Summary
Launch Screens
Launch Screens are used to enforce the overall visual identity and the branding of the app. It’s primary use however is to act as a loading screen before it leads to the home screen.
The Tray
The tray is essentially a collapsible menu that allows for more space on the screen and the user can choose to expand this tray when necessary. It can be in the form of a button and its primary use is to make it noticeable by making the button look active and clickable. You can distinguish your button by adding shading, colour and a decent size for a finger to be able to touch it. The tray area needs to take up 60% of the screen when expanded. Reason for this is because it allows a view of the page the user was previously on which assists in navigation through all the advance settings that are inside the tray/menu. There are also common gestures when accessing the tray, this includes clicking the button, swiping left, right or down to access the tray. Furthermore, the tray needs to be simple and the name of each category is direct and short. Don’t add any new gestures and don’t overdo a simple and good thing.
The List
The list is commonly used amongst mobile apps due to their such small size. it is similar to a tray however it is relevant to the category that you are expanding the list from. You are also able to enlarge images and opening screens or options. It is most likely in the form of an arrow to return back to the previous page where the list is. Furthermore, to maintain a simple and successful list, you should not overdo the pattern, this pattern is to provide a way finding through large amounts of information and you don’t want to overcomplicate it. Lastly, do not have dead ends. The last thing you want is for your user to have nothing to do but press back on that page and it makes the app feel boring therefore losing your users interest.
Most important aspect
The most important aspect is how effectively you use each of these popular App UI patters. Without knowing their purpose and intent for your app you could end up with using the wrong UI pattern for specific places of your app. However, If you are already aware of these patterns and their purpose, you need to know the limits of each as it is extremely easy to overdo a good, simple and successful pattern. Keep it simple as your user is going to be using apps based on similarity when it comes to action buttons and gestures.
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