease of navigation is highly valued. Swiggy excels by making every step simple and user-friendly, keeping users engaged and satisfied.

The app builds trust through features like real-time tracking and reliable payment options. Swiggy handled 230 million orders in its first earnings release post-IPO, showing high user activity. Live updates make the app more transparent and keep users engaged.

Swiggy’s design is visually appealing with its orange-and-white theme, evoking hunger and warmth. Combined with micro-interactions, like animations during order tracking, it creates a lively experience.

Key Points: How Swiggy Attracts Users Subconsciously

• Simple Navigation: Users can easily find restaurants, apply filters, and reorder their favorite meals in just a few clicks.
• Real-Time Tracking: Keeps users engaged by showing live updates on their order status, ensuring transparency.
• Appealing Visual Design: The orange-and-white theme evokes hunger, while micro-interactions enhance the user experience.
• Personalized Recommendations: Suggest dishes based on previous orders, making the app feel tailored to individual tastes.
• Efficient Search Filters: Advanced filters like cuisine, ratings, and delivery time help users quickly narrow down options.
• Trusted Payment Options: Multiple payment modes, including UPI and wallets, ensure secure and hassle-free transactions.
• Push Notifications: Subtly remind users of ongoing offers and personalized discounts, increasing engagement.

These points highlight how Swiggy uses subconscious design elements to attract and retain users effectively.

UX Case Study: Spotify

Spotify has solidified its position as the leading music streaming service, boasting over 500 million users worldwide as of 2024. The platform outshines competitors like Apple Music, TIDAL, and YouTube Music with its vast catalog of over 40 million songs. Its personalized features, such as the popular “Discover Weekly” playlist, which updates every week with 30 tailored songs, showcase Spotify’s use of advanced machine learning algorithms to enhance user experience.

The platform’s commitment to user customization extends to profiles where users can create personalized avatars, banners, and bios. The introduction of music personality badges adds a fun, social element that engages users and strengthens their connection to the platform. 

Spotify's social features are designed to improve user interaction and music sharing. The app leverages data from major social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to simplify friend discovery, allowing users to connect easily. Real-time notifications for shared music and playlists keep followers in the loop, boosting social engagement.

Why they like Spotify and what it provides:

• Massive Music Library: Access to over 40 million songs across various genres, allowing users to discover new artists and tracks from around the world.
• Personalized Playlists: Features like “Discover Weekly” and “Release Radar” give users fresh, tailored playlists based on listening habits, enhancing music discovery.
• Offline Listening: Users can download their favorite playlists and songs to enjoy music without using mobile data or when they have no internet connection.
• High-Quality Audio: Spotify offers different streaming quality levels, including high-fidelity audio for those who want the best sound experience.
• User-Friendly Interface: The app is easy to navigate, making it simple to find songs, create playlists, and explore new music.
• Social Integration: Users can follow friends and artists, share songs, and see what others are listening to, making music a more social and interactive experience.
• Customizable Profiles: Users can create personalized profiles with avatars, banners, and bios to showcase their music tastes.
• Music Discovery Features: Spotify offers tools like “Spotify Wrapped” at the end of each year, providing users with a summary of their most-played songs and artists, which makes for an enjoyable, shareable experience.
• Podcasts and Non-Music Content: In addition to music, Spotify has a wide range of podcasts and exclusive audio content, catering to a variety of interests beyond music.
• Cross-Platform Accessibility: Users can switch between devices seamlessly, whether it's mobile, desktop, or smart speakers, allowing them to enjoy music anywhere at any time.

Conclusion

Building a successful app or website goes beyond just looking good; it’s about providing the right user experience. The best platforms incorporate features that make navigation easy, keep users engaged, and encourage growth.

Review your app or website features to determine whether they include these key elements. If not, it’s time to rethink your strategy and add what works. Thanks for reading, and I hope you found this helpful. See you soon and take care! Bye Bye!