“Honestly, I picked my bank based on how slick their app was,” laughs TJ Sanders, a Senior UX designer at Mindgrub. “I literally just scrolled through the app store, checked out a few options, and made my choice.”

TJ’s story is all too familiar—when it comes to choosing an app, ease-of-use is king. People are busy, and no one has time to deal with clunky, complicated, or outdated apps. The simpler, the better.

And when it comes to your mobile app, it’s always been more than just a button on a screen. It’s your brand, your business card, and your best way to connect with users—all in a neat little downloadable package. But with 1 in 4 people ditching an app after just one use, making a killer first impression is crucial.

An updated app can boost conversions, keep customers coming back, and lock in your place in the market. In short, it’s the secret to happier users and higher profits.

But how do you know if your mobile app needs a revamp or just a little refresh? Here are some signs it’s time to level up:

Are your app KPIs trending in the wrong direction? Let’s boost user engagement.

If engagement is dropping, conversions are dwindling, or your downloads are flatlining, it’s time to rethink your app’s user experience. A smooth UX can be the difference between a five-star review and an abandoned cart.

UX (User Experience) and UI (User Interface) are all about creating a seamless, enjoyable journey for your users. If any part of the flow—like long surveys, endless sign-ins, or confusing checkout processes—feels like a hurdle, users will bounce. By creating a strategic UX journey, users can use your app with little to no obstacles between sign-up and checkout.

Ready to branch out and grow your business? Here’s how to stay in the game.

If your app started as a bare-bones product to test the waters or took on a phased approach to key features, it might be time to consider expanding.

Take a look at your competition—do they have features that users love? Are there flows or functionalities that make an interaction easier or more fun? Lauren Herda, Mindgrub’s Interactive Art Director and Emerging Tech expert, warns against staying stale: “As other apps advance their UIs and experiences to better adapt to users, neglecting to do the same for your app means risking that your users will be lured away.”

Investing in your app’s features can capture opportunities and bring your business to the next level.

Is your app’s codebase in hieroglyphics? It might be time for a new build.

If your developers groan every time they touch the code, it’s probably time for an update. 

“Legacy” code (a term used to describe code that has reached the end of its support cycle) can be tricky to work with and a nightmare to update. Here are a few signs your code is on the wrong side of retro:

• Your code is difficult to test
• It was written in a coding language that is considered outdated
• It becomes difficult to build changes on top of the codebase
• The code is difficult for new developers to understand or take on without the original author

Is your app at risk of being ghosted by app stores? Here’s how to keep in the clear.

Apple and Android don’t mess around. If your app has bugs, crashes, or fails to get updated regularly, it could get pulled from the store for being “abandoned”. 

App stores want to offer products that are being consistently maintained and improved—otherwise, users might not trust the software they offer. Regularly engage with user feedback to find any bugs or issues that snuck through your quality assurance to keep your mobile app functional and available on app stores.

Are user habits changing? Time to upgrade your app.

As user behaviors evolve, your app needs to keep pace to remain relevant and useful. For instance, certain UX trends like slick motion design or modern data visualization are becoming common user expectations. “UX design is an ever-evolving field,” says Lauren Herda, Mindgrub Interactive Art Director, “Designers are constantly gathering data about what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to keeping users and encouraging behaviors.”

Whether your users are switching to tablets, desktops, or talking to their devices, your app needs to keep up. A full app refresh can mean accessing a whole new audience segment more effectively and expanding your reach.

Is your mobile app design feeling a little old-school? Let’s give it a fresh coat of paint.

If your app design feels stuck in the past—too trendy, with muted colors or inconsistent design elements—it might be time for a facelift. 

There’s a famous saying by designer Massimo Vignelli: “Styles come and go. Good design is a language, not a style.” Make sure you’re speaking your audience’s language with strong, simple designs that make an impression and feel right for your brand. A new modern design also allows your app to be more accessible, which helps you remain compliant with ADA guidelines and reach more users.

Maintaining a quality app can feel like a balancing act, especially with so many factors to consider. From keeping your user experience smooth and intuitive, expanding with new features, updating outdated code, and adapting to shifting user behaviors, to staying ahead of design trends—there’s a lot to juggle. But you don’t have to go it alone. If your app needs a refresh or you’re unsure where to start, Mindgrub is here to help. Reach out for a consultation, and we’ll work with you to ensure your app is primed for success—keeping your users happy and your business growing.