TikTok: Simple and Highly Engaging
TikTok nailed it. They made an app that feels quick and effortless to use.
What TikTok Does Well
Right away, you see content. Nothing gets in your way - no complicated menus or setup. That makes the main action fast and obvious.
You swipe up to see more. The interaction is almost instinctive.
TikTok’s feed presents videos immediately, without forcing you to pick. That simplicity keeps people coming back.
Trade-off: The endless feed can be overwhelming, and some users spend more time than they intended.
Design Tip: Remove extra steps. Make the primary action - the one people should do most - the easiest to do.
Instagram: Familiar and Focused on Content
Instagram has grown a lot over the years, adding Reels, Shop, Stories, and DMs. Yet the main feed still feels familiar and centered on content.
What Makes It Work
Photos and videos remain front and center. Core navigation buttons are consistent, so you always know how to move around.
Even with new features, the app didn’t become confusing. The main feed stayed clear, letting users focus on what they came for.
Trade-off: With all the added features, the interface can feel cluttered or overwhelming for new users.
Design Tip: People like what they know. Introduce new features without breaking the familiar experience.
Notion: Flexible and Approachable
Notion gives users freedom to create their own systems, while keeping the interface approachable.
Why It Works
It starts as a blank page. It looks simple, which helps it feel less intimidating, even if there’s a learning curve.
Users can build and organize their own way, with subtle guidance to get started. That sense of control keeps people engaged.
Trade-off: Its flexibility comes at the cost of time - users must invest effort to learn how to get the most out of it.
Design Tip: Provide freedom, but guide gently. Let users experiment without feeling lost.
What These Apps Teach Us
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Make it Easy: Remove friction. The primary action should be obvious and effortless.
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Keep it Familiar: People prefer known patterns. Introduce changes carefully.
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Engage, Don’t Just Inform: Design interactions that make people want to return.
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Iterate: Monitor usage and improve continuously.
Practical Questions for Your App:
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What is the one main action in your app, and how many steps does it take?
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What can you remove without hurting the user experience?
Good design isn’t just about looks - it’s about feeling. It’s what keeps people coming back. Study how the best apps simplify, engage, and empower users, and use those lessons to build something people love to use.