As the holiday season approaches and the year nearly draws to a close, mobile app developers and businesses face the challenge of optimising their apps to capture the festive spirit and handle increased user traffic. The Christmas season is not just about festivity; it's a crucial time for businesses to engage users, increase conversions, and offer a seamless mobile experience. In DigitSense&rsquo;s special edition article, we'll explore strategies for optimising mobile apps for Christmas, focusing on performance enhancements and integrating Christmas-themed features, supported by compelling successful case studies.
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<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5;">1. Performance Optimization</h2>
Enhancing Speed and Reliability: The holiday season always sees a surge in app usage and online shopping. To prepare for this, it's essential to ensure that your business app can handle increased traffic without compromising on speed or reliability - that could potentially lose many customers in a matter of minutes. Implementing efficient caching, optimising server response times, and using a content delivery network (CDN) can significantly improve load times and avoid your chance of missing out on the end of year revenue.
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<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5;">Case Study 1: Amazon</h2>
<img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/iAMi0fcDyyI8WcOFW7vypAHvzdMHSr6cBDyEMemHbyTw_OVUIyJAybxnATi60I-yaPhaAxuE2jO_z0BkTvAyJaGV549f-9Q6CpY7WZzIXDvb5yYPtIYpIx_YTO1MmeQ3xANcUapHymTa2m1luJWpeaQ" width="602" height="339">
 First, we will be looking at <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/?&amp;tag=hydraamazonav-21&amp;ref=pd_sl_781ozcfkw8_e&amp;adgrpid=154598701155&amp;hvpone=&amp;hvptwo=&amp;hvadid=674801713863&amp;hvpos=&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvrand=17760787432707485080&amp;hvqmt=e&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvdvcmdl=&amp;hvlocint=&amp;hvlocphy=9045888&amp;hvtargid=kwd-10573980&amp;hydadcr=13724_2323348">Amazon and their Holiday Performance Tuning</a>. The e-commerce giant undertook significant measures to optimise the performance of its mobile app during the holiday season. This period is critical for Amazon, as it typically experiences a substantial surge in user traffic and transaction volumes because, let's be honest, we have all used Amazon during our Christmas shopping spree! In this case, to ensure that their app remained fast and reliable despite the increased load, Amazon implemented several key strategies:
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1. Scaling Server Capacity: Anticipating the holiday rush, Amazon proactively increased its server capacity. This scaling up meant adding more servers or enhancing the capabilities of existing servers to handle the higher volume of user requests and transactions to prevent user overload.&nbsp;
2. Database Management Optimization: With millions of products and user transactions, Amazon's database is enormous and complex. Amazon refined its database management processes, involving optimising query handling, indexing more effectively for quicker data retrieval, and implementing more efficient data caching methods. These measures would help in speeding up data access and processing, crucial for quick product searches and transaction processing.&nbsp;
3. Real-time Monitoring and Adjustment: Continuous monitoring of app performance would be a key part of Amazon's strategy. This involves tracking various metrics like server load, response times, and transaction completion rates. Based on this real-time data, Amazon could make immediate adjustments to handle any performance issues, such as dynamically allocating more resources where needed. No matter how large or small the business is, monitoring is key for the success of mobile applications to ensure the retention of consumers using the app.
Through these strategies, Amazon managed to provide a smooth and efficient shopping experience during the holiday season, with their <a href="https://www.siliconrepublic.com/business/amazon-earnings-sales-profits-surge-third-quarter-aws-cloud-ads#:~:text=Amazon%20said%20it%20expects%20sales,sales%20stood%20at%20%24149.2bn.">expected sales to be roughly $160bn</a>. The success in handling the increased traffic without significant performance degradation is a testament to their robust infrastructure and effective performance optimization tactics. This case study exemplifies how critical it is for e-commerce platforms to prepare for seasonal spikes in traffic and how technological foresight and investment can pay off in terms of user satisfaction and business success.
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<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5;"> 2. User Interface and Experience</h2>
Festive Themes and Features: Integrating a Christmas theme can make the app feel more inviting and festive. This can often include <a href="https://digit-sense.com/our-insights/detail/blog/UX-UI-Design-Trends-2023">seasonal graphics, colours, and animations.</a> Additionally, special features like holiday discounts, gift finders, or Christmas countdowns can enhance user engagement.
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5;">3. Marketing and Promotions</h2>
