WHAT IS
AN APP?
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
WHAT
The wordIS AN
app APP?
is short WHAT DOES IT DO?
Like a computer program,
for application an app is designed to
That’s what computer do something special.
programmers call their That might be a single task,
programs. So, app is just or a number of related
another name for a tasks.
computer program. Most smartphones, for
Because your smartphone example, have a weather
or tablet is a type of app, which provides the
computer, everything it day's forecast. Of course,
does needs a program, or all smartphones also have
app. a phone app which you use
to make calls.
An app is usually
represented by a small There are millions of apps,
picture, known as an icon, designed to do many
on the screen of your different things.
device.
2
APPS FOR MOBILE APPS THAT NEED THE
DEVICES and tablet
Smartphone INTERNET
The main job of many
apps are designed to be apps is to provide you
used on a small screen, with information from
not the large screen of a the internet. For
laptop or desktop example, a maps
computer.
app gets location and
That means an app direction information
appears or behaves slightly from the internet.
differently on a mobile
device, even if it does the For these types of apps
same thing as a laptop or to work, your
computer app. Some of the smartphone or tablet
features might be hidden in needs either a home Wi-
a menu, or may not even Fi or mobile data
be included. connection to the
internet.
3
ELEMENTS
OF AN APP
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
ICONS
Necessary elements of mobile design,
of course, include icons. Those small
images are more important than you
can imagine while designing mobile
app user experience. There are various
types of icons but we will enumerate
only the main ones:
App Icons – for representing an app;
Clarifying Icons – explain certain
tasks;
Interactive Icons – used mainly for
navigation;
Decorative Icons – created for a
more attractive look;
No matter what kind of icons you
choose, you have to keep in mind that
they need to be clear and to express
exactly the type of action you are
waiting for your customers.
View examples of free icons here:
https://icons8.com/icons
5
FONT
Next, with the same thoughts in mind
consider the way your content is displayed.
In case you have a funny app or game, then
a hilarious font will enhance the comic effect.
On the other hand, if you own a serious app
which presents real facts from the economic
world then make sure that the typography
chosen will reveal the gravity of the news
presented.
You should not forget the strength you
give to your content with font while
designing app user interface.
The font you select for your app can build or
ruin your customers’ interest in an instant. At
the same time, you must remember the
principles listed above and to stick to the
style selected for your app user
interface for avoiding confusion. So, font is
one of the most necessary mobile app design
elements.
6
BRANDING (LOGO)
With a clever user interface,
you can attract customers
interested in the features
offered by your creation. Never
forget that your app represents
your brand in the eyes of
smartphone users.
Your mobile user experience
should represent your brand
perfectly.
Add your logo inside the app
and make sure that users
are aware of the fact that
your company provides
high-quality services and
every time they see this
small picture they will know
that they can trust your
products. It is about building a
long-lasting relationship
between your business and
your customers
7
NAVIGATION
Besides colours, fonts,
images and other visual
effects, you have to make
sure that users don’t get lost
inside your app.
Customers should be able
to find what they need
from your app easily and
this happens with a good
navigation in mobile
interface.
You have to find the right
balance between
interactivity and simplicity
but keep in mind that a
tangled interface isn’t
benefiting from any type of
app, not even for puzzle
games.
8
TASK- DECOMPOSITION
Research and pick an innovative APP that has
more than 5 million downloads. Complete this
research in your digital portfolio (PowerPoint)
1. Find a picture and describe the purpose of
app
2. What are the features of the app (e.g.
camera, filters, networking, game levels
etc)
3. Analyse the layout of the app (font, how
many pages, what icons are on each page,
navigation)
4. Why is this APP innovative and successful 9
REFERENCES
HTTPS://BECONNECTED.ESAFETY.GOV.AU/TOPIC-LIBRARY/ESSENTIALS/ALL-ABOUT-APPS/WHAT-IS-AN-APP/SO-WHAT-IS-AN-APP
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HTTPS://BECONNECTED.ESAFETY.GOV.AU/TOPIC-LIBRARY/ESSENTIALS/ALL-ABOUT-APPS/WHAT-IS-AN-APP/SO-WHAT-IS-AN-APP
