A smart app only really works with a smart user interface

Smart technology is great, but without a good user interface, nothing happens

Many organisations invest in smart apps to make processes better and faster. Think of apps built with Power Apps, Mendix, Qlik dashboards or custom software. But even the technically best app achieves little if users don't want to use it.

In practice, we often see the same thing:

• Screens are unclear
• Important functions are hard to find
• Simple actions take a lot of clicks

The result? The app is not used. Processes grind to a halt. Users go back to Excel or some other form of ‘shadow IT’, and that is a shame, because the problem usually lies not with the technology but with the design.

UI and UX: an inseparable duo

A good user interface (UI) is more than an attractive screen. It ensures that users understand the app and can use it comfortably. If the interface is unclear, the user experience (UX) suffers too, and that affects the success of the app.

At E-mergo we believe that an app only really works when users can use it with ease and confidence. And that starts with a well-thought-out user interface.

What does a good UI deliver?

A smart UI helps your organisation in several ways:

1. Faster adoption
A clear UI means users switch to the new app more quickly. They understand what they need to do and need less explanation. This is especially important in places where digital experience is still limited.

2. Fewer errors, less support
A well-thought-out UI helps users make the right choices. Think of clear buttons, logical flows and error messages. This prevents mistakes or confusion and reduces the pressure on support departments or key users.

3. Working more efficiently
The fewer clicks, the faster you get from A to B. A good UI shows where you are in the app and what your next step is. That saves you time every day.

4. Better user experience = higher satisfaction
When an app is pleasant to use, appreciation grows. This translates into a more positive attitude towards digitalisation in general, which in turn helps with the acceptance of improvements in the future.

5. Future-proof apps
A consistent UI makes your app easy to adapt. Adding new features or onboarding new users then goes faster and with fewer errors. Especially within platforms such as Power Apps or Mendix, this is a big advantage.

In short: a good UI is not an extra, but an essential part of a successful app.

UI design in low-code: more than drag & drop

With the rise of low-code platforms such as Microsoft Power Apps, Mendix or OutSystems, you can build apps faster. But a common misconception is that “low-code” equals “low-effort UI”. Fortunately, we are seeing clear improvement there.

Fortunately, these platforms offer more and more good options for UI design:

• Standard buttons and fields for a recognisable look
• Better support for mobile use
• Themes for a consistent style
• The option of customisation when needed

Most platforms now offer plenty of options for designing the UI with visual building blocks. If you want something extra, you can often still add styles with CSS or other custom solutions.

The good news: that is usually not necessary. With the standard options in low-code tools, you can already create a surprisingly user-friendly and professional app, as long as you make the right design choices.

At E-mergo we combine knowledge of low-code platforms with UX design. We first create a design using design tools such as Figma. That way you can already show, test and discuss the UI and UX before you start building your app. This prevents a Power App or Mendix application from being technically sound but visually falling short.

Involve the user from day one

You don't build a good app on your own. You develop it together with the people who work with it every day. They know where the bottlenecks are and what could be better. With a prototype in Figma, you can easily show and discuss the design of an app.

This also works well when improving existing apps. Observe how people use the app, ask questions and test together. That way you create a design together that really works in practice.

No complete rebuild needed

At E-mergo we help organisations make their existing apps smarter. It is often not necessary to start all over again. Small changes to the UI can already make a big difference. Think of:

• Fewer screen switches
• Clearer buttons
• Better navigation
• Visual consistency

We call this: getting more out of what you already have. Or, as we like to put it: “pimp my app”.