Android UI/UX Movement

---

I'd like to start a movement...

Android's openness is a double-edged sword. Too often many devs (sadly most Android devs) seem to omit any sort of design when it comes to their apps. Doesn't matter if the app is amazing, or horrid, the design is far too often hideous.

Due to the lack of an approval process we become that approval process. We tell them what's good, what's bad, and what needs to be modified. Unfortunately that doesn't seem to happen enough and a lot of apps have old Android 1.0 looking icons and UI/UXs or simply horrendous everything visual.

I try my best to tell however many devs I can that they need to up the quality of their apps...I often reference examples in the market that show a dev who gets it. And while the number of great looking apps is skyrocketing a lot of ugly apps still persist...way too many.

So, I'd like to start a movement...a sort of motivational movement...advice...even help...

you don't need to be a dev, or a designer...just a person who understands the difference between a good looking app and an ugly/could be better app.

After that all you'd need to do is inform the dev of the issues and simply hope for the best. lol

We can't force the dev's to change their designs...but we can offer advice, help, tips...etc.

PS...Apps that look like iPhone apps are deemed BAD APPS...Android design paradigm allows for great looking apps that in no way mimic the look of an iPhone app...

I'm a designer as well and I feel good about my accomplishments thus far. I'm trying to learn more about developing for android so that I can make a difference in terms of aesthetically pleasing applications for the platform. Would be cool to work with a current developer on a program from start to finish.

Originally Posted by chrisdarwin

I'm a designer as well and I feel good about my accomplishments thus far. I'm trying to learn more about developing for android so that I can make a difference in terms of aesthetically pleasing applications for the platform. Would be cool to work with a current developer on a program from start to finish.

I need to brush up on interface design...oddly I can design a web page with ease but when it comes to smaller scale designs I struggle...I "paint with a broad brush" so to speak.

but yea. I'm willing to help as well...so any devs in the NY/Northern NJ area if you need help on an application from start to finish let me know.

Also I hope this thread can catch on...Android needs help...and we are the ones who can help.

Don't let this thread die. It's kind of important.

of course no one cares.

This is a great idea. I think the Android community as a whole lacks in the design department. Just look at the users' screenshots.

Hear hear!

@AbsoluteDesignz, I'm not sure if you've given up on this movement or not due to apparent lack of interest, but I for one totally agree with you. I suggest you stir up interest by posting in the threads of users who clearly DO see the difference between good looking and ugly apps/UIs/UXs. Such threads include:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=476483
and
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=990233.

In either of these threads you'll find the work of many themers and other skillful end users who go to lengths to ensure their devices look as good as they work.

Hope this helps.

I think there is no motivation for devs to make good-looking apps because they get more money on iOS than the open Android. Many users think - why buy app if you can just download it from blackmarket or find apk online?