Targeted Holiday Campaigns: Tailor your in-app marketing strategies to reflect the holiday spirit. This includes personalised push notifications about holiday sales, exclusive app-only offers, and festive app content to engage users. To understand more about this concept, make sure to read about marketing and promotions with our other article focusing on the <a href="https://digit-sense.com/our-insights/detail/blog/revolutionising-digital-marketing-with-AI-driven-content">revolutionization of digital marketing</a>!
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<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5;">Case Study 2: Target <img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/ZZxcOQzTsWzFCwezP_cGGrPO0cjQQ3f0nD5k4uQaafYw5WvzOJQrMpmFn8flQz2plBJs0HNTe0uchQwO2HXz26wbRssdhoOaAGHqoZXhakENC8fx_HUvVdEH-PkSb-5vEENeYkiJOaGhV6_nRGeOTm4" width="500" height="333"></h2>
In our second case study focusing on Target&rsquo;s Personalized Holiday Campaigns, the retail giant demonstrated a successful application of in-app marketing strategies tailored for the holiday season. The core of their approach was to leverage user data to create a personalised shopping experience, which not only enhanced user engagement but also drove sales. Here&rsquo;s a deeper look into their strategy: 1. Personalized Push Notifications: One of the key features of their campaign was the use of personalised push notifications. These notifications were not generic but tailored based on the user's past interactions with the app. During the holiday season, these notifications would often include information about holiday sales, special promotions, or gift suggestions, all aligned with the user's interests and previous shopping patterns.
2. Exclusive App-Only Offers: To encourage more app downloads and engagement, Target provided exclusive offers that were only accessible through their app. This tactic not only incentivized the use of the app over other shopping channels but also created a sense of exclusivity and urgency - something consumers could not get by just walking into their stores.
3. Festive App Content: The app&rsquo;s interface was updated to reflect the holiday spirit. This included festive graphics and themed content that resonated with the season. The visual appeal played a significant role in enhancing the user experience, making it more engaging and enjoyable.
Outcome and Impact:
As a result of these strategies, Target saw an increase in user engagement on their mobile app. The personalised approach made users more likely to interact with the notifications and take advantage of the promotions. This led to an increase in sales, with a notable portion of holiday revenues being attributed to the mobile app. Additionally, the personalised and festive nature of the app helped in building customer loyalty and enhancing the overall brand perception. This was deemed as a big success for Target as originally, they focused on in-store shopping but to keep up with the changing trends, they had to change their strategies and find other ways to make revenue.
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<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5;">4. Constant Customer Support and Services</h2>
Streamlining Customer Interaction: The holiday season will bring an increase in customer inquiries and support requests due to the increased sales and traffic. Even with the surge in app usage, you need to retain your customers by having clear and constant support from the team. For example, enhancing in-app customer support features, such as live chat or a comprehensive FAQ section, can improve the user experience and also gain customer loyalty even after the festive period is over.
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Maximise Your Digital Trust: DigitSense&rsquo;s In-House Mobile App Development and Marketing Solutions
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At DigitSense, we recognize the crucial role mobile apps play in today's digital landscape. That's why we've adopted the strategies outlined in our article to specialise in building and optimising mobile apps. Our in-house teams are tailored to meet these specific needs, ensuring that every aspect of our app development and optimization reflects precision, innovation, and user-centric design.
Our dedicated app development teams focus on clear communication and transparency, making our processes both understandable and accessible to clients. We leverage real-world success stories and learnings to create apps that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functionally superior. Our expertise lies in crafting mobile applications that are fast, responsive, and personalised, ensuring they resonate with the target audience.
At DigitSense, we don&rsquo;t just advise clients on optimising mobile apps; we actively implement cutting-edge solutions in our projects. From performance tuning for handling peak traffic during the holiday season to integrating personalised marketing strategies, we ensure that our clients&rsquo; apps are equipped to offer a seamless user experience. Our commitment to excellence makes us a reliable and trustworthy partner in the mobile app development and optimization space, helping businesses thrive in the digital marketplace
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Let&rsquo;s build digital experiences that resonate, captivate, and convert!
Let <a href="https://digit-sense.com/contact-us">DigitSense</a> help you craft a seamless, intuitive, and joy-filled user journey that leaves a lasting impression. Contact us <a href="https://digit-sense.com/contact-us">here</a> to get in touch!
Enjoy your week and Merry Christmas!
Best,
The DigitSense Team
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Optimising mobile apps for Christmas 

