Best Practices for SaaS Product Design in 2024

SaaS expands to software as a service. It is a way of using software over the internet rather than downloading any software on your computer or any device like in the old days. All the updates and management are done on the software provider’s server, and the user does not have to worry about it. Imagine it as watching a movie on an OTT platform rather than a DVD. It is cost-effective for businesses and individuals to access a SaaS product. One of the main components of a successful product is an excellent SaaS product design.

A study conducted in 2024 states that the users of SaaS products form a majority of 80%, meaning there is a huge shift in the usage of SaaS products.

The landscape is growing at a rapid speed. To survive in the landscape, one should be ahead of the competition and use cutting-edge tools and practices like responsive layouts, personalization, and intuitiveness to succeed. A successful SaaS product design does not only mean flashy and aesthetic designs, but intuitive and personalized designs that cater to the needs of the users. Therefore, this article aims at sharing the 15 best SaaS product designs in 2024.

The Importance of User-Centered SaaS Product Design

The SaaS landscape is getting more crowded day by day. Numerous SaaS products pop up every day. The only ones that stay and make it to the people are the ones that are centered on the users. This is to say that people love user-centered products. Here’s what a user-centered SaaS product design can do:

Enhanced User Experience (UX) 

Imagine navigating a platform that buffers every second and every action takes plenty of time to respond; the design is sloppy. Would you be happy as a user? On the other hand, think of navigating a platform that works seamlessly; every touch satisfies you and pleases your senses. Now, which one would you choose?

User experience is the key. Focus on the SaaS designs to enhance the user experience. A user-centered design eliminates friction, reduces the learning curve, and makes daily interactions more pleasant. 

A happy customer is more likely to stay. If they stay, they convert; if they convert, they will become loyal customers.

Increase User Engagement

User-centered designs fuel engagement by suggesting relevant features, anticipating the user’s needs, and personalizing their experience.

Think of personalized dashboards, intuitive workflow, aesthetic designs, and interactive prompts that keep the users engaged. An engaged user is more likely to convert. As a result, it will enhance product adoption and increase revenue.

Customer Retention

In the battle of retention, user-centered SaaS design is your shield. As long as you keep it centered on them, they will stay. By constantly understanding their issues and providing solutions, they will become loyal customers. 

Customer retention is the key. Assisting them throughout with intuitive designs, predicting every possible confusion, and providing solutions will retain them.

Competitive advantage

Staying ahead of the competition is the key. Running constant checks on peers and thinking of ways to make the user experience even smoother automatically puts you ahead of your competition.

A genuinely unique, intuitive, and satisfying user experience cannot be replicated. 

In short, an enhanced user experience, personalization, enhanced functionality, and a satisfying user experience will convert a casual customer into a passionate user.

SaaS Product Design Best Practices

Here are our hand-picked 15 best SaaS product design best practices:

Easy Registration and sign-ups

Registration is the first step in every process. It is of significant importance to provide a seamless experience to users. The first impression is the best.

Captivating the users with new features and the best user experience is crucial since a dull and not-so-good design can drive them away.

Imagine signing up for a website or an application, and they start to ask back-to-back questions. Wouldn’t that be a turn-off? Asking a lot of questions makes them feel insecure and unsure about continuing the process.

Therefore, the best practice is to stick with the necessary information that is required to get started. 

Seamless Onboarding

A successful SaaS onboarding sets the stage. Keep all types of users in mind while designing the SaaS website. It can be a new user or an experienced one. 

Do not stick to the one-size-fits-all concept and accompany your user by hand. Use interactive tutorials, tips, and cool tasks to keep them engaged. As a result, this will help them undertake the process with confidence.

Intuitive navigation

Never keep your users guessing. Create your design in a way that will help them navigate the SaaS website or application with ease. Provide clear-cut information, and do not confuse your users with unnecessary designs.

Most importantly, use a prompt search function that predicts the user and provides them with the necessary information. Make use of designs and visual cues that drive them forward.

Clear Information Architecture

A clear information architecture sets the foundation for any SaaS product. By navigating and structuring the content hierarchically, the user can find what they want easily and without confusion.

Moreover, it reduces the cognitive load, and as a result, they can surf through the SaaS application without any pressure.

A clear information architecture ensures that the user receives relevant information without getting lost in the application.

Intuitive User Interface (UI)

The interface is the first thing every user sees, even before the registration or sign-up process. In other words, every detail, such as the app icon, well-placed buttons, consistent layouts, and intuitive workflows. 

A visually appealing interface boosts confidence and trust, subsequently increasing conversion and gaining loyal customers. A successful interface guides its users in the right direction, enhances usability, and reduces learning curves.

Make Things Simple

Make things simple for the users. This includes avoiding unnecessary designs and misguided texts. Try not to overwhelm users with options they may never use.

Strictly avoid jargon and ambiguous information. This may drive users away. Try to avoid unnecessary steps to reduce the users’ cognitive load.

Making things easier and simpler for users is crucial. As a result, the retention and conversion rates will increase. 

Responsive Design

Gone are the days when users only used their PCs or laptops to access a website. The SaaS product should have an inclusive design that works seamlessly on any device, such as laptops, mobile phones, laptops, iPads, and computers.

Likewise, we never know which device the user has, so the design should be responsive to every device. Responsive designs make the SaaS website or application accessible to everyone. In addition, a responsive design helps SEO rank your website.

