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.
- The screen is touched based
- User interface elements are touch-based
- The user will need to use fluid gestures such as touch and swipe to engage the user interface elements
- 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.
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