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Android User Interface Design
Turning Ideas and Sketches into Beautifully Designed Apps
Ian G. Clifton
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Copyright 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.
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ISBN-13: 978-0-321-88673-6
ISBN-10: 0-321-88673-9
Text printed in the United States on recycled paper at R.R. Donnelley in Crawfordsville, Indiana.
First printing: May 2013
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Praise for Android User Interface Design
Android User Interface Design is a truly excellent book, written by one of the most experienced and knowledgeable Android developers. This is a very practical, highly readable guide and a great how-to resource for every Android developer. Each chapter reveals a clear and deep understanding of UI design. I highly recommend this book to anyone wishing to develop Android apps with superior UI.
Kyungil Kim
Software Engineer, Facebook
I recommend this book for all Android developers who work alone and want to give a professional look to their apps. The content of the book is excellent and covers all aspects needed to understand how to design Android apps that stand out.
Gonzalo Benoffi
CEO, Coffee and Cookies, Android Development
Design was never part of a developers job until mobile app development started; now its a must. This book gives a simple yet effective way to design your apps. Its easy for beginners and informative for experienced developers as well. This is the best book I could ever refer to anyone who is in Android development. A one-time read of this book covers the experience you might gain from three years of learning development. I am amazed to see instructions on how to design starting from wireframes, which is something no other book has provided clear enough explanation of. (Some dont even cover it.) I really love it. Thanks to Ian for this wonderful contribution to the Android developer community. Best, simple, and effective!
Chakradhar Gavirineni
Android Application Developer, Adeptpros IT Solutions Pvt Ltd.
Ians book is an invaluable resource for everything there is to know about designing, creating layouts, and rendering Android applications. The appendix is an excellent addition that makes this book a must-have. Make sure to keep this one within arms reach of your desk.
Josh Schumacher
Software Engineer, HasOffers
From the first few pages, this book provides a wealth of tips, tricks, and techniques for developing Android user interfaces. If you are grappling with all the various view types, then read this bookit really helps cement when and why you should include the various UI components to great effect (with worked examples!). Well worth a read by anyone looking for inspiration to improve their user interface into a great user experience.
Richard Sey
PassBx Developers
Dedicated to my family
Contents
Preface
Whether you have been working with the Android SDK since before the first device was released in September of 2008 or you just finished your first Hello, World app, you are likely aware of the incredible pace at which Android has been developed. The operating system itself has changed and matured, and the apps have followed suit. That means it is more challenging than ever to stand out. Its no longer enough to create a functional user interface thats good enough. Now there is enough competition that apps with poor UI and apps that are half-hearted ports from other operating systems are outright rejected by users. Google has shown their commitment to design with the major UI and usability fixes in Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, and users have learned to expect more from their devices and the apps they download. With the additional work of Project Butter in Android 4.1 and continued improvements in Android 4.2, it has become more important than ever to ensure your app is smooth and efficient.