Things To Consider While Designing Apps For Apple Watch

Apple Watch is a wearable device for Apple users. It is a smartwatch that connects to a user’s iPhone to make the calls, deliver notifications, run all the applications, and send texts. Apple follows the stringent guidelines issued by tech power, which is located in Cupertino.

According to new guidelines, there are a lot of changes from the developer’s point of view.

Let’s discuss the Designing Apps For Apple Watch in details.

Building an iPhone application from scratch is a tedious task, and also it requires meticulous research. You need to have expert professionals to perform the task.

[1.] Balancing Between Personal, Holistic, and Lightweight

It is mandatory to have a balance between personal, holistic, and lightweight. Apple watches are known for its communication provider features.

It has a thin line between physical objects and software, which doesn’t let the user feel about the holistic feel in the wearable app.

The wearable compiles of IoT (Internet of Things) which makes it possible to have feedback and also alerts and notifications.

Also, for deeper connection, a user can record their heartbeat and send it to their loved ones. Moreover, quick and lightweight interactions are dependent on the Apple Watch interface.

Apple follows the “keep it short and simple” principle for designing the application.

[2.] Simple Navigation

Apple WatchKit has two navigation methods – Hierarchical and Page Based. A developer is free to select one out of two navigation methods. Hierarchical navigation is for the users who would like to scroll the screen.

Users can have one screen at a time that simplifies complex interactions in the application. User has to scroll one by one until they find their preferred option.

On the other hand, the page based style is a simple feature wherein a user has to swipe the screen horizontally.

The dot at the bottom of the screen indicates the place of the user in the page. Also, you can reduce the pages to simplify the navigation in the application.

Apple comes with the two-way navigation method and that differs from company to company. As a startup, if you are planning to initiate a business of mobile apps then you must be ready to face the major challenges of investment, market trends, etc. Furthermore, you can also go through the article for more details about a heavy investment in mobile apps by the startup.

[3.] Multiple Scope for UI

The universal fact is that user interaction is completely different in Apple. This has to be taken into consideration while designing an application for Apple. Before designing an iOS app, below are the key point that is as follows:

⦁ Avoid Pinches or multi-finger gestures
⦁ Use Forch touch (the retina display detect the pressure applied by the user’s finger) for contextual menus
⦁ The digital crown helps in accelerated scrolling of longer pages.

A developer can avail of the above features of Apple’s wearable.

[4.] Glances Are Useful

The glances are optional, but it can be highly useful when a user wants to have a look at the apps in a compact screen. According to the guidelines, the glances should be single screen and quickly actionable at a given time. The bottom area indicates the dot, which means the place of the user in the display.

Tip: Glances are optional, but if you want to use it in an application, it should give detailed information to the user.

[6.] Useful Notification

Apple notification bar offers two ways to notify the user- Long look and Short Look.

The long look will provide in-depth detail in the message while the short look will present a brief about the message with a single string that includes, app name and sender name.

Long look notifications have four different types of actions in the application. Also, the long look can be activated in two different ways- either by tapping on the notification or by raising the wrist for a longer time.

[7.] Optimum Use of Display Bezel

A Developer can make optimum use of Bezel present on the screen while designing an application accordingly. Bezel becomes advantageous when you built your wearable application from left alignment.

Also, it eliminates margin and additional white space in the display. The advantage of no white space in the display can be availed through by displaying the content completely and also by expanding the icons that fit in the screen.

For designers, you should always design an icon and place them side by side. Do not prefer to add a text button or more than three icons in the screen. If you do this, it will be inconvenient for the user to access the apps.

Tip: Use text buttons when you left with no other option. And, use contextual menus for actions that are not important.

[8.] Black As A Background Color

It is mandatory for all Apple watches to use the black background color.

The stringent policy of Apple includes the background-color that needs to be black. And, the reason behind the background color to be black is its device bezel. The reason behind the black as background-color is to give an impression of no screen edges.

Tip: It becomes important for developers & designers to be updated with the latest guidelines issued by the company. Hire Dedicated Team Of Developers who will perform the task with meticulous research and will also abide by the stringent policies.

To Conclude

The designer should consider the above points before designing the application. Also, you have to include the dynamic animation in the application to enhance the experience of the user.

Furthermore, you have to follow stringent apple guidelines to craft a highly intuitive application. I hope that the above-discussed point would clear the idea of building an apple watch application.