In a year where digital has superseded face-to-face, a research study carried out by UX Connections assessed the best user experience across web and apps to select the best of 2020.
Top 5 User Experience of 2020
The research study used peer-reviewing techniques across a range of sectors (including technology, marketing and advertising, finance, healthcare, travel, and automotive) to determine the best user experience of the year.
1. Tik Tok
Coming in at number one, perhaps unsurprisingly, is Tik Tok – the viral sensation of 2020. Whether it was a hilarious video to keep you entertained or a dance challenge, Tik Tok was a clear winner of the year. With so many users, it’s not surprising that their UX is also noteworthy. Though it lacks the traditional user flow, its algorithm is truly addictive, providing an endless source of videos and visual material. It automatically shows you a video when you open the app and immediately encourages you to interact with the content.
2. Deliveroo
They say you come out of lockdown as a hunk, a drunk or a chunk. For number 3, we largely have Deliveroo to thank, fulfilling our need to eat out even when stuck indoors. With many people missing restaurants, there was a huge surge in the use of takeaway apps allowing people to rely on old favourites as well as discovering new spots. Although other food delivery apps experienced the same surge, few can match the impressive UX of Deliveroo.
3. Zoom
Zoom became an essential service worldwide for businesses, schools and even distanced friends and families. It became the go-to for video conferencing partly due to its unique gallery function, setting it apart from any other similar apps.
4. Disney +
For a relative newcomer, Disney + was able to establish itself as one of the big streaming players almost instantly, able to compete with Netflix and Amazon Prime. Part of its impressive UX includes the option to cue content as well as share movies with friends watching remotely.
5. Headspace
2020 was undoubtedly a stressful year and caused an unprecedented surge for mental health apps. For mental wellness apps, there were an additional 2 million downloads in April 2020 compared to January. Headspace was implemented by the NHS to roll out around staff to support their mental health and wellbeing. The app is simple to use and the illustrated videos and step-by-step guides make it very accessible.
