Splash Screens Are Making A Comeback- The UX Trend For 2021
It is 2021. A lot of new trends keep emerging every day in the design world and one of the most popular UX trends for 2021 is the splash screen.
A splash screen is an animation or graphic that shows up when you are entering an application. It is almost like an aesthetically pleasing welcome message for the users. This graphic or animation will keep the user hooked till the app is ready to be used.
Splash screens are required to enhance the user experience and keep them entertained while the app is waiting for data or for installing any excess files. The splash screens give the users the feeling that the app is preparing itself and will be soon ready to use.
Let’s dig a bit deeper into it!
Splash Screen’s Journey So Far…
Well, the concept of splash screens was already a thing of the past and many websites used them. But, back at that time, these boot screens were dull and generally consisted of the logo and some information.
Nowadays, splash screens are much more user-friendly, aesthetically pleasing, and engaging. Splash screens nowadays are implemented into the main page and the screen is filled with content that is fun to the eyes although it still contains the logo as the main thing.
The Spell Of Splash Screen
The majority of apps use their logo with a motion effect on their splash screen. This is an extremely safe method and brands like Youtube, Spotify, LinkedIn are already using it.
Then there are some apps that use the brand color as the splash screen and this is a preferred choice. Apple is the most popular example of this. When you click on an app in the iPhone and if your phone is set in dark mode, you will be welcomed by a black splash screen until the app is ready.
The Animation Touch Up For Splash Screens
Yes, you can use animation. It looks cool but can be a bit risky too.
Two things to consider if you are opting for an animated splash screen are delays and frequency. Delays mean how long is it taking to start the app and frequency means how frequently that app is being opened by the users.
I am pretty sure a lot of you reading this are avid Netflix users and have seen the way Netflix welcomes you with that little animation.
Well, did you also notice how long it takes for the app to open? It doesn’t bother you right? But, it would have bothered you if the same thing happens with your regular text messaging app.
This is more a psychological factor. When you are using a messaging app you want to get done with it fast as all you want to do is text and read messages. If these apps start showing animations as welcome texts, then it will irritate the users.
Not only for messaging apps but also for important apps that you keep using. If one has to wait for 30 seconds for the app to load, then it becomes unbearable.
But, when it comes to apps that you use for entertainment purposes like gaming and streaming apps, a 30-sec delay sounds fine. This is also a psychological factor as to when we are using these apps, we are in a happy and relaxed mood. So, these animations somehow make us feel good.
So, you see, this is more psychological and practical than being technical. The benefit of using a splash screen lies in the purpose of using the app.
The Tale of Boot Screens
Boot screens are a crucial part of applications that are frequently used and you might think that it’s not as important but you are mistaken.
Whenever you enter an application, the start page shows up first. Now, things would be fine if
- The application does not have any bugs,
- The user’s internet connection is fast, or
- The users are not struggling with storage issues.
But, if any of the above boxes are ticked, and the splash screen shows for too long, then it can become very annoying. User-related issues cannot be resolved by the host and this is where the problem starts.
The point of boot screens is that they should be positively noticed by the users. They should not think of it as annoying or useless. For example, the Twitter splash screen: before you even think of it, it’s gone but when you think about it, it will come to your mind.
But splash screens are not responsible for any delays- it’s either the app’s bugs or the user’s device or connection issues.
Now, why are splash screens making a comeback for 2021 and why is it one of the most growing UX/UI trends?
The reason is simple. Websites and apps are now a very important part of a business and they tell a lot about your brand.
In business, first impressions are the last impressions and if your app or website fails to impress your customers, then it’s game over for your business.
Thus, enhancing the user experience should be highly prioritized by the business. One of the elements that improve the UI/UX is splash screens. It adds a visual factor without compromising the functionality of the said app or website.
As a result, many famous tech giants like Apple, Google, have incorporated the splash screen on their digital products.
According to them, they are using this method to provide users with a more enriched user experience. The cherry on top is using the logo as the splash screen as it works as a great branding technique.
The more users see your logos, the more it helps in establishing a good relationship with the brand.
Splash screens are like the spell of magic tricks. It is about the visual illusion and whether it is worth the user’s time or not.
So, you really need the time to articulate your splash screens in a way that doesn’t bother the user, interferes with your apps but enhances the user experience altogether.
In a world where almost everything is digital, providing the users with a rich performance is of utmost importance. This is the reason splash screens are making a comeback with a whole new avatar.
All you have to do is just get it right. Don’t go too bland or don’t overdo it. Experiment but maintain the right balance and boom- you have gotten yourself a wonderful splash screen.
Wrapping Up
We love talking about the latest UX/UI trends and 2021’s UX trends seem to be pretty crazy. Splash screens are just one of them. If you are curious to incorporate the ongoing trends in your business, then you can get connected with industry experts.
Also, if you need some help with app development, then you can drop us a message at Klizo Solutions. We will soon get in touch with you for the same.
