3 ways user interface design is the most important factor in mobile HRMS adoption

Are you contemplating an implementation of mobile HR functionality? Or are you reviewing and benchmarking your current HRMS mobile usage for possible improvements? A mobile HRMS app can provide many advantages to a workforce on the go, but user interface (UI) design is paramount to mobile HRMS adoption. It isn’t just a case of bringing over your HRMS ‘as is’, you need to invest time in UI selection and customization for mobile HRMS as it’s much more important than UI for desktop and here is why.

1) Managers and employees cannot and will not use an unusable app

If you want your managers and employees to access your HRMS via mobile technology, the functionality needs to suit the platform. While your desktop HRMS may be filled with graphic-heavy reports and rich social media functionality, a lean mobile device will not handle such content easily. Your mobile HRMS needs to include essential features to present the information needed or get a task completed, without all the additional bells and whistles of a traditional robust desktop HRMS.

2) Streamlined and optimized design reduces mistakes and limits risk

A mobile HRMS is perfect for a busy manager who travels a lot. Imagine a manager who is about to board a plane for a 12-hour flight, but wants to complete a promotion via mobile. Assuming you’ve already limited the transactions down to the essential ones, how is the transaction itself designed? Is it easy to use and navigate through, or will the manager get stuck when trying to find the relevant links? Is it simple to enter the right increase amount, or can a manager accidentally make an increase of 10,000 dollars when only 1,000 was intended? A mobile app needs to undergo user testing just like your ‘normal’ HRMS to avoid such design pitfalls. For the travelling manager, such a mistake will be magnified due to the subsequent offline time.

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3) Strong user design will drive employees, managers and HR towards mobile HRMS adoption

Most employees have a mobile device with them, which they frequently use, for personal and business reasons. I know many employees who check their devices during free time and respond to business emails or complete business tasks. If the UI for your mobile app is easy to use, they’ll use it like any other app they currently use for personal transactions. As a result, a question to an HR professional could be answered on their train commute home, rather than on Monday morning, thus providing faster answers and better customer service.