There are applications that you use without thinking and that require no effort from you to navigate.

Examples of such apps could be Google Maps, Spotify, Uber.

You don't wonder how Google Maps works. You don't look for instructions for Spotify. You don't google: “how to order an Uber”.

These applications work so well that they practically disappear from consciousness. This happens because they use various tricks that make their products something that is absurdly simple to use.

In this article, I'll tell you a bit about these tricks — I'll show specific actions and how they affect, making the application unnoticeably as simple as it is.

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Tricks that make apps dead simple to use (and how you can use them)

1. Clear language

Users have no patience for translating jargon. If words are simple and obvious, the product “drives itself”.

Example

In Polish version, Spotify instead of “shuffle” gives “Play randomly” — the clearest message possible.

Checklist:

• Shorten each sentence by 20–30% without losing meaning.

• Zero jargon, zero abbreviations incomprehensible to the user.

• Button labels say the result (“Save”), not the process (“Submit form”).

2. Quick start

The first minutes decide whether someone stays. The faster you show value, the easier it is for the user to stay longer.

Example:

Google Maps opens immediately on your location. Uber suggests home and work.

Checklist:

• First value as quickly as possible

• SSO login, minimum fields in registration.

• Contextual hints instead of video tutorials.

3. Accessibility

A product that's easy to use is a product that works for everyone, regardless of device or user limitations.

Example

High contrast, readable fields, possibility of one-handed operation in mobile app.

Checklist

• Text contrast min. 4.5:1, tap-targets ≥ 44×44 px. (want to know more about why text is crucial? Read more about importance of typography in UI design.)

• Clear focus states and errors assigned to fields.

• Optionally full keyboard support.

4. Consistency

People like predictability. If the same pattern looks and works the same way everywhere, the whole becomes intuitive. And “everywhere” means both consistently throughout your app, but also according to universal standards.

Example

In Notion every block behaves the same way. In Uber “+” always means adding a destination.

Checklist

• One name for one thing.

• Same icons and behaviors throughout the product.

• One graphic style, no duplicate components.

5. Feedback (micro-reactions)

Lack of system response creates uncertainty. This is an interesting relationship that I hadn't thought about, but I noticed once that when a button didn't react to my press, but triggered actions, it was strange. Every click should give some signal.

Example

In Spotify an icon immediately appears that indicates playback.

Checklist

• Action confirmation in < 200 ms (animation, text, sound).

• Loading states instead of empty screens.

• Errors described clearly and with a simple path to fix.

6. Small personalizations and good defaults

Small adjustments make the product feel familiar. The system should make choice easier, not complicate it.

Example

Spotify creates “Daily Mix”, Maps remembers home and work. Filter in the store remains as it was previously.

Checklist

• Default settings based on most common choices.

• Remembering last settings.

• Ability to quickly turn off personalization.

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Summary

Using simple tricks in application design can dramatically improve user experience, you just need to know them and apply them.

If you want to find out how these tricks look in practice, check out our portfolio.

Do you have an idea for an application and want to create it taking into account all these tricks? Contact us, we'll be happy to help!