Flip phones are making a come back.
Let’s be honest, if their tech had coped with a touch screen system of use, perhaps they never would have gone away. Baby boomers and millennials will reminisce about ending a call with a satisfying flip. These smart phone ones can’t cope with the power snap as the old Samsung and Motorola ones used to, but they’re still very satisfying.
In terms of development and coding, the new user interface opens up some new challenges and opportunities. Worth it – a larger screen to play with, with ultimate portability, so it’s a yes from us!
Now users, from app users to game players and photographers can view, play and edit their content on one screen and edit from another. It’s segmented the controls into just that – being more controlling. Mirroring the design of a laptop functionality can open up new realms of design features.
Make a note to consider:
- Aspect rations
- Variety of screen sizes
- UX
- Both folded and unfolded designs
- Front screen viewing options before it’s unfolded
- Split-screen viewing
- Support for multiple windows
- Consider which flip or fold method is needed
- Not only touch gestures but add in foldable commands
Not sure where to start?
Grab the dimensions of the Motorola, Galaxy Flip or the Hasselblad OPPO and have a good view of them online. Go into a store and touch them and see how they work to get a feel for them.
Then, as always when you’re designing something new, think of creating the ultimate user experience that will suit the product.
How will the viewer see the app on the cover and know when to open it?
How will the user immerse themselves in your app?
Will you enable them to choose from using both full screens or will they have the option to split the viewing screen from controls?
Most importantly, how will you make their app experience even better on a flip phone?
