We don't do ugly

User experience is the single most important determinant of an app's success.

It all starts with a whiteboard and strong coffee

We never start an app project without at least wireframes and ideally a full prototype. There are several reasons for this:

  • The user experience is the most important factor in an app's success so we must start by being laser-focused on this. We shouldn't allow technology (or its limitations) to come before the user journey.
  • It is easy to change wireframes; to re-order them, move buttons around, add comments to them. Rather do this before any code has been written.
  • There is no-where to hide- it really helps define the scope. A protoype should have all the core screens showing all the main functions. If it's not there, it's not in scope. If it is there, we need to work out what it must do and how long that will take to build.
  • It gets everyone on the same page. You, your stakeholders, our project managers, designers and developers all know what the deliverable is.
  • If you need to get investment, stakeholder approval or just something to show to partners prior to the launch, it is a great sales tool that can be installed on their phone with just a couple of taps and they will understand the purpose and value of the app (and your competence to deliver it).

Our local team of designers with more than 20 combined years in web and app design collaborate with you using a variety of best-in-class collaboration platforms for wireframing and design such as Photoshop, Illustrator, XD and Sketch.

Typical App Prototype Deliverables

  • App Icon
  • Corporate Icon
  • Splash Screen
  • Landing Page
  • Navigation Elements (interactive so users can tap through the app screens etc.)
  • Colour Scheme
  • Fonts/ Buttons/ Styles
  • Main functional screens showing core content and features
  • Help Menu
  • Installs on an Android or iPhone phone and can be shared through a link
  • You own the content and creative output

Our App Prototype Process

  • We will have a kick-off workshop or call to discuss the app, the target market, thoughts on design/ style and the main use cases.
  • We will send a target market questionnaire for the client to provide input.
  • We will conduct desktop research, if applicable, to understand the target market and competitive landscape.
  • We will create user personas (examples of typical users of the app) and app mood boards.
  • [If logo or app icon design is in scope] we will create app icon or logo design options (typically 3-5) for client review and feedback. ADS will provide two further iterations of the preferred design/s.
  • We will create a high level Information Architecture (i.e. skeleton of the main user journeys) for client review and sign off...
  • Then develop wireframes of the relevant screens for client review and sign off...
  • We will create some example designs home screen for client review and input.
  • Then design the wireframe screens for client review and sign off...
  • When the designs are completed, we will convert into a prototype with clickable links for buttons that can be shared with the client.
  • This typically takes 3-4 weeks, with active client engagement.
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App Icon

Simple, clear, must work when displayed small, typically doesn't need to include app name (wlll always appear below the app anyway)

We start with the app icon because this provides us with a sense of the client's style and colour preferences.

Home Screen

The most important screen on the app and the one that takes the most time.

The home screen defines how all the other screens will look and must immediately link to the main functions of the app.

Detailed, Modern Design

Trends in app design move quickly. Having very curved corners on your buttons alone can make your app look out-dated

Our designers are passionate about the latest trends and styles in app UI design, but the focus must remain on making the app clear and simple to use. Our reference app is always Uber - whilst it's an incredibly clever app, there's no need to explain it. The home screen design does all that.