Way back in 1991, Apple released ‘System 7’ to the market, one of the first operating systems to come with an interactive and intuitive user interface. It was a major step-up for them from their prior Apple DOS and of course, Microsoft’s MSDOS, both of which were operated by entering complex commands into an unattractive display.
These DOS programs were complicated and offered nothing in the way of aesthetics, but System 7, and Windows 3.1 aimed to change this, by providing users with a graphic interface to navigate and command their computers.
Of course, much has changed since then.
Operating systems have become infinitely more powerful, complex and appealing. They have become more intuitive as well, and in doing so have set certain canons, expectations held by their users and developers.
In the modern age, where digital media dominates our world, the need to understand these expectations when applying the principles of design to app development, has become an essential consideration for developers to make.
Here are the reasons why:
Usability: Users Expect Certain Layouts
Users have come to expect certain design elements in an interface over the years. Things that make functionality easy to recognise: like share buttons, the cog shaped settings icon and so forth.
The layout also comes with certain expectations. If it is too complex, too filled with information or difficult to navigate, it will be more difficult to use, and will likely be less popular as a result.
A Logical Flow
A logical flow is important for the layout of any app as well. Things that make workflow and navigation more efficient.
Giving users the ability to do what they need to do on the app in less time and with more ease is more important than keeping them on the app for longer, which means that the flow of the design needs to make sense and should be intuitive.
Attraction & Branding
Aesthetics, of course, counts for a lot as well, and should always be carefully considered during design.
This is particularly the case for corporate-based apps where branding and corporate identity need to shine through.
Even where the app is being used for entertainment purposes, and is not centred around a particular identity, it needs to be visually appealing, attractive but not too noisy, if it is going to keep your users engaged.
Have a Mobile App Developed by Applord
These points only touch on some of the most important aspect of user interface design and information architecture in mobile app development.
The complex sciences behind what makes a good user interface are dynamic and are never easy to leverage without a solid understanding of how they work.
If you would like assistance from a mobile application development company that understands and applies the best practices of UI design, be sure to get into contact with a representative from Applord today, or visit our website for additional information on our offers.
