The significance of detail

In addition to our client project work, we continually refine our mobile application products. Recently, we focused on improving the user experience during content downloading and data syncing. What initially seemed like a straightforward process turned into a complex web of user scenarios.

Allowing users to manage their own content means downloading data is often the very first interaction a user has with an app. We wanted to enable users to start using the app as quickly as possible with minimal waiting.

With external factors such as network connectivity and file size affecting download speed, we identified the minimum data needed for the user to get started. We engineered an algorithm to download initial layout structures and imagery first, pushing the remaining data download to a background task.

However, external factors still required careful handling:

• How does the user know what is happening in the background?
• What happens if a user tries to view an asset that has not finished downloading?
• What if the user is on a low-bandwidth mobile connection?
• What if the connection drops partway through or the app is restarted?

First-Time Use

Clear messaging and real-time progress indicators provide immediate feedback during initial setup. Users know exactly what is occurring and when it will finish. To protect user mobile data limits, initial heavy downloads default to Wi-Fi connections unless overridden.

Background Updates

For content updates, we balanced keeping content fresh against interrupting active users. We designed an unobtrusive user feedback component that notifies users of pending updates without locking the screen. If input is required, options are kept simple and non-ambiguous.

Behind the scenes, complex background caching and validation tasks take place automatically. Paying attention to these fine user experience details makes a substantial difference to overall user satisfaction and application adoption.