In a crowded app market, users don't have the patience for steep learning curves or confusing interfaces. If your product feels like work, they will simply leave. As designers and product owners, we often get too close to our work and miss the obvious friction points that drive users away.

Here are the three critical red flags that are likely sabotaging your user experience right now:

1. Choice Overload at the Starting Line

Many apps try to show off every feature during the first five seconds of the user's journey.

• The Red Flag: Giving the user too many choices too early.
• The UX Fix: Good UX is about reducing extra decisions at the start. Focus on a "Happy Path" that leads the user to their first "Aha!" moment with zero distractions.

2. Designing for the Team, Not the User

It is a common mistake to build a product that mirrors the internal structure of your company rather than the mental model of your user.

• The Red Flag: UX that requires "insider knowledge" to navigate.
• The UX Fix: Your product should be intuitive for someone who has never heard of your brand. If a user needs a manual to find the settings, the design has failed.

3. The Hidden Core Action

Every screen should have one primary job. If that job isn't obvious, the user will wander and eventually churn.

• The Red Flag: No clear focus on the main user goal.
• The UX Fix: If the core action isn't obvious, your conversion rates will suffer. Use visual hierarchy and clear CTAs to tell the user exactly what to do next.

Conclusion

Most apps don't need more features; they need more clarity. By removing these three red flags, you stop fighting against your users and start helping them win