By September 2019, the United States had a staggering iPhone installed base of approximately 202.5 million, surpassing half of the nation's entire population. It’s no secret that the mobile market is growing, so it’s no wonder that desktop and web application developers want to tap into this new market.

But developers of these stationary platforms need to understand that there is more to mobile development than simply porting their existing applications as is. Mobile users have their own expectations of how an application should feel. They are less forgiving of unnecessary clicks, taps, and pauses to get the information they want. Developers need to be aware of these new usability standards to compete in the highly saturated mobile market.

The following list explains 10 guidelines that desktop and web developers need to consider when converting their applications to iOS.

Here are the Things Developers Must Know Before Designing for iOS

The following list explains 10 guidelines that desktop and web developers need to consider when converting their applications to iOS.

1. More Icons and Optimized Text

Mobile devices have smaller screens compared to desktops, which means there is limited space available for text descriptions. This constraint requires developers to adopt a different approach when designing for mobile platforms. One effective strategy is to leverage visual cues and icons that can convey information in a concise and easily recognizable manner.

By using graphical icons, developers can quickly communicate actions, features, or concepts without relying heavily on text. Icons have the advantage of being universally understood and can transcend language barriers, making them an effective means of guiding users through the app. However, it's important to strike a balance and not overload the interface with too many icons, as this can lead to confusion.

In addition to using icons, the strategic use of white spaces can greatly enhance the overall user experience. White spaces, or negative spaces, refer to the empty areas in a design that help create a sense of balance and organization. By incorporating ample white spaces, developers can prevent the interface from feeling cluttered or overwhelming, allowing users to focus on the essential elements and navigate the app more easily.

While text is still necessary for certain contexts, it should be used sparingly and only when absolutely needed. When incorporating text, it's crucial to ensure that it is concise, legible, and easy to read on smaller screens. Long paragraphs or excessive amounts of text can be challenging for users to consume on mobile devices, leading to a suboptimal user experience. Therefore, developers should prioritize information hierarchy and consider breaking down content into shorter, digestible chunks.

2. Fluid Animations Instead of Pauses or Flickering

Fluid animations are a crucial aspect of mobile app design as they contribute to the overall user experience. In addition to avoiding pauses or flickering, fluid animations play a vital role in keeping users engaged and satisfied with the app.

Long pauses or loading times can create a sense of frustration and impatience among mobile users who expect instant responses. By incorporating fluid animations during these moments, developers can effectively bridge the gap between screens and maintain a sense of continuity. These animations serve as visual cues to indicate that the app is actively processing data or performing background tasks, reassuring users that progress is being made.

Moreover, fluid animations provide a delightful and interactive element to the app, making the overall experience more enjoyable. When implemented seamlessly, these animations contribute to the perceived speed and efficiency of the app. They create a sense of responsiveness and smoothness, giving users the impression that the app is working effortlessly to fulfil their actions and requests.

3. Optimize Memory Management

Given the relatively limited memory and processing power of mobile devices compared to desktop computers, it becomes even more crucial to prioritize memory optimization in mobile applications. Developers need to be diligent in managing memory allocation and deallocation to ensure efficient resource usage.

In mobile app development, the careful release of objects that are no longer needed is paramount. By promptly freeing up memory occupied by unused objects, developers can prevent memory leaks and maximize available resources. This practice is particularly important in resource-constrained environments where memory is limited.

iOS, the operating system powering iPhones and iPads, provides developers with a range of memory management functions and frameworks to aid in optimizing memory usage. One such approach is Automatic Reference Counting (ARC), a memory management technique that automatically tracks and deallocates objects when they are no longer needed, reducing the burden of manual memory management.

Furthermore, object pooling techniques can be employed to reuse and recycle objects instead of creating new instances. This approach helps minimize memory overhead and the frequent allocation and deallocation of objects, resulting in improved performance and reduced memory usage.

4. Respond to Gestures

Mobile apps heavily rely on touch interactions, and developers should design their apps accordingly. Using large and easily tappable controls, buttons, and sliders ensures a user-friendly experience. This is particularly important because users interact with mobile apps using their fingers, which may not be as precise as a mouse pointer. Furthermore, utilizing scroll bars and gestures to show content without excessive scrolling enhances usability. Adapting the app's interface to different device orientations can also provide a more immersive and intuitive experience.

5. Optimize the Controls

Considering the limited screen of real estate on mobile devices, developers need to carefully design the layout of controls and buttons. It's essential to prioritize the most important functions and avoid cluttering the interface with unnecessary elements. Consolidating controls and employing a clean and intuitive design helps users quickly locate and interact with the desired features. By simplifying the interface, developers can improve usability and prevent overwhelming users with too many options at once.

6. Minimize Input Effort

Mobile users appreciate apps that require minimal effort to perform actions or input data. To enhance the user experience, developers should focus on designing intuitive and efficient input mechanisms. For example, implementing swipe gestures or gesture-based shortcuts can reduce the need for complex interactions. By minimizing the amount of physical input required, developers can improve user satisfaction and streamline the overall app experience.

7. Appropriate Use of Notifications

Notifications can be valuable for providing updates and relevant information to users. However, excessive or intrusive notifications can be annoying and disrupt the user experience. Developers should strike a balance by using notifications thoughtfully and sparingly. For example, sending a single notification to inform users about a new app version is sufficient.

In the case of e-commerce apps, notifications can be used to alert users about important events, such as order confirmations or shipment updates. The goal is to provide timely and relevant information without overwhelming or irritating the user.

8. Optimize for Devices

While iOS devices share the same operating system, they can have varying screen sizes, resolutions, and capabilities. Developers must ensure their apps are optimized to run smoothly on different devices. This involves adapting the app's layout, user interface elements, and interaction patterns to suit the specific characteristics of each device. By considering the strengths and limitations of various iOS devices, developers can provide a consistent and enjoyable experience to a wide range of users.

9. Focus on Your App's Purpose

Mobile apps should have a clear and focused purpose to meet users' specific needs. Unlike desktop or web applications that may accommodate multiple features, mobile apps should aim for simplicity and efficiency. Developers should prioritize the core functionality and avoid adding unnecessary elements that can distract or confuse users. By maintaining a clear focus, developers can create apps that are intuitive, easy to navigate, and fulfil users' expectations.

10. Make Use of Common Controls

Consistency in user interface elements across an app is essential for user convenience and familiarity. By utilizing common controls, such as navigation bars, menus, and buttons, developers create a cohesive and intuitive user experience. Consistent controls enhance code reusability, making it easier to maintain and update the app. Users appreciate interfaces that feel familiar and behave consistently, as it reduces the learning curve and improves overall usability.

Conclusion

Designing mobile applications for iOS requires a nuanced approach that takes into account the unique characteristics and expectations of mobile users. By following these ten essential guidelines, developers can ensure that their iOS apps are optimized for performance, usability, and user satisfaction.

From utilizing icons and fluid animations to managing memory efficiently and responding to touch gestures, attention to these details will help developers compete in the rapidly expanding mobile market. With the ever-increasing iPhone installed base, it is crucial for developers to adapt their desktop and web applications to the mobile landscape and tap into the opportunities presented by this thriving platform.

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