SaaS design and recommendations for creating a competitive interface
SaaS (Software as a Service) is a subscription-based software delivery model. Within this model, access to functionality is provided via cloud platforms. Creating and promoting such products has its nuances that developers should consider. SaaS design, which is different from standard design, deserves special attention.
Design in the SaaS sector should solve several problems. In addition to aesthetic appeal and user interface usability, it plays a key role in user retention. The main goal of such software design is to:
- simplify complex operations;
- increase the efficiency of interaction;
- strengthen the competitive position of the product on the market.
Design recommendations
Usability is a key factor for consumers, especially for digital products. To maximise the user experience, experts recommend following a number of proven principles:
- Focus on UX. In the case of SaaS, the dominant quality is functionality rather than visuals. When developing such products, you should focus on improving the software’s performance. In addition, the application should solve specific user problems. Effective UX involves simplifying operations to reduce cognitive load. Without this, even a visually appealing application can be cumbersome and impractical to use.
- Navigation. SaaS products are characterised by a wide range of functionality. To work with this, it is important to provide intuitive navigation. Steps should be logical and accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise.
- Adaptability. Users of SaaS products may apply them for different purposes – from professional to personal. It is therefore important that the interface is flexible and able to adapt to individual needs. This applies to both the display customisation and the functional block selection.
- Modular design. Support for modular architecture allows you to offer different service packages to users. It also makes it possible to add or remove features as needed. This makes the product more flexible and versatile.
- Optimisation. The dominance of mobile devices is also reflected in SaaS. Given the popularity of their use, it is necessary to optimise applications for smartphones and tablets. And this must be a full version, not a simplified one.
What to look out for
With the right design approach, a platform can act as a tool to attract and retain customers. An important element of such a strategy is the integration of data management features. These should be intuitive and provide valuable information for decision-making.
Particular attention must be paid to product security. The design should ensure both privacy and ease of access. Effective solutions include two-factor authentication and a notification system for potential risks. You can also use different prompts to ensure the right level of protection.