Apple UI/UX Guidelines

Going through Apple's iOS Human Interface Guidelines provided some context on how the app should be designed.

They identify clarity, deference and depth as the 3 key aspects to achieve in UI design. Apple puts the communication of the content to be the paramount aim which is supported by the principles of good design set out by Dieter Rams, who has been a large influence in the design philosophy at Apple.

Referring to Apple's iOS Human Interface guidelines should be a constant process throughout Apple Eco's design. It ensures that the app will be approved by Apple if released commercially and aligns with their brand identity.

A small note worth taking note is to be mindful colour blindness and how differently cultures perceive colour. For example colour blind users will have difficulty in differentiating red from green (and either colour from grey) or blue from orange. Taking note of the app's accessibility will broaden its usable audience.

HomeKit is a possible way for the Eco app to be integrated into other apps in the Apple ecosystem. This will be useful in practicing 'green' habits through their energy use. The limitations of this however is that the house has to have fairly advanced fittings that can be controlled via iCloud. Therefore to connect Apple Eco with Apple HomeKit would only cater towards a very specific audience.  

Before

After

An interesting feature is the Scenes mode which allow the users to control a group of services or accessories. Services is the word used by Apple to represent "a controllable feature of an accessory, such as the light on a connected lamp." Therefore it allows users to create a Good Morning scene that turns on the lights, raises the shades, and starts the coffee maker in the kitchen, as shown above. This can be translated into making 'Eco' scenes for users where by certain services or accessories are on a timer or only available at a certain time for example.

Another possible way to extend Apple Eco's usage is through widgets. This gives the user immediate access from the lock screen swiping right or on the home screen, to a feature within the app. This can be beneficial in allowing the user to control or view an important or frequently used feature on the app without having the need to constantly unlock the phone.

Sources

https://developer.apple.com/ios/human-interface-guidelines/overview/design-principles/
https://developer.apple.com/ios/human-interface-guidelines/technologies/homekit/
https://developer.apple.com/ios/human-interface-guidelines/extensions/widgets/