Gear up for the festive season with our guide on optimising your mobile app for the holiday rush. Discover key strategies for enhancing performance and integrating Christmas-themed features to captivate users and boost engagement during this joyful time.

Boost Holiday Sales with These App Optimization Tips (For E-commerce Apps)

In today's competitive business landscape, ensuring that <a href="https://digit-sense.com/services" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">digital products</a> meet the ever-evolving demands of the market is crucial for success. Developing a product without a proper understanding of its target audience's needs and expectations can lead to wasted resources and missed opportunities. To maximise the chances of success, businesses must employ a variety of testing methods to validate market demand and refine their offerings to address the needs of their target audience. In our previous article we explored what User Testing and Market Acceptance are and how to conduct each. Today, we will look into other testing methods that businesses can use to gain valuable insights, ensuring their digital products are not only needed but also desired in the marketplace.&nbsp;
<h2>What is Beta Testing?</h2>
Beta testing is a type of user testing that involves releasing a digital product to a limited group of users before it is released to the public. The goal of beta testing is to identify any issues with the product and gather feedback from users to improve its functionality and usability. Beta testing can be done in-house, with employees or contractors serving as the beta testers.
During beta testing, businesses should gather feedback from users on a regular basis and use that feedback to make improvements to the product. Beta testing can help businesses identify issues that may not have been identified during earlier stages of development and leading to an overall better product.
<blockquote><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/official-teams-page?_tk=paid_sem_goog_biz_b&amp;_camp=1027825805&amp;_kw=dropbox%7Ce&amp;_ad=650071742326%7C%7Cc&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAx6ugBhCcARIsAGNmMbijGUID0Dtg_12yVFLHFW80o26Erg-9CfIhYpurLe-yrU8AtyR8nNwaAnKaEALw_wcB" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dropbox</a> is a cloud storage service that was launched in 2008. During the development process, Dropbox conducted extensive beta testing to gather feedback from users and improve the product. This beta testing helped Dropbox to create a product that was reliable and easy to use. Today, Dropbox has over 700 million registered users.</blockquote>
<h2>Other Testing Methods:</h2>
In addition to Beta testing, there are other testing methods that businesses can use to ensure that their digital products are needed in the market, and only by using a combination of these testing methods, businesses can best ensure that they meet the needs of their target audience. Other Testing Methods Include:
<h2>Usability testing</h2>
<a href="https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/usability-testing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Usability testing</a> is a user-centered approach to evaluating the effectiveness and user-friendliness of a digital product. By observing users as they interact with the product, developers can gain valuable insights into the product's strengths and weaknesses.&nbsp;
This process typically involves the following steps:
<ul>
<li style="font-size: 15px;">Identifying the target audience</li>
<li style="font-size: 15px;">Developing test scenarios or tasks for participants to complete</li>
<li style="font-size: 15px;">Recruiting participants that match the target audience profile</li>
<li style="font-size: 15px;">Conducting one-on-one test sessions with participants</li>
<li style="font-size: 15px;">Analyzing the findings to identify areas for improvement</li>
</ul>
Usability testing can be conducted at various stages of product development, including early prototypes, wireframes, or even after the product's release. The main objective of usability testing is to enhance the product's user experience and ensure it meets user expectations.
<h2>Functional testing</h2>
<a href="https://www.microfocus.com/en-us/what-is/functional-testing#:~:text=Functional%20testing%20is%20a%20type,with%20the%20end%20user's%20expectations." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Functional testing</a> is a critical aspect of software testing that focuses on evaluating the application or digital product to ensure that it works as intended and meets its specified requirements. This testing method verifies that each feature and functionality of the product behaves as expected, essentially confirming that the product does what it's supposed to do.
The functional testing process typically involves the following steps:
<ul>
<li style="font-size: 15px;">Analyzing the product's requirements and specifications</li>
<li style="font-size: 15px;">Identifying testable functions and features based on these requirements</li>
<li style="font-size: 15px;">Developing test cases and test data for each function</li>
<li style="font-size: 15px;">Executing test cases and comparing the actual outcomes with expected outcomes</li>
<li style="font-size: 15px;">Recording and analyzing the test results</li>
<li style="font-size: 15px;">Reporting any defects or issues found during the testing process</li>
</ul>
Functional testing can be performed manually or through automated testing tools, depending on the complexity of the product and available resources. Some common types of functional testing include:
<ol>
<li style="font-size: 15px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Unit testing: Verifies individual components or units of code in isolation</li>
<li style="font-size: 15px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Integration testing: Ensures that multiple components or modules work together as expected</li>
<li style="font-size: 15px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">System testing: Tests the entire application as a whole to ensure it meets the specified requirements</li>
<li style="font-size: 15px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Acceptance testing: Validates that the product meets the end user's needs and expectations</li>
</ol>
<h2>Compatibility testing</h2>
