Learn SwiftUI. It’s the easiest way to get an app out. It’s like CSS+JS reinvented and you can do so much out of the box. Here’s a video to start: developer.apple.com/videos/play/ww… - you’ll need Xcode 13 and macOS Big Sur or Monterey.
Build multiple apps from scratch. Start simple by following videos for beginners:
Weather app: - free
Multiple apps: designcode.io/quick-apps-swi… - paid
Build your first app: - free
For beginners: - free
This is how I would start UI design for iOS in 2022 👇
Learn UI patterns. Redesign your favorite apps. Here’s a resource for studying the most common screens: mobbin.design/browse/ios/apps
Get familiar with the iOS design language. The dos and donts. Start with colors, then typography and move to other topics when needed. Don’t read everything at once. developer.apple.com/design/human-i…
I really got into VR lately because of the Quest 2 and Valve Index. If AR is as immersive and not via the phone aka AirPods Max with a screen, I’m in.
It could also work directly with AirPods/iPhone and offer a standalone glass. Part of me wishes it can switch between AR and VR because of immersion vs utility.
The Quest 2 is a good first step, but it doesn’t feel premium or useful atm. When you turn on the camera, everything should be true to life and the UI could be macOS/iOS apps without the background.
An early designer will try to follow rules. An experienced designer will learn to break rules.
What makes you an expert isn’t your ability to execute based on predefined rules but to know when to break them and make new ones.
Breaking rules at the beginning isn’t always wise because you may not understand the nuances. Too many colors, not enough spacing, text too small, etc. Learn why. Don’t give up.
Last year, it felt like I was experimenting with SwiftUI. This year, it feels like I’m building a real app.
First, I’m embracing the Sidebar, which means everything has to work with the Nav bar and alternatively the Tab bar. A side effect is that your app looks more consistent with the OS with little effort and navigation can go very deep.
Matched Geometry Effect allows you to transition between views without the cost of complexity and needing a custom navigation. Now, you can just build the new view separately with its own structure and data.
First, it’s clear that the Tab bar/Nav bar will be replaced by Sidebar/Toolbar on iPad and Mac. Tab bar is great for small screens, one-tap navigation and thumb reach.
Skeuomorphism isn’t fully back yet, but the Mac has been persistent at keeping it. 7 years ago, it was way too flat and with each year, we’ve been unflattening with more shadows, gradients and blur. For icons, that’s another story.
SwiftUI is making it effortless to develop for iOS/iPad/Mac with virtually no code change thanks to these design patterns. An iPad app will almost look exactly like a Big Sur native app. Side bar, touch-friendly tool bar, buttons. I wouldn’t be surprised if touch Macs are coming.