Effective Techniques to Enhance User Experience in Power Apps

In this informative blog post authored by Lewis Baybutt [MVP], the briefing delves into the realm of user experience in the production of low-code software on the Power Platform. Notably, the text elucidates how the user experience given by applications can greatly influence users' acceptance and utilization levels. The composition talks through the significant components of user experience and, thrillingly, provides some holistic tips on how each element can be improved.

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User Interface (UI)

UI is the primary contact point between users and our applications. The article takes note that good-looking applications tend to have higher adoption rates compared to less visually appealing ones. For visually impaired users, the article emphasizes creating an application that accommodates screen readers for accessibility.

Some tips for enhancing the UI include borrowing inspiration from other online designs and utilizing the HTML control to better customize the application's visual aspects.

Performance

Besides the UI, the performance of the application is another critical factor in UX. Slow applications can result in a poor user experience and eventually lead to lesser adoption.

Limiting Lookup functions, reducing the number of controls in the application, and collecting and patching data concurrently rather than sequentially, have been suggested as some ways to improve the app's performance.

Accessibility

Accessible application design is an important facet of the user experience, especially for differently-abled users. Manifestations of inclusive design include applications compatible with screen readers and applications that comply with WCAG color contrasting guidelines.

To optimize application accessibility, the author recommends English descriptive naming for screens, limiting moving elements and pop-ups, and adhering to WCAG color contrasts.

Summary

In conclusion, this blog post enlightens us about the significance of user experience in the design and development of low-code applications on the Power Platform. It provides actionable suggestions to improve the UI, performance, and accessibility of applications, essentially facilitating higher levels of user acceptance and actual utilization. Understanding and applying these principles could lead to the development of better, more user-friendly applications in the future.

Read the full article An overview to improving User Experience in Power Apps

Learn about An overview to improving User Experience in Power Apps

In the world of low code software development on the Power Platform, a standout topic of consideration is user experience (UX). The quality of user experience plays a critical role in determining end-user adoption rates and engagement with our solutions. This blog highlights some fundamental components that impact the user experience within Power Platform solutions, an area rapidly gaining momentum in the software world. Let's delve in to understand how we can enhance the UX on such platforms.

User Interface (UI)

The first interaction point between the end-user and the platform is the User Interface. In most probing instances, a user’s opinion about an application is predominantly shaped by the visuals they encounter. A well-designed, attractive UI often drives higher acceptance and adoption rates. This assertion holds in cases where users may have visual impairments, and the app supports alternative interaction methods such as screen readers.

• Improving UI:
• Derive inspiration from all kinds of UI designs, not just the ones designed on Power Platform. It helps broaden the creative horizon.
• Surprisingly enough, the HTML Control feature in Power Apps enhances the application’s aesthetics enormously. It allows you to import more browser-supported fonts and add lots of extra features like box shadows, divisions, etc. in your apps.
• Ensure effective communication with users through the app interface. Give notifications about the process completion status or network connections for apps with offline capabilities.
• Responsive UI design is crucial. Containers help develop responsive, low-code apps that can adjust to multiple devices with varying screen sizes and aspect ratios.

Performance

The performance of your applications directly impacts the user experience. A slow-performing app negatively affects the user's experience and, in absence of a well structured UI, the users might conclude the application is broken.

• Improving Performance:
• Restrict the volume of LookUps in your apps to prevent them from slowing down as the dataset grows.
• An app with a high number of controls may demand more memory, thus slowing it down. Keep minimal controls to ensure no compromise on performance due to memory constraints.
• Efficient data handling is crucial for enhanced performance. Patch and collect data concurrently rather than sequentially.

Accessibility

Lastly, making your application universally accessible empowers all users to interact with ease. Unconsciously neglecting this aspect while designing can inhibit some potential users from fully utilizing your application.

• Making our apps more accessible:
• Screens should be named using straightforward English descriptions with proper spacing, making it easier for screen readers.
• Moving elements and pop-ups should be minimal so that screen readers can read them efficiently.
• For visually impaired users or elders, provide sufficient color contrast as per WCAG guidelines to distinguish between objects and texts.

Improving your UX entails considering all of these elements – UI, performance, and accessibility. While every user will interact differently with your software, taking these steps creates an inviting environment for a majority of potential users. The power is in our hands to create a positive, rewarding experience for as many users as possible.

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Keywords

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