MOBILE APP DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MIAMI CORAL GABLES

MOBILE APP DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MIAMI CORAL GABLES

 ¿WHAT IS A MOBILE APP DESIGN? A mobile app is a computer program designed to run on a mobile device such as a phone/tablet or watch. Mobile applications often stand in contrast to desktop applications that run on desktop computers, and with web applications which run in mobile web browsers rather than directly on the mobile device. MOBILE APP DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MIAMI CORAL GABLES

MOBILE APP DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MIAMI CORAL GABLES

MOBILE APP DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MIAMI CORAL GABLES

The term “app” is a shortening of the term “software application”. It has become very popular, and in 2010 was listed as “Word of the Year” by the American Dialect Society. In 2009, technology columnist David Pogue said that newer smartphones could be nicknamed “app phones” to distinguish them from earlier less-sophisticated smartphones. MOBILE APP DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MIAMI CORAL GABLES

OVERVIEW OF A MOBILE APP DESIGN

 Most such devices are sold with several apps bundled as pre-installed software, such as a web browser, email client, calendar, mapping program, and an app for buying music or other media or more apps. Some pre-installed apps can be removed by an ordinary uninstall process, thus leaving more storage space for desired ones. Where the software does not allow this, some devices can be rooted to eliminate the undesired apps. MOBILE APP DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MIAMI CORAL GABLES

Apps that are not preinstalled are usually available through distribution platforms called app stores. They began appearing in 2008 and are typically operated by the owner of the mobile operating system, such as the Apple App Store, Google Play, Windows Phone Store, and BlackBerry App World. However, there are independent app stores, such as Cydia, GetJar and F-Droid. Some apps are free, while others must be bought.

MOBILE APP DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MIAMI CORAL GABLES

MOBILE APP DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MIAMI CORAL GABLES

Usually, they are downloaded from the platform to a target device, but sometimes they can be downloaded to laptops or desktop computers. For apps with a price, generally a percentage, 20-30%, goes to the distribution provider (such as iTunes), and the rest goes to the producer of the app. The same app can therefore cost a different price depending on the mobile platform.

Apps can also be installed manually, for example by running an Android application package on Android devices.

The official US Army iPhone app presents the service’s technology news, updates and media in a single place

Mobile apps were originally offered for general productivity and information retrieval, including email, calendar, contacts, stock market and weather information. However, public demand and the availability of developer tools drove rapid expansion into other categories, such as those handled by desktop application software packages.

 DEVELOPMENT OF MOBILE APP DESIGN MIAMI CORAL GABLES

 Developing apps for mobile devices requires considering the constraints and features of these devices. Mobile devices run on battery and have less powerful processors than personal computers and also have more features such as location detection and cameras. Developers also have to consider a wide array of screen sizes, hardware specifications and configurations because of intense competition in mobile software and changes within each of the platforms (although these issues can be overcome with mobile device detection).

MOBILE APP DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MIAMI CORAL GABLES

MOBILE APP DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MIAMI CORAL GABLES

Mobile application development requires use of specialized integrated development environments. Mobile apps are first tested within the development environment using emulators and later subjected to field testing. Emulators provide an inexpensive way to test applications on mobile phones to which developers may not have physical access.

Mobile user interface (UI) Design is also essential. Mobile UI considers constraints and contexts, screen, input and mobility as outlines for design. The user is often the focus of interaction with their device, and the interface entails components of both hardware and software. User input allows for the users to manipulate a system, and device’s output allows the system to indicate the effects of the users’ manipulation.

Also Mobile UI design constraints include limited attention and form factors, such as a mobile device’s screen size for a user’s hand. Mobile UI contexts signal cues from user activity, such as location and scheduling that can be shown from user interactions within a mobile application. Overall, mobile UI design’s goal is primarily for an understandable, user-friendly interface.

MOBILE APPS ARE MAINSTREAM NOW – A POPULAR WAY OF DELIVERING CONTENT AND SERVICES.