<a href="https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/compatibility-test#:~:text=Compatibility%20testing%20is%20a%20form,the%20successful%20performance%20of%20applications." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Compatibility testing</a> is an essential aspect of software testing that focuses on ensuring that a digital product works correctly across a variety of devices, platforms, operating systems, and browsers. The primary goal of compatibility testing is to provide a seamless user experience regardless of the specific environment in which the product is being used.
The compatibility testing process typically involves the following steps:
<ul>
<li style="font-size: 15px;">Identifying the target platforms, devices, operating systems, and browsers for the product</li>
<li style="font-size: 15px;">Defining the various combinations of environments that need to be tested</li>
<li style="font-size: 15px;">Developing test cases and test scenarios that cover the product's functionality across different environments</li>
<li style="font-size: 15px;">Executing the test cases on various combinations of hardware, software, and configurations</li>
<li style="font-size: 15px;">Analyzing the test results to identify any compatibility issues</li>
<li style="font-size: 15px;">Reporting and addressing the defects or issues found during the testing process</li>
</ul>
Compatibility testing can be performed manually or with the help of automated testing tools, which can simulate different environments and configurations. Some common types of compatibility testing include:
<ol>
<li style="font-size: 15px;">Hardware compatibility testing: Ensures that the digital product functions correctly on various hardware configurations, such as different processors, memory sizes, storage capacities.</li>
<li style="font-size: 15px;">Software compatibility testing: This type of testing verifies that the digital product works well with different software environments, such as operating systems, browsers, and third-party applications or plugins.</li>
<li style="font-size: 15px;">Network compatibility testing: This type of testing focuses on the digital product's performance and functionality under various network conditions, such as different bandwidths, latency, and data transfer rates.&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-size: 15px;">Mobile device compatibility testing: This type of testing specifically targets mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, to ensure that the digital product works seamlessly across different mobile operating systems.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Security testing</h2>
<a href="https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/software-testing-security-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Security testing</a> is a vital aspect of software testing that focuses on evaluating the digital product's ability to protect user data and maintain its integrity against potential security threats. The primary goal of security testing is to identify vulnerabilities, weaknesses, and loopholes in the product that could be exploited by malicious entities, and to address these issues to ensure a secure user experience.
The security testing process typically involves the following steps:
<ul>
<li style="font-size: 15px;">Identifying the product's security requirements and objectives</li>
<li style="font-size: 15px;">Developing a security test plan that outlines the testing scope, strategies, and methodologies</li>
<li style="font-size: 15px;">Conducting various security tests to assess the product's vulnerability to potential attacks</li>
<li style="font-size: 15px;">Analyzing the test results to identify security issues and areas of improvement</li>
<li style="font-size: 15px;">Reporting and addressing the defects or vulnerabilities found during the testing process</li>
</ul>
Security testing is the process of identifying vulnerabilities, threats, and risks in a software application to ensure its data and resources are protected from potential attacks. Here are some common types of security testing:
<ol>
<li style="font-size: 15px;">Vulnerability Scanning: Automated testing that checks applications, networks, or systems for known security weaknesses.</li>
<li style="font-size: 15px;">Penetration Testing: Simulated cyber attacks to evaluate the security of an application, network, or system, identifying vulnerabilities that a hacker could exploit.</li>
<li style="font-size: 15px;">Security Auditing: A systematic review of an application's security measures, policies, and procedures to ensure they align with best practices and comply with relevant regulations.</li>
<li style="font-size: 15px;">Risk Assessment: The process of identifying, analyzing, and evaluating potential risks to an application, network, or system to determine the necessary security measures to mitigate those risks.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Measuring Market Acceptance:</h2>
Measuring market acceptance is essential for businesses to determine the success of their digital products in the market, as businesses can gain valuable insights into how well their products are resonating with their target audience.
Market acceptance can be measured through a variety of metrics, including:
<ol>
<li style="font-size: 15px;">Sales: This is the most obvious measure of market acceptance. If a digital product is selling well, it's a good sign that it's meeting the needs of its target audience.</li>
<li style="font-size: 15px;">User Engagement: This includes metrics such as time spent on a website or app, number of pages viewed, and number of interactions.</li>
<li style="font-size: 15px;">Customer Satisfaction: This includes metrics such as Net Promoter Score (NPS) and Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT).</li>
<li style="font-size: 15px;">Reviews and Ratings: This includes user reviews and ratings on websites and app stores.</li>
<li style="font-size: 15px;">Social Media Engagement: This includes metrics such as likes, shares, and comments on social media platforms.</li>
</ol>
It's crucial for companies to pay attention to these metrics and adjust their digital strategies accordingly to improve their market acceptance and stay competitive in today's fast-paced business environment.&nbsp;
In conclusion, the success of a digital product in today's competitive market hinges on its ability to meet the diverse needs and expectations of its target audience. To achieve this, businesses must employ a combination of testing methods, to identify and resolve potential issues and contribute to refining the overall user experience. By embracing a comprehensive approach to digital product testing and market analysis, businesses can effectively navigate the ever-evolving market landscape and deliver products that resonate with their target audience, ultimately driving growth and long-term success.

