UI
Managing platform-specific UI elements
Romina Kavcic
This article covers having custom UI elements against platform-specific ones.
Here's how I choose the best approach.
Assess development time, performance impact, and visual consistency.
Weigh tradeoffs.
The goal? Optimal user experience, always.
Choose the best approach:
➡️ Hybrid approach
Mix your UI elements with platform specific components. For example, you might adopt a native iOS calendar on iOS app, but keep the rest of the custom components. This way, our app feels native yet distinctly ours.
➡️ Platform-First design
In this case we would use only platform specific UI elements. An iOS app would follow Apple's design principles for a native experience. An Android app would use Material Design for user familiarity.
🚨 Structure libraries
Regardless of your choice, keep platform-specific elements out of your custom library. If using Figma Variables or Tokens Studio, create extra design tokens and a separate library for platform-specific styles and components.
Each approach has its advantages, and the best choice will depend on your product goals. Good luck 🙌
Read more:
What are the best practices for implementing platform-specific design guidelines? (Linkedin)
5 Best Practices for Designing Cross-Platform UI/UX in 2024
The Ultimate Showdown: Flutter Widgets vs. Traditional UI Elements
Cross-platform app design guide- Android & iOS
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Oct 22, 2024
