While designing for Android apps, keep in mind that different platforms play by different rules. Don’t try to simply mimic design elements of other platforms. There is a risk of alienating users. Always remember, what makes sense to users of one platform will simply feel irrelevant or out of context in a different platform. A one-size-fits-all approach simply does not work in Android. This approach might save upfront resources, but you run the risk of creating inconsistent apps.
So now what next?
It is important to get down to the nuts and bolts of the Android design and development process to avoid disaster. Here are few pointers that you should consider while designing apps for Android:
Leverage Material Design:
For long Android has been considered to be a boring OS with a complex fragmented world. Fast forward today, Google has invested heavily towards creating a unified design system across the entire Android ecosystem — be it mobile, desktop, or wearables. Material aspires to create a perfect branding experience. This concept is the new norm for the Android world and a comprehensive guide for visual, motion and interaction design across platforms and devices. It aspires to create a “visual language that synthesizes classic principles of good design with the innovation and possibility of technology and science.”
Material design is not just about creating order, but about creating purpose. It is important to take cues about how to use colors and amalgamate details to create a powerful brand experience.
Don't mindlessly copy from other platforms:
Remember, each platform provides set UI elements that operate in a distinctive pattern and work differently. As you begin designing for Android, learn more deeply about the most important elements and review guidelines. Examine how existing Android's apps work to get an overview of how elements work in the context of an app. It is important to customize the theme of UI elements according to your specific needs and not like it doesn’t belong to Android platform. Every mobile operating system has its Human Interface Guidelines. Android has its guidelines. Be sure to follow guidelines.
Device Independence:
It is important to keep in mind that Android app runs on devices with different screen sizes. While designing, create virtual assets for conflicting screen sizes and use concept of multi-pane layouts to scale your UI on different devices.
Understanding the complexities of Bitmaps
It is the day and age of visual content and users love images. But displaying bitmaps in Android application can turn out to be a tricky issue. It is important to use bitmap in a way that keeps user interface (UI) responsive and at the same time does not exceed your application memory limit.
Always follow the Android programming tips to display bitmaps in an efficient manner. Measure the view you’re showing your images and scale / crop the large image. Remember, show only what can be displayed.
Summing Up:
Android has grown at a phenomenal manner. Not just in terms of user base, but also overall user experience. The ultimate Android design takes into account entire ecosystem as a whole and the way each touch points communicates—right from mobile, tablets, phablets to household appliances and devices we haven’t even heard about yet. It’s time to think about Android design not just limited to the app instead part of a larger ecosystem.
0 comments :
Post a Comment