What makes a winning iPad app

In April 2010 Apple released their first iPad, and sold 14.8 million units over the year worldwide. In that same year 40 million iPhones (3G and 3GS) were sold worldwide. At the time of release, Apple said that the iPad had the software to run iPhone apps. However as time went on and trails and public opinion gathered, it was clear that the iPhone and the iPad give and require two completely different experiences. The iPhone is a mobile device,  in every sense of the word; people use it on the go, it fits into their pocket and the information that they consume on it need only be bite-sized. In contrast, the iPad is larger and requires the use of two hands to operate and is best suited for situations where you’re sitting down at a table and chair, be it in a coffee shop or around your own home, and the information on there needs to be more in-depth, more interactive and more engaging.

Some key elements to be considered when creating an iPad app are the screen space available and the circumstance in which the customer will be using the device. Because of the iPad’s size, when creating an app for the device, you must consider how best to use the available space, making it possible for multi-tasking and increase m-commerce. Increasing the potential for multi-tasking by making a split-screen possible will let the customer interact with several features of the app on one screen, and even play around with a few apps at a time as well. By incorporating customer reviews and easy access payment area for a given product, mobile browsing and shopping will increase potential revenue.

A final thing to remember about the iPad is that it was not meant to be a mobile device, making voice calls and using mobile web apps, and this means that apps developed for the iPad need to contain as much rich content as possible, and rely less on internet connection. Rich content will mean that users can interact and experience the app in several different forms and this will encourage them to use it again and again.

Finally, to make an outstanding app for the iPad, remember to make use of all available space on the screen and to use as much rich content as you can (as is suitable).

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