Design trends move quickly, so you might think that an app review from 2014 would be irrelevant today. But good design principles are timeless and you can still learn from old content if it’s good. iOS designer Jared Sinclair has a great series of design reviews from a few years ago that I find myself going back and rereading them every once in a while to get into a critical design mindset.
From 2014, Jared Sinclair, Friday App Design Review – AnyList, Shared Grocery Lists:
Implied borders are accomplished through the visual rhythm of multiple elements, identical in size and proportion, spaced at regular intervals. Elements of different sizes or shapes, or with an irregular arrangement, result in fuzzy implied borders. In an iOS app, fuzzy borders should be avoided, especially when arranging tappable elements.
The lesson above is a good, practical lesson that’s still valid today and you can apply it in your everyday design. It’s not some vague nonsense about color theory or grids that you come across all the time on Medium and Twitter.
Another snipped I liked:
This stock look doesn’t do AnyList any favors. As a subscription service, AnyList aspires to build a long-term relationship with its customers. Just like a dating relationship, this story will begin with visual attraction.
Not only does Jared talk about the importance of aesthetics but he also approaches design from a business mindset, and using aesthetics as a differentiator and value-add, not for self-indulgence or designer ego.
Make sure to read the full review.
Amr Khalifeh 