The Ultimate Guide to Designing an App for People Who Aren't Designers

Learn exactly how to design a no-code app, even if you're not a designer

Research shows that a good user experience design could increase your customer conversion rates by up to 400%.

What does that mean?

By simply giving users a smooth, enjoyable, and easy experience when navigating your app, you could be dramatically increasing your conversions and sales. -Click to Tweet

The thing is, most app developers aren’t also designers.

And...if you’re using a no-code platforms like Bubble and Zapier to build your app, not only do you probably not have a design background, but you might not even have a tech background.

But...if there’s anything we've learned from our students and clients, it’s that they’re capable of some freakishly amazing things — like building, designing, launching, and growing successful startups and businesses in the tech world — usually alongside a full time job (and usually without a tech background.

Now, we offer a ton of content and services teaching how to build your app from a technical standpoint. But as those same students and clients just mentioned continue building their apps, they often find themselves a little stumped on design.

This guide will help you take the next step forward.

The Difference Between UX and UI Design

To understand how to design your app, you first need to get familiar with different types of design.

Two main elements of design are User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX).

User Experience Design
UX Design covers the navigation, workflows, and user feel of your Bubble app. It comes into play when you decide things like where certain buttons will lead users, how workflows will be achieved, and whether or not users will enjoy and engage in the process.

UX is all about increasing your users’ ease and satisfaction as they engage with your app. Think of it as your app's interactions with a user.

If your users can navigate and interact with your app without thinking about it, you’ve succeeded. The more they have to think about what to do or where to go, the more difficult their experience is.

User Interface Design
UI Design is more similar to what you probably think of when you hear the word “design.” It represents the presentation of your app.

A Quick Technical Overview of App Design

It should:

  • Give users functions and features they want
  • Provide a simple interaction that’s intuitive, seamless, and appealing

App Design Basics

What do users appreciate in an app?

Simplicity: When pages are cluttered or overwhelming, the app isn’t easy to use. Navigation and presentation should be simple and straightforward.

Obvious directions: What should the user do next? Are there 20 different options on each page, leaving navigation up to the user? Or are there a simple set of directions telling the user exactly what to do?

Ease: Are elements easy to find, or is using the app tedious? Can steps be removed from workflows to enhance UX? Using your app should be easy — always.

Enjoyment: Is anything fun involved in the app?

Comfort: Are users comfortable with the app? Do they recognize workflows and know when to take action?

Reassurance: Users should know when things are happening on the app.

1. Know Your Audience

In every aspect of business, it’s crucial to understand your audience

2. Design for Usability

Once you know your audience, your biggest goal should be to design for usability, or, in other words, create a layout that’s simple and comfortable to use.

3. Keep it Goal Oriented

4. Keep it Consistent

5. Make it Intuitive

6. Test and Iterate Constantly

App Design Tools and Resources

While this guide doesn’t cover every single aspect of design, it’s a great place to get started.

As you expand your design skills, also consider using other reputable resources like Apple and Google’s very own design guides:

And remember:

  1. Know your audience so you can design for them.
  2. Create a usable design that’s convenient for users.
  3. Keep it goal oriented so users don’t get overwhelmed.
  4. Keep it consistent so users know what to expect across the board.
  5. Make it intuitive so no one’s left guessing (or even thinking) about what to do next.
  6. Test and iterate over and over to hone in on the best design possible.