There’s a good reason why many people are crazy for iOS devices, whether it’s an iPhone, iPad, MacBook, etc. That’s because iOS stands out from other mobile app development platforms, especially in terms of design.
For instance, Apple has its own Human Interface Guidelines that have to be followed for developing iPhone apps. With Apple’s UI/UX guidelines, businesses can leverage user interface design and deliver powerful user experiences.
There are currently more than 2.2 million apps available on the App Store. But they don’t all get the spotlight. If you compare trending apps with unpopular ones, you will find that design is one of the key differentiators amongst them.
Apple’s design guidelines enable you with profound understanding of which elements you have to incorporate, while considering general iPhone app development.
Here, I would like to share a few essential aspects that are not mentioned in Apple’s UI/UX guidelines. This post will help you gain better insights about how to design or improve the user interface and user experience of your iPhone application.
8 Design Tips for iPhone App Development
1. User Convenience
Mobile apps are completely different than the web platform. Users operate web apps using a mouse or a clicker. But when they access the same app via mobile, they will be tapping with their fingers. There are not many people who use a phone stylus.
So it is very important to make sure there is enough space among design elements to enable users to tap conveniently. If the design elements are too tiny or are placed close to one another, it can be difficult for users to take intended actions quickly. This may end up as negative user experience.
Ensure that the design elements for your iPhone app are bigger than that stated in the Human Interface Guidelines to allow users with ease of access. Also, consider how people interact with your app to create a customized user-friendly design.
2. Adaptive Design
The iOS platform has quite a good number of devices with varying resolutions. Thus, the app layout should be adaptive to adjust to these different devices. In order to create a design that is flexible in terms of displaying extra menus for example, you can use advanced tools like Sketch Constraints or Xcode.
It is great if the UI of the iPhone app expands instead of scaling up in size. Keep in mind that when users access the app in large screens, such as iPhone 7 and the iPad that have landscape view, a left navigation panel appears instead of the Tab bar.
3. Right Mix of Colors
Be careful while selecting colors for your iPhone app. Ensure that it matches your brand and represents your industry. Keep in mind that different colors can evoke different emotions, as well as communicate varied meanings to your audience.
The right brand colors on your app can make it look like an extension of your business. Proper color contrast could improve user engagement, as well as facilitate a better interactive experience.
4. Balancing Text and Design
Attractive app design is not just about design elements and color choice. There should be a perfect balance of content and design. Too much of either and users may end up abandoning the app.
So draft your layout intelligently. Place visual elements in proper alignment with your content. Use custom fonts and background colors to easily gain the attention of your target audience.
5. Readable Text Size for Clear View
Well-presented content creates a memorable impact on users. Select the best font style and size that will make your content legible. Good typography plays a major role in enabling users with enriched reading experience by offering a dynamic view of the text.
While designing an iPhone app, spacing also plays a key role. It should be appropriate as it affects the readability of the content.
6. Compatibility with Different iPhone Devices
iPhone devices are available in different resolutions, such as iPhone 7 Plus in 414×736 pt, iPhone 7 in 375×667 pt, iPhone 5 in 320×568 pt, and the iPhone 4 in 320×480 pt. The app should be compatible with all major iPhone devices, especially those mentioned.
The layout should expand as per resolution but should not scale according to dimensions. Let’s say the width of the Navigation Bar can vary, but the height should remain the same. All design and content elements should also be consistent.
Note: of all the iPhone models, only iPhone 7 has a larger resolution (similar to that of an iPad) where the Left Navigation replaces the Tab Bar.
7. Easy Touch Controls
Integrating interactive elements in the app can engage users for long periods of time. Generate user interest by using exciting design elements such as cute icons or vibrant colors.
For instance, you can use a blue map icon for “Directions” as a Call-to-Action button. Using eye-catching hues can make your overall layout richer and more appealing.
8. Stay Updated about the Latest Design Trends
App design needs creativity. And this industry is known to introduce lots of surprises through the use of modern design, advanced tools, and technologies. iPhone app developers need to keep a close eye on innovative trends so they can adapt quickly to stay competitive.
To create a great iPhone app, you need to start thinking from your users’ point of view. Make sure you are not stuffing unnecessary features in the app. Consider only features that serve a primary purpose.
End Thoughts
Designing the best iPhone app is not everyone’s cup of tea. It requires the next level app ui/ux designers whom have experience, expertise, and exposure to craft an app that addresses users’ requirements and puts them on a smooth journey. Moreover, it is essential that the app serves your business goals, too.
Hire iOS developers from an experienced iPhone app development company that has worked with different industries and has helped various organizations address their business challenges. They will bring their unique expertise by creating useful, user-friendly and well-designed iPhone apps that will add value to customers’ lives.