Digital Product Testing

Digital-Product-Testing

Digital Product Testing: Methods for Ensuring Quality & User Satisfaction

<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2;">Introduction</h2>
In the vast ocean of the app marketplace, where millions of apps are contesting for user attention, the app icon stands as a silent yet powerful beacon.&nbsp;
Much more than just a tiny piece of artwork, app icons serve as the first point of contact between an app and its potential users. They are, in essence, tiny billboards that carry the hefty responsibility of making a memorable first impression. Given their critical role in the app discovery process, it's surprising how often app icons are overlooked or underappreciated in the broader context of app development and marketing strategy.&nbsp;
With that, the team at Digitsense will delve into why these miniature icons deserve a higher share of our attention.
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2;">The Role of App Icons in User Engagement</h2>
First Impressions Matter:&nbsp;
In app stores or shopify stores, users will scroll through hundreds of apps, and your icon might be the only thing they see before making the snap decision to explore further or keep scrolling.&nbsp;
A well-designed icon can communicate the essence of your app at a glance, enticing users to click through to your app's listing.&nbsp;
We&rsquo;re sure you&rsquo;ve done the same. If you were looking for a wishlist app, you would click into the app which seems more appealing to the eye when ultimately both apps would serve the same purpose.&nbsp;
Brand Identity:&nbsp;
Next, you&rsquo;d want to cement your brand identity immediately off the bat.&nbsp;
Your app icon will become a crucial element of your brand identity within the digital ecosystem. It needs to resonate with your target audience, reflecting the personality and values of your brand, all within a canvas of a few square inches.
Careful considerations of colour, icon, and shapes will have to be decided as revamping your logo isn&rsquo;t always good for the business.
Visual Communication:&nbsp;
App Icons transcend language barriers, making them a universal tool for communication.&nbsp;
A thoughtfully designed icon can convey the app&rsquo;s purpose and functionality without a single word, making it accessible to a global audience and easier to recall.
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2;">The Breakdown of an Effective App Icon&nbsp;</h2>
Creating an effective app icon is a blend of art and science. Here are some of DigitSenses&rsquo; key elements to consider:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Simplicity: The best app icons are simple and uncluttered. Remember, your icon needs to stand out on various devices and resolutions, from the tiny display of an apple watch to the larger screen of an Ipad.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2;" aria-level="1">
Memorability: Your icon should be distinctive and <a href="https://digit-sense.com/our-insights/detail/blog/trust-and-credibility-in-your-digital-presence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">memorable</a>, making it easy for users to recognize your app among a sea of competitors. Unique shapes, bold colours, and distinctive imagery can all contribute to memorability. An example can be seen with the snapchat app - you see a white ghost in a yellow background, instantly it recalls you to the texting app.&nbsp;
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2;" aria-level="1">
Relevance: The icon should also be a visual representation of what your app does or the value it offers. This immediate relevance helps users quickly understand whether your app meets their needs.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Consistency: Just another reminder to ensure your app icon is consistent with the design and colour scheme of your app&rsquo;s user interface. This consistency reinforces your brand and provides a cohesive user experience from the first interaction.
</li>
</ul>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2;">DigitSense&rsquo;s Best Practices for Designing App Icons</h2>
This is what we think are the most important aspects for designing icons:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Test Across Different Backgrounds: Since users can have wildly different wallpapers, your icon should pop against a variety of backgrounds.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2;" aria-level="1">
Avoid Text: Given the small size, text is often unreadable. If you must use letters, limit it to a single character or your brand's initial.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2;" aria-level="1">
Iterate and Test: Design several icon options and test them with your target audience. Pay attention to which icons garner the best reactions and why they do so.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2;" aria-level="1">
Consider Cultural Differences: If you&rsquo;re targeting a global market, be mindful of cultural symbols and colours, as their interpretations can vary widely.
</li>
</ul>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2;">Do Not Neglect Your App Icon!</h2>
You might think an app icon is not important and all it does is act as a button to be clicked on. Whilst that&rsquo;s true, neglecting your app icon can lead to a way lower app visibility and downloads.&nbsp;
A poorly designed icon can suggest to users that your app is low quality or outdated, discouraging them from downloading or even considering your app.&nbsp;
In contrast, a compelling icon can significantly increase your app&rsquo;s download rates, enhance brand recognition, and contribute to the overall success of your app.
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<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2;">Case Study: <a href="https://looka.com/blog/instagram-logo/">Instagram and Their App Icons</a></h2>
<img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/G9ixYjgaHv_I_vmylY6W56A7hTXgWfY8w3pke-COK2a0UUWpRRlru9nBnRBeEYV-Kdu4Xp2Oy4PA2DJ-NOlzIJtpu9nklLgGxOEgJxC3Ul8iBfLd-mz0XpHkwi8wJpihLvcWDZHOVAlJ6jtmQjJbi9s" width="602" height="352">
Photo By <a href="https://looka.com/blog/instagram-logo/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Looka</a>
Instagram's app icon is a great example of the significant impact an effective icon design can have on an app&rsquo;s brand recognition and user engagement.&nbsp;
Over the recent years alongside the boom of social media, Instagram has undergone several redesigns of its app icon, each reflecting shifts in design trends and the evolution of the brand itself.
Let&rsquo;s go into detail of what they changed and why it was so effective.
<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2;">The Evolution of Instagram&rsquo;s App Icon</h3>
Original Polaroid Camera Icon (2010-2016):
Instagram's first icon was designed to mimic a retro Polaroid camera, symbolising the app&rsquo;s primary function as a photo-sharing platform. This icon featured a rainbow stripe and a lens, set against a rich, textured background that evoked a nostalgic feel as you can see from the image above.&nbsp;
This icon became highly recognizable and mostly beloved for its quirky, retro appeal, which resonated well with the early adopters of the app.
Redesigned Minimalist Icon (2016-Present):
In 2016, Instagram made a significant shift, moving to a much more simplified and modern icon. This new design retained the silhouette of the camera but replaced the detailed, realistic elements with a gradient background ranging from purple to orange, overlaid with a simple white outline of a camera.&nbsp;
This redesign aimed to reflect the diversification of the app's content beyond just photos, embracing videos, stories, and other visual content.
<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2;">Impact of the Icon Redesign</h3>
User Reaction:
Nevertheless, the initial transition to the new icon was met with mixed reactions.&nbsp;
Some users felt that the new, simpler icon was a step away from the unique character of the original. However, over time, the new design has become widely accepted and is now instantly recognizable as the Instagram brand.
Brand Identity and Market Positioning:
The <a href="https://digit-sense.com/our-insights/detail/blog/how-colour-psychology-paints-the-perfect-website-story" target="_blank" rel="noopener">modern, gradient design</a> of the new icon aligns well with Instagram&rsquo;s aim to be seen as a contemporary, forward-thinking platform. It emphasises simplicity and flexibility, crucial for digital adaptability. The icon&rsquo;s simplicity ensures it stands out in a crowded app marketplace and is scalable across various device resolutions and sizes.
Memorability and Simplicity:
Instagram&rsquo;s current icon demonstrates the power of simplicity in design. Its minimalist approach makes it easy to recognize and remember, crucial traits for standing out in the digital age.
Instagram&rsquo;s journey with its app icon underscores the importance of the icon in an app&rsquo;s marketing strategy and user experience. It highlights how a well-designed app icon not only attracts users but can also become an integral part of the brand&rsquo;s visual identity.&nbsp;
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<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2;">Conclusion</h2>
Ultimately, in the competitive world of app development, overlooking the importance of your app's icon is a mistake you can't afford to make. These tiny billboards are not just placeholders on a screen; they're also a critical element of your marketing strategy and user experience.&nbsp;
We suggest in Investing the time and resources into designing a standout app icon and this can pay dividends in attracting and retaining users in the long run. Remember, in the realm of app stores, a great icon doesn&rsquo;t just say "look at me" &mdash; it says "remember me."
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https://digit-sense.com/our-insights

