SaaS (Software as a Service) is one of the most popular services on the IT market. The reason is simple: everyone benefits from the development of such services. Companies get an inexpensive and effective application, and customers get a convenient cloud platform with remote access. After the pandemic, working from home has become the new normal, so the demand for such solutions will only grow.
In this article, we will talk about how to create an effective SaaS service from scratch. Learn about the stages of platform development, approximate costs, and deadlines. Let’s go!
What is SaaS
SaaS, or Software as a Service, is a software development model in which the user and the cloud application are connected via the Internet. To use a SaaS service, you don’t need to install anything on your phone or computer: you can connect to the platform remotely, from any device and from anywhere.
Almost all SaaS platforms operate on a subscription basis: users pay monthly or annually. In most cases, you can cancel your subscription at any time without any serious obligations.
You have probably used a SaaS platform at least once in your life. For example, if you have sent photos via a cloud service, worked in a CRM system, or used Google Docs.
The role of design in SaaS products
UI/UX design helps a product stand out from its competitors and makes it user-friendly. UI stands for user interface. It determines how a service looks. UX stands for user experience, which dictates how a platform works.
The formula is very simple: good UI + good UX = good SaaS product.
But what does “good” mean and how is it defined? Modern SaaS services vary greatly depending on the industry, business needs, or habits of the target audience. Therefore, there is no template that fits all without exception. When designing a SaaS product, you must first and foremost consider the needs of the user.
If you want to develop an attractive SaaS product that will stand out in the eyes of customers and investors, you need to focus on cutting-edge and intuitive UI/UX design.
4 key principles of SaaS service development
A convenient SaaS product design is a balance between logical UX and aesthetic UI. We have compiled 4 tips on how to create UI/UX design for a SaaS service that will be remembered by users and investors.
Simplify
Users need an intuitive and user-friendly interface. Your customers will appreciate minimalist design and logical architecture, especially when working with large amounts of information. The concept of “less is more” is very useful here. It means that with fewer choices, you can focus on what is important and achieve more. First, identify the needs and goals of your audience, and then outline the key elements that will help users achieve the desired result.
Research user behavior
To create an excellent app design, you need to know your users inside and out. Remember that you are not your customer, and you may have different needs, opinions, and reactions. That’s why you can’t judge by yourself: you need to research and analyze customer behavior. For example, conduct surveys and organize focus groups. This will help you better prepare for the launch of your SaaS product.
Contextualize
The point of UI/UX design is to simplify navigation and help customers benefit from the platform. Context-dependent platforms are services that change their behavior according to the user’s current context. For example, with location, time of day, or a specific task. They are distinguished by an intuitive interface and an individual approach.
Collect feedback
We know that every startup owner wants to bring their solution to market as quickly as possible, while minimizing the risk of error. A great way to test a SaaS product is to gather customer feedback and find out what real users are saying about your platform. This will allow you to spot any miscalculations early on and make the necessary adjustments.