Engaging Dashboards

An engaging dashboard is pivotal in SaaS product design. A dashboard is a place for data visualization and interaction. An engaging dashboard builds trust and confidence in the users and encourages them to explore more.

The use of visually appealing designs motivates and retains users. For example, intuitive layouts, clear charts, and strategic use of colors. In short, the SaaS dashboard design is not just for conveying information; it is the heart of a SaaS website design.

Personalization

Treat your users like VIPs People love personalization. It makes them feel special and valued. Personalization includes providing them with content of their choice and liking. 

Subsequently, analyze the users carefully and tailor the content accordingly. It subsequently creates a sense of ownership and liking for the product. As a result, there will be an increased rate of conversion and revenue. Personalization is a win-win for both parties.

Make it Accessible

Make the SaaS product design universal. Ensure no user is left behind because they cannot access it. Accessibility tips such as ALT text for images, keyboard navigation, contrast forms, and semantic HTML make the SaaS product accessible to everyone.

In addition, study feedback and problems faced by customers to make proactive designs to avoid pitfalls. Use a minimalist design to keep it simple. As a result, there will be a significant rise in the trust and loyalty of the customers.

Clear CTAs

Do not leave your users guessing. Properly guide them throughout. Whether it is signing up, making a purchase, or exploring a feature, properly navigate them and make sure they do not get lost in between. Eliminate unnecessary information and provide them with clear CTAs to increase retention and conversion rates.

Similarly, use strategic words and colors to increase conversion. Most importantly, highlight key actions with special designs to make them stand out.

AI-based Chatbots

It is time to step up. For instance, imagine providing 24/7 manpower to provide customer service and solve customer queries. AI-based chatbots provide your customers with 24/7 support, prompt responses, and solving queries.

Above all, prompt responses and getting queries solved in real-time will make the users feel special and satisfied. Give preset FAQs and answers; when the user comes up with a query, the chatbot will give relevant answers.

Security First

In the present-day scenario, gaining the customers’ trust is harder than anything. The customers cannot be blamed either. The SaaS product must gain its customers’ trust. 

This is to say that having transparent policies and regulations helps gain their trust and loyalty. Prioritizing security prevents data, cyberattacks, and reputation. In short, transparent policies strengthen long-term commitment.

Client Support

The designer’s duty does not end after delivering the finished product; it lasts for a lifetime. Imagine submitting the product, and the client faces some issues and struggles to seek help.

Most importantly, promptly solving issues and providing services helps you maintain a long-term relationship. Involving the client in conversations regarding issues and queries will strengthen the relationship. Providing 24/7 support makes them feel secure and confident.

Constantly Improve

The landscape runs by the rule “Keep up or keep out.” To sustain and remain winning, one should constantly improve the SaaS designs from time to time. Introduce new and user-centered features and tools to enhance the SaaS user experience.

Most importantly, constant peer analysis should be run, customer feedback and queries should be considered, and changes should be made according to that. Predicting potential threats and making proactive measures should be taken to constantly evolve.

How much does it cost to design a SaaS product?

The cost of creating a SaaS app design differs based on the designer’s or the SaaS design agency’s geographical location. However, here’s a rough estimation of how much it would cost you to create a SaaS product:

The charges vary depending on what exactly you are looking for. It depends on the project size, design complexity, specification, and location of the design team.

It also varies based on planning, UX/UI design, front-end development, back-end development, project management, and post-launch management. SaaS design agencies charge around $50 to $200 per hour.

Additional factors, such as the number of screens and prototypes, revisions and iterations, and development and integration expenses, will influence the budget.

Overall, it will cost you between $5000 and $20000, considering the factors. If you need an easy way out, hire SaaS designers from SaaS design agencies to get the product done. Here are some advantages to working with SaaS agencies: SaaS agencies employ qualified and experienced designers, which will take less time to finish complex projects, ensure expertise, prompt responses, and meet deadlines. 

Five Best Examples of SaaS Products:

1. Notion:

Notion is a SaaS product that focuses on note-taking and bookmarking. It is well-known for its seamless UX design. The SaaS app design allows users to keep notes on everything in one place. If used properly, even a company can be maintained using the application.

2. Asana

Asana is another SaaS application well-known for its user-friendly design and the multiple features it has. It allows its users to keep track of projects, take notes, and track individual tasks. Its seamless UI design is one of the reasons for its success. 

3. ClickUp

ClickUp is a one-stop for productivity. It offers various features, including taking notes, keeping track of projects and achievements, and brainstorming. It is well-known for its minimalist design.

4. Zendesk

Zendesk is a SaaS product known for its numerous productivity tools and designs. It helps you be organized and get ahead of the day.

5. Evernote

Evernote is a note-taking application with a spotless and frictionless user experience. It has made note-taking and note-maintaining a breeze. It has the best SaaS UI design.

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In short, a seamless SaaS product design is the heart of any SaaS product. An intuitive design and a user-centered UX/UI contribute to the conversion and retention rate. It can be overwhelming to consider all these practices while creating a SaaS product. There is an easy way out.

If you want to build a SaaS product, consider Code Theorem, a SaaS design agency. As a SaaS product design agency, we have helped numerous companies with exceptional UX/UI designs. We use strict SaaS metrics to design products that connect with end users. Hire the best SaaS designers in town to build your SaaS product. 

Still not sure? Take a look at our services and decide for yourself.

Schedule a call with our team! Our expert team will take you from there.

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