But according to Fortune, more than 75% of users open an app once and never come back. Today, mobile users expect a lot from the app – fast loading time, ease of use and delight during the interaction. Adapting to the context of use, while keeping the interaction levels as low as possible (limit the number of actions required to complete a task) is quickly becoming a standard for many apps.

MOBILE APP DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MIAMI CORAL GABLES

MOBILE APP DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MIAMI CORAL GABLES

So what exactly can be considered as “good experience”? Let’s explore the six fundamentals of mobile app design.

MINIMIZE COGNITIVE LOAD

The less friction and confusion users have when interacting with an app (e.g. the cognitive load), the better the chance that app stays around.

If you think that mobile apps are solely for big name brands like Walmart and Bank of America, you are wrong. More and more small and midsize businesses are following the mobile trend, understanding that an effective mobile strategy involves more than just a mobile-friendly website.

OPTIMIZE INTERACTIONS FOR THE MEDIUM MOBILE APP DESIGN

 Mobile phones aren’t smaller version of desktops — they come with their own nuances and constraints.

Designed Elements Should Look Like How They Behave

A mobile UI needs to clearly communicate what elements are  interactive and what elements are static.

Unlike desktop where users can use hover effects to understand whether something is interactive or not, on mobile users can check interactivity only by tapping on an element. Users should be able to correctly predict how an interface element will behave just by looking at it.

MOBILE APP DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MIAMI CORAL GABLES

MOBILE APP DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MIAMI CORAL GABLES

Design Finger-friendly Tap-targets

When you’re designing actionable elements in mobile interfaces, it’s vital to make targets big enough so that they’re easy for users to tap. As a rule of thumb, design controls that have touch area of 7–10 mm so they can be accurately tapped with a finger. Such tap target makes the edges of the target visible for the users when they touch it. Users will be able to understand whether or not they’re hitting the target accurately.

Also, ensure that elements aren’t located too close to each other – there should be a proper amount of spacing between tap targets to prevent false input.

CONSIDER THE THUMB ZONE MOBILE APP DESIGN MIAMI CORAL GABLES

Designing for thumbs isn’t only about making targets big enough, it’s also about considering the way we hold our devices.

While a thumb can sweep most of the screen on most mobile screens, only a third of the screen is a genuinely effortless territory. This territory is called the natural thumb zone. Other zones require finger stretching or even changing the grip to reach them. Based on hand placement (left, right, or combined), we can see how the safe zone looks like on the modern mobile device. MOBILE APP DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MIAMI CORAL GABLES

DESIGN FOR INTERRUPTION MOBILE APP DESIGN MIAMI CORAL GABLES

We live in a world of interruption. Something is constantly trying to distract us and direct our attention elsewhere.

For example, users might use your app while waiting for the train. It’s critical to design for mobile mindset. Make it easier for users to re-engage with an app when they return to it after the interruption. MOBILE APP DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MIAMI CORAL GABLES

MOBILE APP DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MIAMI CORAL GABLES

MOBILE APP DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MIAMI CORAL GABLES

Twitter is one good example of design for interruption. The app’s notification screen shows all recent notifications. As long as the user stays on this screen, the app doesn’t update the list automatically – it simply shows a status “X new notification” at the top of the list. This allows users not to lose their current position when they re-engage with the app after some period of time. MOBILE APP DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MIAMI CORAL GABLES

STRIVE TO CREATE MULTICHANNEL EXPERIENCE MOBILE APP DESIGN

Mobile apps don’t live in a vacuum.

For example, mobile users usually browse an ecommerce website on mobile, then switch to desktop to purchase.  That transition needs to feel invisible.

INTUITIVE GESTURES OF MOBILE APP DESIGN MIAMI CORAL GABLES

Only use gestures that are most natural for the app from your category.

Why? Because gestures are hidden controls.

Every time a visible control is replaced with a gesture, the app’s learning curve goes up. This happens because gestures have a lower discoverability — they are always hidden and people need to be able to identify these options first. That’s why it’s essential to use only widely-accepted gestures (the ones that users expect to have in your app).