App Icons: The Tiny Billboards that Deserve Big Attention

Low adoption rates for a website or mobile app can have far-reaching consequences on a business's growth and success. To combat this issue, it's crucial to adopt a strategic approach focusing on usability, design, and marketing. Let's delve into the technical aspects of improving adoption rates for your website or mobile app, to help you stay ahead of the curve and provide an engaging experience for your users through successful <a href="https://www.designrush.com/agency/mobile-app-design-development/trends/ios-app-development" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mobile and&nbsp;web development</a>.
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2;">1. Usability&nbsp;</h2>
A seamless&nbsp;<a href="https://digit-sense.com/our-insights/detail/blog/interaction-design">user experience</a> is vital for determining the adoption rate of your website or mobile app. Ensuring that your platform is user-friendly and intuitive will attract more users and increase the likelihood of them returning.
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2;">Simplify Navigation: Design a clear and easy-to-understand user interface by grouping related features together and utilizing recognizable icons. Make sure all features and sections are easily accessible, and employ a logical flow that aligns with user expectations.</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2;"><a href="https://digit-sense.com/services/detail/web-design-development">Optimize for Mobile:</a> With the growing prominence of mobile devices, having a responsive design that works well on various screen sizes and platforms is essential. Implement mobile-first design principles and perform extensive testing on different devices to ensure a seamless user experience.</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2;">Conduct User Testing: Regularly test your website or app with real users through usability testing, A/B testing, and user surveys to identify potential usability issues and areas for improvement.</li>
</ul>
<h2>2. Design</h2>
The&nbsp;<a href="https://digit-sense.com/services/detail/web-design-development">design of your website</a> or mobile app is crucial in fostering user adoption. A visually appealing and professional design can entice users to explore your platform and return in the future.
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2;">Use a Consistent Design Language: Implement a consistent design language across your platform, including typography, color schemes, and iconography, to improve user experience and create a cohesive brand image.</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2;">Implement Clear Call-to-Actions: Guide users towards desired actions with clear and visible call-to-action buttons. Utilize contrasting colors and concise copy to make your CTAs stand out.</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2;">Prioritize Content Hierarchy: Organize your content in a logical order, with the most important information presented first. Use headings, subheadings, and bullet points to break up text and make it easily scannable for users.</li>
</ul>
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<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2;">Case Study 1: <a href="https://www.duolingo.com/">Duolingo</a></h2>
<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Ey3W4etUoC0z8I4D4-VJtYz83ph_CWCqvGkd_o_Q4TU-9KVMlj5nSzVjOx7jQhnIONS7yOXy5G9TsUGdoYtO2MGjWBCTNa8kKccTbISBUo6JtLKtexwoPZaFk_8eXyBD4yBotdRZzRpMpqR4dtkThUs" width="622" height="413">
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Duolingo, a popular language learning platform, faced low adoption rates in its early days. In response, the company focused on enhancing the app's usability and design, making it more engaging and user-friendly. To improve usability, Duolingo simplified its onboarding process, allowing users to start learning a language with minimal friction. The company also introduced <a href="https://digit-sense.com/our-insights/detail/blog/interaction-design">gamification elements</a>, such as a reward system and streak tracking, which helped increase user engagement and retention.
In terms of design, Duolingo revamped its user interface, adopting a clean and intuitive layout. The company also ensured that the app was optimized for various screen sizes and devices, catering to the growing number of mobile learners.&nbsp;To increase awareness and adoption, Duolingo initiated a targeted marketing campaign, leveraging social media platforms and influencers. They also introduced a referral program, providing incentives for users to share the app with friends and family.&nbsp;These combined efforts led to a significant increase in user adoption, with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usesignhouse.com/blog/duolingo-stats#:~:text=How%20many%20people%20use%20Duolingo%3F,-Want%20a%20link&amp;text=Over%20575%20million%20people%20use,stories%2C%20and%20many%20other%20features.">Duolingo now boasting over 500 million users worldwide</a> and becoming one of the leading language learning apps in the market.
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<h2>3. Marketing</h2>
Effective marketing strategies can significantly enhance your website or mobile app's visibility, encouraging more users to discover and adopt your platform.
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2;"><a href="https://digit-sense.com/services/detail/search-engine-optimization">Optimize for Search Engines</a>: Implement search engine optimization (SEO) techniques, such as keyword research, on-page optimization, and link building, to boost your website's ranking on search engine results pages. Also, ensure that your website is optimized for technical SEO by improving page loading speed and ensuring mobile-friendliness.</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2;"><a href="https://digit-sense.com/services/detail/social-media-marketing">Utilize Social Media</a>: Share engaging content and interact with users on social media platforms to raise awareness of your website or app. Tailor your content to each platform's unique audience and format, and use analytics to track performance and optimize your strategy.</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2;">Offer Incentives: Encourage user adoption by offering rewards, discounts, or exclusive features. Implement referral programs, loyalty schemes, and limited-time promotions to entice new users and keep existing ones engaged.</li>
</ul>
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<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2;">Case Study 2: <a href="https://evernote.com/">Evernote</a></h2>
<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/U7hgVPkhdiaCZNQrAsZSl8csOyBwM55_suNdXLNGX_iEdA6oIXh2Z-fZdWXS42FkLT8pblbjtcfxEkAZ02-SKECjLLaK283d3x4UMuXUdLiJ3wDE2jF-NNNmL3rdPhb5B9-3yzVdNmbU2GMliq5bc94" width="602" height="401">
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Evernote, a note-taking and organization app, struggled with low adoption rates during its initial launch. To address this, the company focused on enhancing the app's usability, design, and marketing efforts.&nbsp;Evernote recognized that its user interface was cluttered and confusing, hindering user adoption. The company streamlined its interface, focusing on a minimalistic and intuitive design that emphasized core features, such as note-taking and search functionality.&nbsp;To improve usability, Evernote implemented features like easy-to-use tagging and notebook organization systems, making it simpler for users to categorize and locate their notes. They also ensured the app was fully compatible with different devices and platforms, offering seamless synchronization across devices.
Evernote invested in content marketing to raise awareness and educate potential users about the app's benefits. They published blog posts, how-to guides, and video tutorials showcasing various use cases and features. The company also leveraged social media platforms and influencer partnerships to reach a wider audience.
Additionally, Evernote offered a&nbsp;<a href="https://evernote.com/compare-plans">freemium pricing model,</a> allowing users to access basic features for free and upgrade to premium plans for advanced features. This strategy encouraged new users to try the app without financial commitment, leading to an increase in adoption rates. As a result of these efforts, Evernote's user base grew exponentially, and the app has become a <a href="https://expandedramblings.com/index.php/evernote-statistics/">go-to tool for millions of people worldwide</a> for note-taking and organization.
Improving adoption rates for your website or mobile app is essential to fostering growth and success. By focusing on usability, design, and marketing, you can create a more appealing and user-friendly platform that attracts and retains users. Implementing the strategies discussed in this article and learning from real-life case studies, such as Duolingo and Evernote, can help you increase adoption rates and ensure the continued success of your digital platform.
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Creating an appealing and user-friendly platform that attracts and retains users is the key to addressing low adoption rates for your website or mobile app. By focusing on usability, design, and marketing, and implementing the in-depth technical strategies outlined in this Digitsense blog article, you can significantly increase adoption rates and ensure the continued success of your digital platform. Continuously refining your approach and learning from industry leaders will help you stay ahead of the curve and provide an engaging experience for your users.
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Boost Your Website or Mobile App Adoption Rates: An In-Depth Technical Guide

