The term ‘app’ is an abbreviated expressions of the word ‘application’. An application is a software program that is designed to perform a specific function for the user or other applications.
There are three types of apps to consider:
Web App (HTML) – a responsive web design, stored on a web server.
Native – a native app is developed for a single platform i.e. iOS, Android etc. The app runs directly on the device and does not need an internet connection.
Hybrid – elements of both aforementioned types of apps, built with HTML
| PROS | CONS | |
| HTML | – A quick option for making an existing content available via mobile device – One-time build | – User experience inferior – Performance inferior |
| Native | – Better UI and UX – Improved graphics – Offline mode | – Slower build time – Expensive – Developed separately for each platform |
| Hybrid | – Faster to build than native apps – Easier to maintain – Reduced development costs | – Don’t work offline – No unique mobile functions |
What designers should consider when developing an app.
- User expects familiar UI controls
- Touch inputs
- Hi-Res output
- Time is short
- Screen real estate is small
- Context is everything
- Wire-framing is essential
Digital Design 