Several studies show that Apple App Store generates more revenue then Google Play Store. But most users nowadays abandon mobile apps after one use. The developers must focus extensively on the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) of the iOS app to keep the users engaged and generate more revenue. Apple recommends developers to use adaptive layouts to make the app look good on various iPhone and iPad models. The developers also need to keep the iOS app UI design consistent across various iOS devices. That is why; it becomes essential for iOS app developers to implement several UI design best practices and avoid common UI design mistakes.

Important Do’s and Don’ts of iOS app UI Design

Do Create Layout According to Screen

The screen size of individual iOS devices varies. Apple recommends developers to create adaptive layouts that fit the screen of each iOS device. The adaptive layout enables users to access content and perform tasks without zooming or horizontal scrolling.  However, the developers also need to focus on the clarity, depth, and deference of the theme to make the UI more appealing and engaging.

Do Select the Right Controls

While doing iOS app UI design, the developer has option to choose from a wide range of controls. He can even create custom controls according to precise needs of the mobile app. The developers can easily make the UI more interactive by selecting and using the UI elements which are designed specifically for touch gestures. At the same time, Apple recommends developers to create custom controls measuring 44 points X 44 points to make it easier for users to access them by trapping the finger accurately.

Do Space, Align, and Organize the Text Properly

Apple recommends developers to keep the text size at least 11 points to access the content without zooming. But the developers also need to space, align, and organize the text properly to make the iOS app UI design more appealing. They must make the text legible by maintaining adequate contract between the font colour and background. Also, they need to focus on the line height and letter spacing to keep the text legible and prevent overlapping. At the same time, the developers must enable users to access and understand the information quickly by aligning the text, images, and buttons properly.

Do Check the Intended Aspect Ratio of Images

The latest models of iPhone and iPad come with Retina display. Retina display will make the images appear blurry if their resolution is low. Apple recommends developers to design UI with high-resolution images to make them appealing and natural. The developers must avoid images which are not @2x and @3x to keep the UI engaging and appealing. At the same time, they also need to focus on the intended aspect ratio of the images to prevent distortion.

Do Explore Ways to Make the App Icon Visually Appealing

A number of studies have shown the impact on app icon on the number of downloads. While designing UI for an iOS app, developers must explore ways to make the app icon more visually appealing. They must choose an icon that depicts the app’s functionality and usage in a clear and unambiguous way. Also, they must evaluate the visual appeal of the icon across various models of iPhone and iPad to decide if it is effective in attracting and engaging users.

Do Keep the Layout Consistent

While designing UI for iOS apps, developers often forget to keep the layouts consistent. When the layouts are inconsistent, users have to put extra time and effort to perform an action. The users have to understand the layout properly to accomplish specific tasks. The developers can always enhance the app’s usability and user experience by keeping its layout consistent. They can easily keep the UI layout consistent by reusing and repeating the same UI elements and colours. However, the developers can avoid repeating the pattern while designing standalone or dedicated screens like login pages.

Don’t Put Too Much Content on the Screen

Each new model of iOS device comes with larger screens. The larger screen makes it easier for developers to make the UI design fancier, use additional buttons, and increase font size. But the developer must remember that additional content and buttons will make UI look complex and cluttered. Also, the additional UIs will affect the navigability of the iOS app. Hence, the developer must design the UI only with the necessary and relevant UI elements. He can even review the UI and remove the elements that make users confused.

Don’t Ignore Custom Fonts

The system fonts help developers to keep the iOS app layout consistent and safe. But they must use custom fonts to make the app UI different. While using custom fonts, the developers have option to experiment with varying font types, sizes, and colours. Hence, there are always chances that the custom fonts may make the UI complex. The developer must explore ways to keep the UI simple and consistent while using custom fonts.

Don’t Forget the Drawbacks of Storyboards

Apple recommends developers to use Storyboards by default while designing UI of iOS apps. Storyboards allow developers to convert static tables into dynamic tables at the time of app evolution. Also, they make it easier for developer to assess app navigation. But the developers must not forget important drawbacks of Storyboards like difficulty to make changes and implement a non-modular design. The developers must overcome the shortcomings of Storyboards for design a better iOS app UI.

While designing UIs for iOS apps, the iOS app developers must refer to the latest guidelines and tips provided by Apple. For instance, they must keep in mind the Human Interface Guidelines provided by Apple in iOS app UI design for the latest version of iOS. The Human Interface Guidelines require developers to focus on the app’s consistency and aesthetic integrity, manipulate onscreen, pick predictive UI elements, and acknowledge feedback. At the same time, they also need to design the UI based on the new features and enhancements provided by the latest version of iOS.