The world of mobile apps is quite literally always changing. It’s a huge market, and it’s one that rapidly evolves, and with that comes the need to keep up with trends to make sure your users are getting what they want and need from your app. If they’re not, it’s all too easy to go elsewhere.

Mobile app design trends for 2017 are focused mainly on improving general engagement and the user’s overall experience, and the following are some specific trends to keep in mind for the rest of this year, and into next.

IoT and Wearable Technology

Internet of Things and wearable technology are probably two of the most pervasive elements to consider in mobile right now.

IoT has gone from what seems like a distant and almost futuristic concept to one that’s mainstream this year, and while there’s still plenty of room for improvements to be made, it’s important for businesses developing apps to at least put some consideration toward IoT and wearable apps.

Minimalism

The design of mobile apps hasn’t gone toward more complexity. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Users don’t want to be overwhelmed by visual elements when they use an app. That creates a confusing and jumbled look and feel that can spell disaster for even the best concept.

Instead, minimalist UI designs have been most popular recently because they aren’t just visually pleasing, but they make it easier for users to understand apps, and also use them.

Along with a minimalistic design focus, it’s also a time when comfort is key. Users want to feel like they already have some idea of how to interact with an app, so rather than going crazy with an elaborate design, it can be better to go with a comfortable, familiar design and then put a lot of focus on the content.

Content

Speaking of content, it’s all about content with mobile, and that includes in terms of overall design.

Content needs to be the core focus of any good app, and it needs to be readily accessible. The overall design and interface of useful apps are putting content front and center and making it the central component of their entire design. Everything else is built around that content and the value it delivers the user.

Onboarding

If there’s one design tip that everyone should take away from this list, it’s the importance of onboarding. All of the success or failure of your app is riding on the first-time experience users have with it. Without a positive first-time experience, you won’t likely have people continue using your app.

That’s why onboarding is so critical to your design. You need to get users entirely comfortable with using your app, and also learning how to maximize it right out of the gate.

As soon as a visitor opens your app for the first time, there needs to be direct communication about its features. You need to give them the opportunity to be walked through the app, and provide some maximization tips.

While 2017 is already at its mid-point, it’s not too late to start incorporating the above mobile app design tips into your next project.