Simplicity. Focus. Usability. Consistency. Just works. I don’t mind paying for an app that provides these features. They seem like simple enough concepts. But many of the apps out there today seem to be struggling. I know I am just dreaming, but here goes..

Focused

I want an app that is focused on one thing. Maybe a few peripheral features if immediately relevant. But one app per task, nice focused and simple.

Not bloated

I want an app that is not bloated with needless features. The most current example is AI. Seems every app and their dog is stuffing AI into the mix.

No ads

I want an app with ZERO advertisements. I don’t mind a few ads if they are relatively inconspicuous and/or dismissible. I don’t mind an option to upgrade to paid version, if the app is worthwhile I definitely will do so. But keep the ads and upsell nags to a minimum.

No hoops

I want an app that doesn’t require giving my email address just to open it. In fact I want an app that doesn’t require any email or personal information whatsoever.

No strings

I want an app that doesn’t track, store, or sell my data. I want to remain anonymous. I want my privacy. I want to use the app for its purpose without any strings attached.

Usable

I want an app that is usable. I’m not old but my eyesight is not what it used to be. I’m tired of apps that assume everyone can easily read 10-point fonts on dark backgrounds. Etc. Give me text and fonts that are clear and easy to read.

Relaxed

I want an app that gives me room to breathe. When using the app, I want at least SOME areas on the UI to NOT be clickable. I want to be able to touch the screen without the app taking some action. Lots of apps these days are almost impossible to use, simply because every pixel on the screen is waiting for you to click, swipe, or touch. Makes it hard to move around and enjoy the app, when everything is so crammed on the screen.

No constant upgrades

I want an app that doesn’t upgrade every other day. Unless for important security fixes, apps shouldn’t update so frequently as to give the user headaches. Updates should occur infrequently enough that the user isn’t saying, “I JUST updated this app”, or “Another update for this app”, or even take notice at all.

Consistent

I want an app that’s consistent. Not arbitrarily making changes every other update. Like randomly redesigning and rearranging the interface. Moving buttons and features around, hiding things, and just making life difficult for all its users.

Documented

I want an app that is well documented. This is where consistency benefits everyone. Apps that don’t randomly change everything for every update tend to have documentation that remains valid and relevant, while apps that constantly change everything tend to have outdated documentation that only adds to the confusion.

More focused

I want an app that doesn’t add new features just to lure more customers. Just because Joe Shmoe writes in about adding some obscure functionality doesn’t mean you should. It would just add more bloat without being useful to most users. App makers need to grow a spine and draw hard lines in the sand regarding the app’s purpose, direction and scope.

Available anywhere

I want an app that is available on any device. I use Apple, Android, Windows, and Linux. And as much as possible like to streamline and sync everything into a unified workflow. So it sucks when for whatever reason an app is not available on this or that platform. In most cases this is not due to the app itself, but the petty political differences among the various platforms.

App Support

Added by Isocat on Mastodon: Well and helpfully supported. Make it easy and effective for me to contact the publisher when something doesn’t work the way the documentation says it should. Respond helpfully and promptly. Do not offload this to the likes of ZenDesk. Do not tell me to seek answers in a ‘community forum’ where questions go to get mocked and die alone of old age.

? Also: the same things apply to web pages also, not just apps.

? Again: I don’t mind paying for apps that are worth it.

? Golden rule: Always think of the user!