Skip to main content

Mobile app UI/UX design

Overview​

Mobile UX must account for small screens, touch targets, one-handed use, interruptions, and variable connectivity. Platform Human Interface Guidelines (Apple) and Material Design (Google) define baseline patterns users already understand.

Key concepts​

  • Thumb zones — Primary actions within comfortable reach.
  • Touch targets — Aim for at least ~44×44 pt (Apple) / 48×48 dp (Material) tappable areas.
  • Navigation — Tabs, stacks, drawers; keep hierarchy shallow when possible.
  • Motion — Subtle transitions; respect “reduce motion” accessibility settings.
  • Platform consistency — Deviating from platform norms increases learning cost.

Sample: spacing for touch​

// React Native example: min 48dp touch target
const styles = {
  button: {
    minHeight: 48,
    paddingHorizontal: 16,
    justifyContent: 'center',
  },
};

References​