Best App Designs of 2024 - 2025

The Design Research Process

Our design research process is a dynamic journey in the ever-evolving app design and development landscape. We search the web, contact brands and agencies, and evaluate the designs worthy of being part of our collection. To be acknowledged among the best app designs, one must master innovation, trends, impact, functionality, and most importantly, brand recognition. 

Designs that manage to transcend expectations and take app aesthetics and features to the next level gain recognition, and the finest among them may advance further and compete for the title of Design Award winner. 

If you believe your design embodies these principles, you too can submit it for consideration, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of app design excellence. 

Best Designs 2025
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Best App Designs FAQ

How are the best app designs made?

Creating the best app designs involves a technical process that starts with understanding the app's function and who will use it. Designers research to align the app's design with user needs and objectives. Then comes the technical part: using design tools to develop the app's layout, choosing color schemes that match the brand, selecting readable and attractive typography, and incorporating interactive elements like buttons and swipes. All these pieces come together to create an app that's nice to look at and a breeze to navigate. 

Look at the Mucho App, for example. This app's design hits the mark with its intuitive interface and engaging visuals. Its vibrant color palette and legible typography make navigation simple and enjoyable. The designers considered each aspect of the user's journey, ensuring every interaction feels natural. 

What is the most important thing when creating app designs?

The most important factor in creating app design is delivering a good user experience (UX). It involves carefully crafting the interface to be intuitive, focusing on smooth navigation and logical layout. An app should feel natural to the user, with every tap and swipe making sense. 

Take the Simpli.City app design, for example. This app offers a seamless user experience with its clean and minimalistic design. It removes any unnecessary elements that could confuse users. The navigation is intuitive, with a clear layout and well-thought-out user flow. Its personalized content is a marvelous display of how a tailored app feature leads to a meaningful and enjoyable user journey! 

How much is a quality app design?

Professional app design companies typically charge hourly, ranging from $50 to $200. Here's a breakdown based on the complexity and billing methods: 

  • Hourly Rates: The cost depends on how complex the app is and how many features it includes. Factors like the company's experience and size also play a significant role in determining the hourly rate.
  • Project-Based Billing: The cost can range from $1,500 to $5,000 for simpler apps. Complex apps with advanced features and functionalities can cost from $50,000 to over $250,000. 

The final app design and development cost will also depend on specific requirements, such as the app's UI/UX, the number of platforms (iOS, Android, web, etc.), and any special features. 

What do most app designers use?

App designers use tools to create engaging and functional app interfaces. The most popular ones are Sketch for its vector design capabilities, Adobe XD for user experience design and prototyping, and Figma for its collaborative features. Tools like Axure RP and InVision are commonly used for more intricate prototyping. Additionally, in app development, Python is frequently used for backend development or data analysis. These tools combine design, prototyping, and collaboration features, enabling designers to craft user-centric app interfaces. 

Do professional designers use Python?

Yes, professional app designers use Python, particularly for tasks involving backend development or data-driven functionalities in apps. Python is a popular app development tool for server-side scripting because of its simplicity and readability. It handles the logic and processing behind the scenes, such as database interactions, data analysis, and running algorithms.  

While Python is not typically used for front-end design, it's still crucial in the functionality and performance of many complex apps. 

What are the rules of effective app design?

Professional app designers follow several principles to develop an effective app design that is functional and engaging: 

  • Simplicity: Focus on clean, straightforward designs for ease of use.
  • Consistency: Maintain uniformity in colors, fonts, and layout for a cohesive experience.
  • User-Centric: Prioritize intuitive navigation and user-friendly interfaces.
  • Responsiveness: Ensure the app works well on various devices and screen sizes.
  • Clear Interaction: Provide obvious and immediate feedback for user actions.
  • Performance: Optimize for fast load times and smooth functionality.
  • Iterative Testing: Regularly test and update the app based on user feedback for continuous improvement. 

Where can I send my designs for consultation?

If you want expert opinions on your app designs and the chance to get them showcased on DesignRush, you can submit them for free to our Best Designs Awards section. This platform provides a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable insights from professionals without any expense. 

Our Best App Design Jury offers a paid review service if you seek more comprehensive evaluations. By choosing this option, you'll gain in-depth feedback from industry experts to hone your design skills and elevate your projects. 

About the Author and Editor

Mladen Milosevic’s passion for all forms of art fuels his ability to create content that seamlessly blends creativity with informative depth. With five years of experience in content creation and copywriting, his close collaboration with a design team as an editor for private school websites in Serbia has sharpened his keen sense for design. His artistic insight is a valuable asset in crafting engaging textual content that captures the essence of various design types. Mladen now channels this expertise into writing insightful articles on logo, print, and packaging designs for DesignRush.
Lensey Etcubañas is an experienced content marketer with proven results. She has worked in advertising, eCommerce, IT, and creative industries for companies like SVEN, Incrementum Digital, and Martha Stewart. Her promotional email sequence plan for a Process Improvement Management Consultancy yielded thousands of dollars in revenue and an 84% CTR. She takes her diverse industry knowledge and editorial experience to her current role at DesignRush.