One good example of a category-appropriate gesture is pull-to-refresh for feed-like apps.

MOBILE APP DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MIAMI CORAL GABLES

MOBILE APP DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MIAMI CORAL GABLES

Make the app appear fast with skeleton screens

Your app should be fast and responsive – but you’ll inevitably face situations where that’s not always possible.

For example, the internet connection might be too slow. If you can’t shorten the line, you should at least try to make the wait more pleasant. That can be the perfect time for skeleton screens (a.k.a temporary information containers).

A skeleton screen is a blank version of a page into which information is gradually loaded. Unlike animated loading spinners that focus user attention on the fact of data loading, skeleton screens focus user attention on progress instead of wait times. MOBILE APP DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MIAMI CORAL GABLES

SKELETON SCREEN IN SLACK FOR IOS MOBILE APP DESIGN

Focus On First Time Experience

Just like a person, your mobile app doesn’t get a second chance to make a good first impression. If you don’t,  you can bet (with 80% confidence) they won’t be back. MOBILE APP DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MIAMI CORAL GABLES

Good onboarding is a must

Perhaps the most important rule for creating onboarding – it shouldn’t be generic, it should be beneficial to the people who’ll use the app. MOBILE APP DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MIAMI CORAL GABLES

MOBILE APP DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MIAMI CORAL GABLES

MOBILE APP DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MIAMI CORAL GABLES

Designers should consider onboarding as an opportunity to create an entry ramp for the first-time users. At the same time, onboarding should only be employed if it’s really essential for first use. MOBILE APP DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MIAMI CORAL GABLES

¿WHY TO DEVELOP A MOBILE APP DESIGN IN MIAMI?

 Miami is a cosmopolitan and tropical tourist destination, surrounded by the peaceful waters of the Atlantic Ocean, is famous for its white sands beaches and turquoise sea, under an unbeatable climate. To this are added the multiple attractions, recreational activities, museums, festivals and fairs that give a touch of lively fun that Miami haves.

First-class hotels and restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and endless shopping opportunities are just a few of the factors that make up the magical charm in Miami.

The Miami Beaches stretches along 5.18 square kilometers in the southeastern end of the Florida peninsula. Its tropical climate allows enjoying the sun to fullness all year round. MOBILE APP DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MIAMI CORAL GABLES

MOBILE APP DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MIAMI CORAL GABLES

MOBILE APP DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MIAMI CORAL GABLES

In Miami, more than two million people also live, bringing a  cultural diversity. Greater Miami, is also the meeting point of commerce, finance, culture entertainment, which is not surprising, are Miami’s main source of income. MOBILE APP DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MIAMI CORAL GABLES

Also The Port of Miami, which is centrally located, is the largest cruise ship port in the world and accommodates more than three million passengers a year. In addition to its importance in the cruise industry, Miami Beach is also known worldwide for its row of hotels along its golden coast, its large mansions and outdoor recreation facilities. MOBILE APP DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MIAMI CORAL GABLES

¿WHY TO DEVELOP A MOBILE APP DESIGN IN CORAL GABLES?

 Coral Gables, officially the City of Coral Gables, is a city in Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States, located southwest of Downtown Miami. The United States Census Bureau estimates conducted in 2013 yielded the city had a population of 49,631. Coral Gables is home to the University of Miami.

Coral Gables, a.k.a. City Beautiful, is a quiet, lovely neighborhood of Mediterranean Revival homes that was originally developed by George Merrick in 1925. Merrick also established a very luxurious hotel – The Biltmore – in the area. The streets, largely residential, are adorned with classy fountains, such as De Soto Boulevard’s Venetian fountain.

Learning a platform takes time, effort and dedication. That said, most solution providers make evaluation or limited-use versions of their platforms available at low or no cost, so aspiring developers can learn them. Many also offer low-cost or free self-study materials to help novice developers learn what they’re doing and how to make best use of such tools. (Look around for Massively Open Online Courses on some of these toolsets, such as jQuery/jQuery Mobile, too.)

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