Many mobile device users have reached a level of fatigue regarding mobile apps. If you look at Google Play or Apple’s App Store, there are over 2 million apps listed on each. Couple this with the fact that many adults simply don’t have the time or need for dedicated standalone apps (or, for many users, the device storage space), and the pressure is already high on app providers to do something exceptional.
Unfortunately for mobile app developers, app payment conversions also tend to be lower than desktop counterparts. Yet there is a way to combine the best of both worlds – desktop and mobile – using a Progressive Web App (PWA).
What Is A Progressive Web App?
A Progressive Web App (PWA) is an applet that is accessed in an ordinary Internet browser rather than via an installable package. What this means is that a user may log in on their desktop or mobile device seamlessly, provided they have an Internet browser installed. Because mobile devices come with native browsers installed on their operating systems, this means potential users can pick up and use a PWA immediately, without the friction of having to install.
What Are The Benefits Of PWAs For Your User Experience?
Mobile standalone app users often complain when updates ‘break’ app functionality and app-device compatibility can be problematic. User experience for PWA users, on the other hand, includes:
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Better user experience
Browser-based PWAs that are not hamstrung by limitations in mobile OS architecture or mobile processor speeds allow a smoother user experience. When the core features of an app are stored through caches in a user’s browser, it’s fast to load a well-designed progressive web app.
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Manual URL entry improves brand recognition
Because users type in URLs manually or bookmark browser-based progressive web apps, this builds brand engagement and recognition. For example, Twitter Lite, Twitter’s PWA version of its standalone app, grew to over 250,000 unique daily users when Twitter created a simple link to bookmark its service on users’ mobile devices’ home screens.
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Offline usability
Progressive web app users can also enjoy using their favourite apps offline when a network connection is limited, thanks to cached content. In a native app with network dependency for authentication and content, this is not possible.
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Greater privacy
Many users are concerned about the many permissions apps to require them to grant to access their personal data. PWAs do not need to cache as much data or access private information such as contact lists. This grants greater user protection.
Is a PWA the answer you need to delivers exceptional user experience?
Contact Interact RDT today to discuss how we can make this a possibility.