3 Approaches to design
There are 3 approaches to interaction design in mobile devices.
- Platform dependent design
- Own Cross-platform design
- Adapted Cross-Platform design
Each approach has its merits and some of them might be even better in particular case of application. For example Own Cross-platform design might be suitable for game like application. Game does not require typical navigation, action bars and other GUI elements typical for a platform. Usually games offer neat looking menu in game’s theme so player can have immerse himself in a game’s world.
In the other case when application is more typical it’s better to go with platform dependent design because it offers similar experience that users already know. Such app feels natural to the users and can leverage components and interaction methods available only in one platform. The downside of that approach is that it is costly because then developers need to develop at least 2 platform specific applications which at most can share only the backend services.
If one decide to follow first approach then it is important to stick to the style guides of the platforms.
Style guides
Style guides are documents which contain pointers and sometimes requirements for interaction design of application. Requirements might include using elements for its intended purposes or using specific element in a given scenario.
Both major platforms Android and iOS have their style guides. Check them if you would like to know more Android style guide and iOS style guide. Some time ago Android didn’t really have a style guide. Now we see a positive change with clearly defined vision of the interaction with the mobile device. Both style guides go in depth about the gui elements and their intended purposes.