It’s been observed that since 2017, approximately 50% of the web traffic is coming via mobile devices like smartphones, and the number is likely to increase this year and also hereafter, with many companies and organisations accelerating their digital transformation and presence. So, mobile app development has become more acceptable than ever for most organisations and businesses. However, the question is whether to develop a mobile application or a responsive website design.
The whole digital scenario is getting more vibrant with the introduction of new technologies like the roll-out of 5G, IoT platforms, VR, AR, AI and more in the coming days. Although the mobile app is very similar looking to the responsive mobile website, the two are different and you have to decide which medium is suitable for your business or objectives. This article will examine the factors that impact the user experience in mobile apps when compared to mobile sites.
Mobile apps are making headway : Mobile apps have to be downloaded and used on the device for full functionalities. They are built specifically for platforms like Android or iOS, which are called native apps. Usually they offer a more responsive and faster experience than mobile websites.
Interactive engagement :Â The mobile app offers a new channel of engagement for users or clients. It offers more specific and customized engagement features than a responsive website.
Better Customization : Users can set preferences on the downloaded app as per their needs from the given options. An app can track the user engagement to offer better interaction, offer recommendations and updates to become user-friendly based on location, preferences, user behavior and more. It offers more feedback, automated features and communication opportunities.
Offline work-ability : The mobile application can run sans connectivity, offering relevant content or functionalities and later update itself with internet access.
More intuitive UI : Mobile apps are built for a better engagement and so offer an intuitive interface to users to do their desired tasks better. Building the app specifically for a mobile platform offers certain custom functionalities and unique characteristics. Responsive website design may not meet this standard expected.
Access In-built device features :Â The mobile app can access the in-built features and capabilities of the device it is on, like the GPS or the camera. It enhances usability and convenience for users easily.
Considering The Responsive Mobile Website Design : Responsive websites can accommodate itself to different screen sizes. It is actually a customized version that can be used on a mobile device drawn from the regular website.
The User Experience offered : A responsive website design can be accessed from any mobile device whereas the mobile app functions on specific mobile platforms.
Connectivity and updates : The responsive website design needs constant internet connectivity to work, but the network access quality and speed will impact the user experience. It does not need a defined OS and need not be downloaded or installed, available for free and need not be updated. The website is simultaneously updated and available live.
Cost Factor :Â Although the mobile website can be cost-effective, the decision depends on complexity required and the experience demanded by the user which an app developer can offer, and the platforms preferred by the app owner.
 To Conclude
Looking at numbers the mobile app seems the more preferred medium to offer a better UX for users or customers and its popularity only increases with more technology inputs. However, the mobile site can offer freely availability and content to a wider range of people. Whereas the mobile platform gains customer royalty with better engagement, interaction and communication with the customer. In many ways both mobile app & a responsive website design can be a two-way strategy and valuable method or approach to reach your target audience.
In our highly networked world, the popularity and demand for mobile apps only grows. To find out more  about how we can serve you and your business objectives, please browse our website  (www.mobileappoutsourcing.com) or leave us an enquiry. Our team will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
