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App redesign: the signs you need one and how to do it without losing users

A redesign can relaunch an app or lose, in a few weeks, users it took years to win. The difference almost always lies in the method: a redesign driven by data and research improves the experience; one driven only by the wish to "freshen up the look" risks disorienting people who use the product every day.

Signs your app needs a redesign

Dashboard and calendar redesigned in a redesign project

Restyling or redesign?

A restyling updates the visual layer while keeping structure and flows. A redesign rethinks information architecture, navigation and key flows. Working out which one you need is the first step: many retention problems won't be solved by new colours, and many working apps don't need to be redesigned from scratch.

New web app interface after the redesign

How to redesign without losing users

1. Start from data and research

A UX audit, funnel analysis and interviews with active users show what works and what doesn't. The goal is to preserve what users value and fix the real friction points.

2. Set measurable goals

"Make the app more modern" isn't a goal. "Increase onboarding completion by 20%" is. Clear goals guide design decisions and make it possible to evaluate the outcome.

3. Prototype and test before building

Interactive prototypes tested with real users, including the most loyal ones, catch problems while they're still cheap to fix.

4. Build a design system

A redesign is the ideal moment to introduce a design system: it ensures consistency across the new interface and speeds up future iterations.

5. Release gradually

Staged rollouts on the stores, feature flags, A/B tests on key screens and, where possible, the option to temporarily switch back to the old interface. Support the change with in-app messages explaining what's new.

6. Measure and iterate

In the weeks after release, monitor metrics, reviews and feedback so you can act quickly on any critical issues.

Fintech app design by GlueGlue

Mistakes to avoid

  1. Changing everything at once, leaving users with no familiar reference points.
  2. Deciding based on internal taste rather than data.
  3. Ignoring power users, who are often the most valuable ones.
  4. Underestimating development: a redesign often requires changes to the code architecture too.

App redesign: frequently asked questions

How long does a redesign take?

On average 3 to 6 months across research, design, development and release, depending on the app's complexity.

Should the code be rebuilt too?

It depends on the technical state of the app. If the code is dated or there are two separate native versions, the redesign can be the opportunity to migrate to Flutter and unify the platforms.

Conclusion

A successful redesign isn't noticed for how different it looks, but for how much easier the app becomes to use. Research, measurable goals, testing and a gradual rollout are what let you improve without losing users. GlueGlue supports companies with app and platform redesign projects, from the initial audit to release.

Let's talk about your project: get in touch with the GlueGlue team

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Our replies
to your questions

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Why choose glueglue?

We are a digital product agency with over 10 years of experience and advanced expertise in design and development. We have refined an agile and effective method, suitable for both startups and large enterprises, ensuring execution speed and consistent quality. We position ourselves in the upper‑mid range of the market, offering excellent value for money. Every project is overseen directly by the founding partners to ensure outstanding results. We are among the top User Experience and digital product agencies on Clutch, the leading global database for digital consulting.

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How does glueglue work and what are your areas of expertise?

We start with an in‑depth needs analysis, considering product and business objectives in the medium to long term. We often begin with visual identity: we assess positioning, analyze competitors, and identify opportunities to improve brand and image. We then move to UX/UI: we conduct a professional UX Review to identify areas for intervention and improve the usability of the site or app. We design the User Journey Map, mapping all touchpoints to understand real use cases and where to create tangible value. We create wireframes and share an interactive prototype that defines the functionality, structure, and interactions of each page. Once the wireframes are consolidated, we refine the interface design in detail to ensure a pleasant and consistent experience. Finally, our developers implement the product with modern technologies such as React, Flutter, Symfony, Svelte, Node.js, and more, ensuring quality, stability, and pixel‑perfect results.

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Do you use artificial intelligence?

Yes, on two fronts. Inside our own method, where it helps designers explore and compare several directions in hours instead of days, and helps engineers accelerate repetitive phases and raise quality with broader review and testing.
And inside the products we build for our clients: document and file analysis, predictive models, understanding of unstructured text, semantic search, assistants and automations.
For us it is a multiplier, not a shortcut: people stay in the loop and every AI feature has a success metric defined before it is written. Read how we use AI.

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What sets glueglue apart from other top design or product agencies?

We work on a limited number of projects to maintain constant focus and achieve excellent results. We manage each project with clear deadlines and regular meetings, building tailor‑made, truly customized solutions. With over 10 years of experience in digital, we apply a proven method that maximizes results in strategy, design, and development.

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Can you handle web design?

Yes. We work on iOS/Android apps, web apps, and complex platforms. A dedicated team also creates marketing websites, sites designed to effectively promote products or services.

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Do you also do branding or should I look for another agency?

We are a full‑service agency and offer branding services such as naming and logo design. We produce complete brand guidelines and work both on existing guidelines and in collaboration with other branding agencies.

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How much does it cost to entrust you with a digital project?

We believe in transparency: talking openly about budget helps create value for both sides. Every client has different needs, which is why we don’t use a fixed price list. Instead, we take the time to understand the context and propose a tailored approach with a fair, appropriate investment. Our UX/UI design projects start at €15,000, while branding engagements begin at €8,000. Mobile app development typically requires an investment starting from €40,000, web apps from €30,000, and websites from €15,000. Our average hourly rate for consulting is €70/hour.

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Do you also work with early‑stage startups, therefore with limited resources?

Absolutely yes: we love startups and often collaborate with talented entrepreneurs. We have invested in multiple ventures, favoring work for equity, contributing to funding rounds totaling over €30 million.

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