Human Interface Guidelines de iOS

Consistency and user experience are key elements in the iOS app ecosystem. Apple has established a set of design principles and guidelines that ensure that all apps maintain a uniform structure, allowing users to navigate intuitively and predictably.

How to access Apple's design guidelines?

Apple's official design documentation is organized into key sections:

• Getting started: introduces the basics for each platform in the ecosystem.
• Fundamentals: Addresses concepts such as interface clarity, depth, and expressiveness.
• Patterns: Presents common interaction and navigation patterns.
• Components: Details elements such as buttons, lists and navigation bars.
• Inputs: Explains the different input methods in addition to the touch screen.

Why is it important to follow iOS design principles?

Consistency in design prevents users from having to relearn interactions when switching between apps. When an app does not follow these principles:

• It generates confusion for users.
• Increases the probability of abandonment.
• Reduces frequency of use.
• Negatively affects user perception.

What are the key factors when designing for iOS?

What ergonomic aspects to consider?

• iPhones are designed for one-handed use.
• The main controls should be located at the bottom, within thumb reach.
• Intermittency of use with fast, frictionless actions should be considered.

How to integrate system functionalities?

Apps should leverage native technologies such as:

• Apple Pay for secure payments.
• Face ID for authentication.
• Dynamic Island for notifications.
• AirPlay for content streaming.
• HomeKit for home automation.
• HealthKit for health data.

What resources does Apple offer for interface design?

How to use the official UI Kit?

• Available for Figma and Sketch in the resources section.
• Includes all updated native components.
• Allows you to customize colors and fonts.
• Facilitates the creation of coherent interfaces.

What does SF Symbols offer?

• Official library of more than 3,000 icons.
• Available as a MacOS application.
• Organized by categories for easy searching.
• Ensures visual consistency throughout the application.

iOS app design goes beyond aesthetics: it' s about creating intuitive experiences that feel natural within the ecosystem. Have you noticed how some apps feel more "native" than others? Share in the comments examples of apps that you feel successfully follow these design principles.