Technological advancements have paved the way for modern innovations. We see this today in almost every aspect of our lives, but beyond the consumer are the web developers who work tirelessly to adapt to the rapid changes unfolding before us.
Designing an app remains to be a complex task, which is why we’ll show you how to create guidance and components that extend your system’s adaptive capabilities to help you prepare your apps for various screens.
Read through this entry as we discuss the different fool-proof methods that may assist your app in adapting to expanded screens without requiring a complete redesign.
#1: Map Out Your Grid
Imagine a column grid. A grid provides an easy structure for aligning website elements. Column grids have been used for a long time, primarily because the structure makes printed materials as readable as possible. Column grids refine layouts in everything from print to website interface design.
Employ a multi-column layout, as this enables a larger-screen experience that feels more purposefully organized. Elements are relative to one another so that the user’s eye is directed through the website content’s informational hierarchy. This provides an overall organic experience. Another option is to design a responsive column grid that allows layouts to adapt to different screen sizes with ease.
#2: Keep Visual Composition in Mind
On a larger screen, information hierarchy is critical because more space allows for more information on the screen. Because the information will not all be vertically oriented, it is essential to create a visual composition that reinforces information hierarchy to feel they fit together in an interactive context.
Layout Regions
One approach is to create a scaling layout using layout regions. Consider common elements and how they can be consistent and responsive on large screens. The screen should then be divided into three primary areas, the first of which is the body.
The navigation region must then allow the user to navigate between destinations and trigger keys while maintaining a 256dp width (expanded) and 72dp height (collapsed).
Finally, the app bar provides users with quick access to key actions. After the fundamentals are established, it is critical to consider the internal composition of these layout regions.
Here are two techniques for grouping information that you can use to design your app’s layout. One is visual grouping, which uses open space and typography to group related elements together, whether they have similar content, functionality, or meaning. Meanwhile, the other approach is containment based on clear boundaries, either through elevation or visible dividers.
#3: Choose the Right Components
Adapting to large screens necessitates adjusting to the size constraints of additional form factors. The following are the adaptation methods:
Visual Presentation
This includes changes to the size and placement of the elements on the screen. It is an essential type of adaptation because it transitions between screen sizes while preserving the user’s understanding of how each component behaves. Size constraints are one way this is implemented.
Similarly, on large screens, dialogs can expand horizontally to support their content, reaching a maximum width that considers the readability of longer line lengths. It can expand vertically up to a maximum height at this full width.
Developers must take advantage of components’ ability to use fixed or fluid dimensions, depending on what makes sense for your layout and within the size constraints of each element.
Component Swapping
This is a rare type of adaptation that allows functionally equivalent components to swap with each other to meet the ergonomic expectations of various devices.
Use with caution, and make sure that the interchangeable components are functionally equivalent. Avoid swapping a button for a chip, for example. When switching between list items and cards, use caution because this method must only serve an ergonomic purpose for the user.
#4: Maintain Your App’s Continuity
Ensure that the experience does not break if the device configuration changes. Because fold and unfold events usually cause changes, it’s essential not to cache any values related to display size, window size, or orientation. Ensure to save information such as scroll position, text entered into text fields, current component state such as video playback position, and other interactive aspects.
Conclusion
With the continued rise of smartphones, social media, online shopping, developers are more than encouraged to create apps that work for the newest forms, the smallest screens, and the most expanded screens. The demand for responsive apps is not slowing down any time soon.
Are you looking for app designers in New Jersey? At Varemar, we pride ourselves on making clients comfortable and giving them more time to focus on other areas of their business while taking care of their digital efforts. Schedule your first strategy session with us today!