Ux General

General App Quality

These are the fundamentals every app needs regardless of domain. Reviewers, users, and store guidelines all expect them.

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Checklist

| Item | Guidance | |---|---| | App name | Memorable, spellable, searchable. Check for trademark conflicts before launch. | | App icon | Recognizable at 29x29pt. No text inside the icon. Works on both light and dark backgrounds. | | App icon (PWA) | Appropriate icon configured for PWA installation and homescreen display. | | Installation guide | User is clearly informed about the install or activation process. | | ASO | Keyword-rich title, subtitle, and description. A/B test screenshots regularly. | | What's new | Changelog or release notes are shown to the user after an update. | | Splash screen | Brand-colored background with a centered logo. Keep it under 2 seconds. | | Force update | Mandatory update dialog blocks old versions with a clear store link. | | Cloud sync | Data syncs across devices. Has a defined conflict resolution strategy. | | Backup and restore | User can back up and fully restore data on reinstall. | | OS language sync | App language updates automatically when the OS language changes. | | Dark mode sync | App follows the OS dark mode setting without requiring manual change. | | Background mode | App continues working in the background where needed (audio, timers). | | Widget support | Homescreen widget is available for quick access to core actions. | | Storage location | User can move data between internal storage and SD card (Android). | | In-app rating prompt | Store rating prompt appears at the right moment — after a clear user win. | | In-app language | User can change the app language from within Settings. | | Clear cache | User can clear app cache from within the app. | | Contact support | A clear way to reach the support team is available inside the app. | | App integrations | App can connect to third-party services where relevant. | | Cross-platform parity | Core functionality is consistent across all supported platforms. | | Version number | App version is visible in Settings or About. | | Trial mode indicator | Users on a trial see their trial status and expiry clearly. | | Status bar activity | Background activity (music, recording) is visible in the system status bar. | | Multitasking support | App handles split screen and simultaneous actions without breaking. | | Orientation support | App works correctly in both portrait and landscape orientations. |

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Key Principles

Ship-ready baseline: The items above are table stakes, not nice-to-haves. If any of them fail, the app is not ready for production.

Platform conventions matter: iOS and Android users have different mental models. Follow each platform's own guidelines rather than porting one platform's patterns to another.

Test on real devices: Simulators miss orientation bugs, performance issues, and real-world storage behavior. Always test the final build on physical hardware before submission.

Update cadence: A "What's new" section only works if updates are meaningful and communicated in plain language — not "Bug fixes and performance improvements."

Source & license

This open-source skill is cataloged on AgentStack and links to its original source — we do not rehost the code.

• Author: parhamb
• Source: parhamb/design-skills
• License: MIT
• Homepage: https://design-skills-pi.vercel.app

Install and usage instructions live in the source repository linked above.