: Seeking advice to improve the design of my minimalist calculator A while ago, I built a count down timer app based on a designer's free giveaway. It turns out users like it and it is even

@Gretchen549

For visual hierarchy, you should have the most used keys black (#s, +, -, etc..) and have all the other keys a medium-dark grey.

Vote Up Vote Down

@Ravi4787994

You're delving into a matter of taste here. There are many ways to be minimal. You have done it successfully, in my opinion. I suspect it is the extreme reduction in styling that is bothering your friends.

All critiques are not equal

The first question you should ask is, are your friends representative of your target audience? If not, find some people who are and see how they respond.

Styling minimalism

Just because something is minimal doesn't mean it has to be completely unstyled. Various techniques are still available to you that might add some humanity to your design. A few things to consider:


Visual hierarchy. You are currently addressing two levels of information: the keypad and formula, and the answer. Are there shades of grey in between that might be worth delineating? Numerals vs operators vs functions (like clear, store, recall) might be valuable categories.
Color. Black and white is an obvious choice for this aesthetic but so are shades of grey, neutral, or even palettes like jewel and earth tones.
Texture. Don't limit yourself to flat color in the name of minimalism. Look at Apple's app design, lots of textures there. Subtlety is the key. Take a look at the aptly named SubtlePatterns.com.
Depth. Texture adds a little realism but the impression of depth will take it up a notch. Drop shadows on the type. Gradients on the buttons to imply surface curvature. The result area could be "recessed" or "elevated".
User configuration. Allowing the user to change fonts is an excellent idea. What about some additional skins? Maybe a dark, light, and medium. The texture idea could come into play here too. Preselected font options might work well.

Vote Up Vote Down

@Angie364

I would say get rid of the borders around the buttons and don't let the user choose the font. I wouldn't use Futura as the font tho (even tho I love Futura). I think it ends up being monotonous rather than refreshing.

I like what you are going for, but I do see what your current critiques are trying to say.

I would also increase the calculation display and remove any buttons that aren't needed. Put them on a separate screen if need be, or do how the built in calc does and reveal the scientific calc buttons on didRotate(). Maybe even a tab bar controller to switch between different types of calculators.

I just downloaded your timer you made and think it it absolutely beautiful. Don't be afraid to be inspired by a previous design.

Vote Up Vote Down