This is my first topic here, and I want to open a discussion about app design, and whether you should custom design your app our make it look native.
I'm about to release my new app very soon, and it's a utility app. The app kind of mimics the native Add Event screen of iOS but then with some advanced features. The functionality is all done, but I'm in doubt about the design.
"Custom design your app" is what I hear allot these days, also on this forum when somebody asks why his app doesn't sell. I know for some apps this really is true, but I also know some apps that have a native look but also sell good (like Week Calendar or Whats App). I'm guessing that it holds for apps that are close to iOS functionality or try to replace iOS functionality.
Because my app is also a sort of extension of iOS functionality, my logic says that I should stick with the native design with the native grouped tableview background thing, but I'm also worried that my app doesn't stand out enough.
The better your app looks, the better chances someone will check it.
Starting from the icon, which should be eye catching, pretty screens showing a useful app is key, that's what the common iOS user see first.
I would try a custom design.
You can look at some examples - the iOS 5 twitter app, Notes, Reminders, GarageBand, etc. The very fact that toolbars, tab bars, and switches are available in the SDK means that most apps on the App Store will use them, and it becomes increasingly important to use more unique design elements. Like a website - you wouldn't want all your buttons to be generic HTML buttons. On the other hand, users may be confused if you have too many "unique" elements. So a good way to go that I've used is to go with the same type of elements, but with a unique style. For example, blue toolbars, tabs vs segmented controls, etc.
And most importantly, make sure your app's purpose isn't hindered by all the bells and whistles.
Thanks vbovio and architectpianist for your comments!
It goes against my personal requirements for a utility app but I guess I should do a custom design. Sometimes I need to remind myself that i'm not developing for myself but for the customers
Another thing is that the Add Event screen from the native iPhone calender is really well designed in a UX kind of way in my opinion. Because of this and because most people are used to using this screen, I like to keep it that way. So I think it's best to still mimic the native Add Event screen in UX, but fancy up the graphics, so nicer buttons and tables.
Depends on your definition of "custom design". If you mean reskinning UIKit controls with custom colors and images, that's ok. If you mean a true "custom design" like ConvertBot, I'd say you need to think long and hard before investing that much time and energy into a project, as you'll be doing a lot of "reinventing the wheel".
Just remember that "custom" anything should always involved tons of planning before coding and graphic design work commence.
Native look and feel vs. custom design
my 0.02 cents
Linear Mode