Discover comprehensive strategies to improve usability, design, and marketing for your website or mobile app, and learn how to significantly increase adoption rates with our in-depth technical guide.

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<h2>What is SEO?</h2>
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Search Engine Optimization (SEO) means to improve the ranking of your website in various keywords by favouring the different algorithms of search engines. Throughout this process you can improve the organic traffic and ranking of your website on search engines such as&nbsp;Google, Yahoo, Baidu, Yandex, Naver etc.&nbsp;
There are three key points to master SEO:
1. Site structure&nbsp;
Site structure is how you organise your website&rsquo;s content. When your content is grouped, linked and presented properly, your website will be user-friendly so that visitors are likely to visit your website and search engines can index your URLs better.&nbsp;
2. Site content&nbsp;
The content needs to favour the search engines and your audience at the same time. It is better to write content from the perspective of the target audiences to ensure that someone wants to read it. With great content, your website can have more visitors and the ranking can be improved.&nbsp;
3. External Links
External links are hyperlinks that will direct a user from one page to another target page when clicked. When the external links and your website are highly related and authorized, the search engine will identify your website as trustworthy and the ranking can be improved.
<h2>What is SEM?</h2>
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Search Engine Marketing (SEM) is the process of increasing website impressions on search engine results pages through paid search advertising. The most common SEM is setting keyword search advertisements on Google ads. It is a quick and useful approach for promoting your new products and events, or increasing your brand awareness in a short period of time.&nbsp;
There are two key points to create an attractive and effective advertisement campaign:
1. Keywords
Setting relevant keywords is important, as it is where your advertisement will be shown. Setting general keywords like &ldquo;shoes&rdquo; can help you gain more impressions while setting specific keywords like &ldquo;high heel shoes&rdquo; can help you reach your target audiences. You need to set keywords according to your goal.
2. Contents
The quality of your advertisement will affect the ranking and also the cost. A quality score is determined by expected clickthrough rate, advertisement relevance and expected clickthrough rate. If you have a higher quality score, you can rank higher and increase the chance to appear on the front page. You will also have a lower PPC (Pay Per Click). Further information: <a href="https://support.google.com/google-ads/answer/6167118?visit_id=637771222017932281-3215033586&amp;rd=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How to Check and Improve your Quality Score</a>
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SEOSEMFree: For SEO, what you need to do is to optimise your own website. If you create a high-quality website, it will rank high in search engines naturally. It is totally free of chargePaid: For SEM, it means that you are going to set advertisement campaigns to get a high ranking in search engines. It is charged depending on the duration and exposure.Takes time: SEO helps your website to rank in high position on search engines by website optimization. However, SEO requires more time and patience since search engines value authority and that takes time to establish. SEO is better for branding as it can bring you stable conversion in the long run. |More instant results: For SEM, your website ranks high right after paying and so you can see a significant increase in the traffic of your website immediately. SEM is more suitable for event promotion as it can give you high impressions instantly but temporarily. If you want to keep such high exposure, it may cost a lot.
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We can help your company to increase both organic and paid traffic. Our team is able to cover all aspects of SEO and SEM from content creation to web development. Aiming to improve your search engine ranking sustainably to drive organic traffic, ranging from meta-tags to backlinks building, tailoring a SEM advertising campaign. Having SEO/SEM service can definitely help your company to increase exposure, <a href="https://digit-sense.com/contact-us" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">contact DigitSense to know how to start!</a>

Search Engine Optimisation and Search Engine Marketing. What is it and What is the Difference?

6 Must-Know Tips for Successful Product Development

Learn to tackle product development challenges with tips and real-life examples.

Discover how the new digital product architecture can help businesses deliver cutting-edge products and services that meet customer needs, increase efficiency, and drive business growth.

New Digital Product Architecture: Building Scalable, Flexible and Future-Proof Solutions

