What is an app?
App is an abbreviated form of the word application, it is a software program that is designed to perform a specific function directly for the user.
There are three types of apps that target mobile devices which include the following;
Each type of application has their own pros and cons –
There are a number of categories which are listed on the app store. However, the six basic types of categories that most applications fall into can be categorized under:
- Utilities
- Entertainment
- Games
- News
- Productivity
- Social Networking
As designers, there are important rules and aspects that need to be covered when designing an app. These include the following:
- Familiar user interface controls, standard interface controls
- Touch input – Gestures
- High resolution for better quality
- Time is short, make it easy
- The real estate is tiny, screen may be small
- Context is everything, users want key information
- Wireframing is essential
Reflection
After watching the lecture, I was able to truly understand what an application consists of. It provided me the opportunity to learn about the different types of apps and how we can successfully develop a mobile application as designers. Overall, the lecture was a great introduction to the unit, I had learnt everything I needed to know before starting the Interactive Design: Apps unit.
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