It’s an unfortunate reality that tablet UI design is often an afterthought following mobile and web design. Some of the world’s biggest brands still haven’t invested in custom-built apps for tablets, and Instagram’s refusal to launch a dedicated iPad app is a common complaint.
Why? A perception that tablets are merely larger mobile phones means many simply scale up mobile interfaces for tablet use. In some use cases, this is fine. However, this lazy development approach overlooks the distinct needs and contexts in which tablets are used.
Scale is also important. The global market share of tablets is just about 2.4%, much lower than the 56.45% share of mobile phones and 41.15% of desktops. However, there are still millions of tablets: Apple has sold almost 600 million since the launch of the iPad, and at least 126 million Android tablets are running the latest version of Google’s operating system.
Below, the Zudu team will explore some of the key considerations for designing effective tablet UIs and explain why treating phone and tablet apps as separate entities is crucial.
Let’s start with the basics. It’s common to see tablets as oversized phones due to their similar functionalities. iOS and iPadOS are virtually identical; the same applies to Android.
However, directly scaling mobile apps to fit tablet screens ignores the unique ways users interact with these devices. Context, for example, is really important. Users interact with tablets differently than with phones. While mobile phones are used for quick, on-the-go tasks such as messaging, browsing, and social media, tablets are often used for extended activities like watching videos, reading, and gaming.
Location is important, too: people might sit on their sofa with their tablet or even on a train or plane. This shift in usage context requires a different design approach. For example, many tablet users prefer landscape mode for certain apps, a consideration that should be reflected in the UI design.
Given tablets’ larger screen sizes, UI elements can be more spaced out, and content can be presented more organised. Unlike phones, which often utilise single-column layouts due to space constraints, tablets can comfortably support multi-column layouts. This allows for more information to be displayed simultaneously without overwhelming the user. And remember that many tablet users enjoy split-screening, running apps simultaneously.
The larger tablet screen also allows more diverse gestures and interactive elements. However, ensuring that these interactions are intuitive and that users can engage with the entire screen is essential. Overcomplicating gestures or restricting them to specific areas can lead to frustration. Users are likelier to “tap to drag” and “pinch” on an iPad.
Tablet apps need to be adaptable to different orientations and screen sizes. A well-designed tablet app should offer a seamless experience, whether in portrait or landscape. This ensures the app remains functional and visually appealing across different use cases.
Read also: What you need to know about designing apps for iPads and tablets
One of the most important things to consider when developing a tablet app is to ensure touch targets are larger than those on mobile apps to accommodate varying finger sizes and improve accuracy. Selectable items should have obvious button options to prevent errors.
Highlight active elements prominently on each page to guide users effectively, and remember that important content should always be visible and easily accessible.
Most users hold their tablet in their left hand. Design the interface to minimise accidental touches, especially near the edges. Employ spatial transitions and action animations to enhance user experience. Avoid excessive scrolling by organising content efficiently.
It’s also a good idea to maintain a clear text hierarchy but avoid excessive levels, as they can confuse users. Instead of relying on haptic feedback, which is more common on phones, use visual cues to confirm actions.
Effective tablet UI design requires moving beyond the mindset of merely scaling up mobile interfaces. By considering the contexts, organisation, interactivity, and adaptability needed for tablet use, developers can create apps that leverage the strengths of larger devices.
If you find designing a tablet UI daunting, consider partnering with an experienced app development team like Zudu. We can help guide you through the process, ensuring a user-friendly and visually appealing end product. Click here to learn more and get in touch.