As businesses continue to focus on digital transformation, ensuring that their digital products meet the needs and expectations of their target audience is increasingly important. This is where user testing comes in. User testing involves gathering feedback from real users to identify potential issues with a digital product that may not be apparent during the design and development phases. In this article, we will explore the importance of user testing and discuss some of the methods that businesses can use to ensure that their digital products are meeting the needs of their target audience, as well as will demonstrate how user testing has helped real-life businesses improve their digital products to stay ahead of the competition.
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2;">What is User Acceptance Testing?</h2>
User acceptance testing (UAT) is a type of testing that is done to ensure that a digital product meets the needs of its intended users. UAT is typically done near the end of the development process, after other types of testing have been completed.
During UAT, a group of representative users are asked to use the digital product and provide feedback on its functionality, usability, and overall experience. This feedback is used to make improvements to the product before it is released to the public. UAT is an important step in ensuring that a digital product is needed in the market. By gathering feedback from representative users, businesses can identify any issues with the product that may have been missed during earlier stages of development.
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2;">Why is User Testing Important?</h2>
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/digitsense_2-ux-testing-tools-to-use-activity-6867295780399661056-1eI_?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop">User testing</a> is important because it helps identify potential issues with a digital product that may not be apparent during the design and development phases. By gathering feedback from real users, businesses can improve the usability and functionality of their digital products, leading to better <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/digitsense_userexperience-activity-6998286208111960064-vAbI?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktopserexperience-activity-6998286208111960064-vAbI?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop">user experiences</a> and increased market acceptance.
User testing also helps businesses save time and money in the long run by identifying and fixing issues early in the development process. By addressing issues before a digital product is released to the market, businesses can avoid costly redesigns and negative reviews.
Finally, user testing can help businesses stay ahead of the competition by providing valuable insights into user needs and preferences. By continually improving their&nbsp;<a href="https://digit-sense.com/case-studies/detail/medtech-neuropix">digital products based on user feedback</a>, businesses can create products that meet the evolving needs of their target audience and stay ahead of the curve.
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<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2;">Case Study: Slack</h2>
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<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mcLQXX-zDUWI3Av3PsBSpAahwxnwOILeLVKiKWe7ia8FH7NkBRqmO6NCfMxxqHs3uaqVyF7LVJpAi0rqh95VdhwAw_nADycbKrOEcZS8DtlBVjw0vCOnKJlRSeAOMdQGBM8SAkKP-In2VYRPWe9DiXA" width="582" height="327">
<a href="https://slack.com/">Slack</a>, the team collaboration software, has revolutionized the way teams communicate. Its success can be attributed to a variety of factors, but a key component is its user-centric approach. Here&rsquo;s how Slack utilized User Testing and User Acceptance to ensure their product was a hit from the start.
1. Early Prototype Testing: Before releasing a full-fledged version, Slack developed prototypes which they tested on actual users. This helped them identify key usability issues and also understand what users truly wanted from such a tool.
2. Continuous Feedback Loop: Slack emphasized on continuous feedback even after its official release. They built in channels for users to provide feedback directly and also monitored social media and forums for unsolicited feedback.
3. Focused Groups: Slack also created focused groups consisting of potential users. They were tasked with using Slack and providing detailed feedback regarding its functionalities.
4. Beta Releases: New features were often released as betas to a limited group. This group&rsquo;s feedback was critical in refining features before a full release.
5. Monitoring User Metrics: By closely monitoring how users interacted with the software (e.g., which features were most used, where they spent most of their time), Slack could make data-driven decisions on what needed improvement.
Slack&rsquo;s dedication to user testing and acceptance has played a critical role in its success. In the fast-paced world of digital products, understanding and adapting to user needs isn&rsquo;t just good practice, it&rsquo;s essential for survival and growth. This case study demonstrates that a user-centric approach can lead to both commercial success and a product that truly resonates with its intended audience.&nbsp;This user testing helped Slack to create a product that was easy to use and met the needs of its target audience. Today, Slack has over 12 million daily active users.
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<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2;">How to Conduct User Testing?</h2>
There are several ways to conduct user testing, including:
<ol>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Usability Testing: This involves observing users as they interact with a digital product to identify areas for improvement in usability and user experience.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/digitsense_what-is-ab-testing-in-ux-activity-6958643151230185472-yqr3?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop">A/B Testing</a>: This involves testing two different versions of a digital product with different groups of users to determine which version performs better.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Focus Groups: This involves gathering a group of users to provide feedback on a digital product.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Surveys: This involves gathering feedback from users through a survey or questionnaire.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Analytics: This involves analysing user behaviour data to identify areas for improvement in a digital product.
</li>
</ol>
When conducting user testing, it's important to gather feedback from a diverse group of users to ensure that the product meets the needs of its target audience. It's also important to set clear goals for the testing and to use the feedback gathered to make concrete improvements to the digital product.
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<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2;">Case Study: Airbnb</h2>
<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/p-hVtwYJ8lksHWKVRj8YxFaUoKLqQ8_mV0kUduCEeO3IMTz5geUrO4whsPzRW22zTtHdYwxljw_aToHgWVz9KbFUbO9pRYinDjuqNO5QWzjml8j7Eg9200w2Kabq1okmRv7KZjZgHDx7UZNZ0eeuhkI" width="602" height="339">
<a href="https://www.airbnb.com/">Airbnb</a> faced a challenge in maintaining the quality and consistency of the properties listed on its platform.To address this challenge, Airbnb used User Acceptance Testing (UAT) to ensure that the rental properties listed on its platform met the needs and expectations of travelers. Airbnb selected a group of users to test the properties and provide feedback on their experiences. The feedback collected from users was used to make improvements to the platform and address any issues quickly. Airbnb's use of UAT helped the company to maintain the quality and consistency of the properties listed on its platform, enhancing the overall user experience and contributing to the company's success.
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In conclusion, user testing is a critical component of the design and development process for digital products. It enables businesses to improve the usability and functionality of their products, and create an overall better user experience. By identifying issues early on, businesses can save time and money while staying ahead of the competition. Thus, don't underestimate the power of user testing in creating successful digital products. By utilising a combination of testing methods and continuously gathering feedback from users, businesses can create products that meet the evolving needs of their target audience leading to increased sales, customer loyalty, and brand growth.
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Learn about the importance of UAT (User Acceptance Testing) in ensuring that digital products meet the needs and expectations of their target audience. Discover the methods that businesses can use to stay ahead of the competition.

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User Testing and User Acceptance of Digital Products: Why It Matters and How to Do It

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