Over time, the phone's hardware has changed a great deal, but that is not really so with the software. iOS gains new features with every new release, but the changes are minor and the aesthetics are almost the exact same.
In fact, design conventions in iOS have not changed at all. Six years later, iOS devices still feature glossy, dimensional graphics, rounded corners, drop shadows, and various imitation textures such as leather, fabric, and wallpaper. Many feel that iOS now feels stale. These design conventions match web design trends in 2007, but are now dated. Even worse, many app developers are keeping up with design trends, creating a break between iOS and the apps it runs.
This is perhaps one of the various reasons that Android has a small leverage over iOS in the mobile landscape. Although it is up to individual device manufacturers to customize Android as they see fit, many are adopting a more "flat" approach to design, which has gained traction since iOS was created. Much design in Android feels new and fresh, unlike iOS.
However, things are looking up for iOS 7. Apple's recent executive shakeup saw Scott Forstall, the Senior Vice President of iOS since the iPhone's original release, ousted. Jony Ive, Senior Vice President of Industrial Design, has since taken his spot. Perhaps future iterations of iOS will match iOS with the iPhone's hardware, evolving it into sleek, clean, and minimalistic. It is time for Apple to lose the glossy, realistic, 2007 design approach and to change and evolve.
Apples approach I feel like has always been functionality/ user ability over design. Yes they make products that we use to create designs but their interface has always had that simplistic approach like you stated. I don't think it would be a bad idea for Apple to revamp their overall look but they have to be careful. Not everyone likes change and Apple has done such a fine job at branding what they look like. If they change too much it may turn off their customers.
ReplyDeleteI like iSO it is very clean and simple. I do agree that it could use an update. I think it would be good if Apple would make their system more customizable. That is the one constant thing that I hear when people say they don't like the iPhone as much as the android. I am excited to see new progress that apple will make in the future.
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