Understanding the device 

To understand the smartphone you need to use the device. If you’re designing for iOS then use an iPhone, if you’re working on android then use an android or use both devices to design for both.

You need to know how each of the platforms work and what are there unique user interactions, user interface elements, terminologies, and device characteristics.

Part 1: Gestures in iOS 

As a user experience designer, this is the pinnacle of the 5 seconds learn.

1. The screen is touched based 
2. User interface elements are touch-based 
3. The user will need to use fluid gestures such as touch and swipe to engage the user interface elements
4. the hardware buttons are secondary to the touch experience 

No tutorials, customer support calls or YouTube videos, in less than 5 seconds that user has been introduced into the world of iOS and its touch gestures.

Common touch gestures

The Tap 

The Drag

The Flick 

The Swipe

The Pinch

Random Gestures

• The Shake

Part 2: UI – iOS anatomy 

Apple has a set of guidelines or requirements, for designing a standardized user experience for its hardware and user interface.

UI Components

Screen sizes

The Keyboard 

Pickers and Date Pickers 

Inputs 

The Tab Bar

The Navigation Bar

The Tool Bar

The Action Menu

What did I learn

I now have an understanding of the iOS anatomy and the smartphone as a gesture device, when designing, the aim is to keep the keyboard use to a minimum. Allowing for swipes and touches as key selection navigational tools. I learnt all of the iOS common touch gestures and the iOS common UI components.