Yet some users have enjoyed the new design, with a poll by Mobile Operating System rating iOS7 73.25/100 for user experience compared to Android’s 57.25/100. From the technicoloured, revamped interface to the all-new functionality, is this update really worth a download or should we all stick to the old version?
First of all, the most immediately noticeable change is in the interface. Apple have utterly revamped the colors previously used in favor of brighter candy colors more similar to the Android interface. One benefit of the new interface is the increased contrast between the bright new icons and the dark background.
For users with visual impairments, the new design is definitely an improvement. It makes it easier for people who have poor contrast sensitivity. Despite this, the other significant change in the interface is the icons themselves which have been given a flatter appearance. Some Apple-lovers have mourned the loss of the familiar icons, provoking many complaints from people claiming they can’t find their way around their phone.
Yet despite the bright, garish colors of the new interface, some aspects have been stripped bare for a minimal appearance. For example, the mail inbox screen has lost the heavy navy header and footer and the search tool. Now, just emails are displayed on the inbox screen when held portrait. For speed of browsing emails, this could be a drawback but for those who struggle with crowded text on a screen, it could be a benefit.
There’s also a new-look control center giving users easier access to useful visual settings and office tools such as screen brightness, calculator and music controls. These shortcuts could be useful for users who regularly access these types of settings and tools and access is definitely more user-friendly, requiring only a single swipe rather than a full browse as was required previously.
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However, for users who prioritize social media or photography, there is no option to customize the new control center. When it comes to the iPhone’s already-popular camera tool, the iOS7 has taken the camera one step further by offering additional customizations before the photo is taken.
Taking inspiration from other popular photo apps, iOS7 now allow users to apply filters and crops before or after snapping. This creates a more user-friendly experience for those wanting to make the most of their in-built camera, ideal for social media sharing.
Siri, the omniscient voice offering wisdom and information has also been given a boost. The information used to answer the user’s questions is drawn from a wider range of sources, including Wikipedia and Bings. This allows users to obtain more relevant, reliable information, making it more user-friendly for people requiring hands-free information in an instant.
For example, drivers needing to listen to a voicemail can simply speak the command and Siri will answer. It is also a good tool for people with visual impairments who benefit from tools activated by speech rather than browsing the icons on their phone.
When designing the new update, Apple originally set out to make the iPhone more ‘user-friendly’ by making the important tools more accessible and the less relevant tools more hidden to improve the seamless appearance.
But one important question is raised: have Apple sacrificed basic functionality (e.g. memory, battery life, app updates) in favour of the fancy functionality (zoom animations on opening an app, new dot symbols for signal strength)?
VictoriaAbout the Author:
Victoria researches the latest gadgets and technology for visually-impaired users. She shares her findings with prescription glasses website, Directsight.
