Unit 8

Unit 8 Response:

Just like any other kind of design, designing an application for a phone is a process of analyzing and trying to solve the problem so that the end-user can have a good experience with the app. Not only solving a problem, it requires a specific niche. It can be funny and interactive as long as it works for its audience. Starting out with a great idea then it comes to research to see what work and what doesn’t. Next step will be sketching out the entire thing on paper because it is easier to see and organize things. Information and things are set, but like everyone else, money for all the tools will be a whole other issue that I have to deal with.

An icon is very crucial to any app because it speaks out the concept for the app itself. Indeed words in the icon are unnecessary unless it serves the concept. The standard gloss issue is interesting because I always thought that designer add the gloss to their app so that it can be consistent. Personally, I don’t like the gloss because it took away so many good things in the icon. It is good to know that we don’t have to include the gloss in the icon. Yay! Also, keep the icon simple so that it won’t confuse the user. By saying simple, it doesn’t mean plain looking or lazy design. It means thoughtful, awesome design that people love it. Also, bring the theme of the icon into the design itself so that it stays consistent, and WHO WANT THEIR APP TO BE SIMILAR TO MANY EXISTING ONE? Definitely not me.

Links:

1. Another useful tips for designing icon: http://mobile.tutsplus.com/tutorials/mobile-design-tutorials/killer-tips-for-iphone-and-ipad-icon-design/

2. Awesome examples to look at: http://iphone.appstorm.net/roundups/design/30-gorgeous-iphone-app-interfaces-icons/

3. Some free tools to create icons: http://ramotion.com/icons/