Android interface and interaction design principles

After iOS HIG has been powerful and classic for many years, Android finally launched a relatively systematic HIG (presumably to cooperate with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich). After carefully comparing the "design principles" of the two sets of HIGs, it is found that they are completely different. IOS HIG takes a more professional line, with rigorous description and many professional words (such as Methods, Consistency, etc.). Android, on the other hand, is much more user-friendly. It is not only easy to describe, but also vivid and intuitive. It even uses "me" as the title of a series of key points, which more fully conveys the idea of centering on the user's own experience.

Design principles

These design principles are formulated and applied by the Android user experience team to ensure the best user experience in users' minds. Application developers should refer to these design principles and apply them to their own creation and design, and practice in user experience.

Attract me

Please me in a surprising way

Beautiful interfaces, carefully set animations, or just the right sound effects are all happy emotional experiences. A variety of subtle effects are often combined with amazing results, which not only appear relaxed and lively, but also create a rich and powerful atmosphere.

Real objects are far more interesting than buttons and menus

Use objects and operations in the real world to build objects and operations in the application. This can not only help users, especially novices, quickly understand the operation methods and functions of applications, reduce cognitive costs, but also enable them to obtain more emotional satisfaction.

Turn it into "mine"

People like to add personalized styles, because it makes them feel like they are in control of everything at home, and it also makes the application seem as different as themselves. The application should provide clear, reasonable and beautiful default values. At the same time, it is better to consider adding some interesting custom projects that do not hinder the main tasks.

Know me

As time goes by, applications should understand and remember the user's behavior and usage preferences. Don't let users make the same choice over and over again. It's better to let them use the last choice easily.

Simplify my life

Concise wording

Use simple words and short sentences to explain - users are more likely to skip long and complex sentences.

Pictures are more direct than words

Try to use pictures to illustrate. Pictures are more attractive to users and often more effective than words.

Choose for me, but it's up to me in the end

Intelligently infer users' behavior and recommend corresponding solutions, rather than asking users what they want at the beginning - too many choices and decisions make users upset. However, in case of wrong recommendation, remember to give "Undo" operation.

Display only when I need it

Seeing too many things at the same time makes people feel overwhelmed, so it's better to break complex tasks and information into paragraphs of steps that are easy to operate and understand. Hide options that are not currently needed, and let users learn where to find them when they need them.

I should know where I am

Let users clearly know their location and operation path in the application. Make each part of your application look distinct, and use appropriate transition effects when switching interfaces to show the relationship between them. Provide feedback on ongoing tasks.

Don't lose my content and settings

Save the content and settings that users spend time creating, make them accessible at any time and anywhere, and keep them synchronized between mobile phones, tablets and computers. This can also make upgrading easier and more convenient.

If it looks the same, its function should be the same

Try to use obvious visual differences to help users distinguish functional differences. Avoid using seemingly identical or similar patterns and operations to achieve different functions.

Only interrupt me at important moments

Just like having an excellent personal assistant, users should not be interrupted by unimportant sidelights. People want to focus on the task at hand, unless there is something urgent to deal with. An interruption in the task is really laborious and frustrating.

It amazes me

Give me techniques that apply everywhere

The user will feel very good when he/she finds out how to use it. Using the interaction skills widely used by other Android applications in your application - including the same visual mode and muscle movements - can make it easier for users to get started and meet. For example, "swipe" is a good navigation shortcut gesture widely used in Android applications.

It is not my fault.

Remind users to correct errors in a friendly and polite manner - users certainly don't want to appear stupid when using your application. If something goes wrong, please give a clear and concise solution so that users can quickly correct it and avoid mentioning technical details that users cannot understand. It would be better if the application could silently process in the background!

Positive feedback

Breaking down complex tasks into smaller steps makes it easier for users to complete them. Provide feedback and encouragement for every action, even if it is just a subtle light, users will be greatly encouraged.

Complete complex tasks for me

Let novices use simple operations that they can do to complete expert tasks that they never expected to be able to handle. For example, combining shortcuts with multiple photo effects can make amateur photos look amazing in just a few steps.

Make more important things faster

Not all operations are equal. Decide what is most important in your application, and make it easier and faster to find and use - such as the shutter button of a camera, or the play/pause button of a music player.