Mobile Information Architecture (IA)

As a UX designer, the information that your design presents needs to be clearly organized and sorted, so
users can successfully experience and interact with the app or website. This process of organizing
information is called information architecture. Think of information architecture as a map for your
product.

For example, on an e-commerce app, the user should be able to quickly find relevant products, add them
to their cart, and complete the checkout process.
Information architecture is a fundamental pillar of user experience (UX) design.

Medium (left) uses a tabbed view (see the topic ribbon on top and the toolbar at bottom) as a
sub-pattern within the parent pattern, while Niva Bupa — a health insurance provider (right)
uses a Nested Doll pattern with all detailed functions residing on the main screen.
 The screen on the left shows options for filtering and sorting content, while the one on right
shows multiple filters

There are numerous IA patterns that can make it easier for you to design your app’s basic structure. The
only thing you need to think carefully about is which patterns to choose from.

1. Hierarchy
This pattern is used for websites; however, it has found its application in mobile app design as well.
Basically, you create one index page that has links to other pages, which in turn can also contain links to
more subpages.
This pattern is a good fit for mobile apps that have to have the same structure as desktop websites.
2. Hub & Spoke
This pattern is the default for iPhone apps. Here, you have one index page (the so-called hub) with spokes
to navigate to. In order to switch to another spoke, users have to go back to the hub first. Therefore, this
pattern encourages users to focus on one task at a time.
However, if your app is aimed at users who would like to multi-task, this pattern won’t work well.
Nested doll

The nested doll pattern leads users in a linear fashion to more detailed content. When users are in difficult
conditions this is a quick and easy method of navigation. It also gives the user a strong sense of where
they are in the structure of the content due to the perception of moving forward and then back
The nested doll pattern is a good choice for apps that are focused on one particular topic or a couple of
closely related ones.

4. Tabbed View

This mobile app information architecture pattern is going to be extremely familiar to any user because it
resembles the way tabs are organized on desktop browsers. The content is placed into different sections,
and users can switch between them using the toolbar.
This pattern suits apps that are created to be tools (e.g. for searching and comparing products from many
categories and sub-categories. However, you should keep it as simple as possible to make it user-friendly.
5. Filtered View
Filtered view allows users to switch between alternative views by filtering the content they are seeing.
This pattern is great for giving users the freedom to choose how to explore the content themselves.
This pattern is an excellent choice for apps that are based on displaying huge amounts of content (images,
videos, etc.). However, it shouldn’t be overloaded with too many filters as this would make it difficult to
display them on a small smartphone screen.
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Introduction to Android OS
Android Operating System, is an open-source operating system based on the
Linux kernel, developed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices such as
smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and other wearable devices.
Some of the mobile OS examples are:
1. Symbian OS
2. Blackberry OS
3. IOS
4. Webos
5. Bada
6. Windows Mobile Os
7. Android
Android Versions
The development of the Android operating system was started in 2003 by Android, Inc. Later on,
it was purchased by Google in 2005 and later the OHA (Open Handset Alliance). Android
officially publish its Android operating system version 1.0 in September 2008. It is the version
that has no codename.

There are many code names of android versions

1. Android version 1.5: Cupcake

2. Android version 1.6: Donut
3. Android versions 2.0 to 2.1: Eclair
4. Android version 2.2: Froyo
5. Android version 2.2: Froyo
6. Android 3.0 to 3.2: Honeycomb
7. Android version 4.0: Ice Cream Sandwich
8. Android versions 4.1 to 4.3: Jelly Bean
9. Android version 4.4: KitKat
10. Android versions 5.0 and 5.1: Lollipop
11. Android version 6.0: Marshmallow
12. Android versions 7.0 and 7.1: Nougat
13. Android version 8.0 and 8.1: Oreo
14. Android version 9: Pie
15. Android version 10
16. Android version 11
17. Android version 12
18. Android version 13
19. Android version 14

Android 14 features a first taste of Google’s AI-generated custom wallpaper creator, though that’s
available only on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro to start.

Features of Android

Android offers a wide array of functionalities catering to both users and developers. Some of the
key features of Android include:

 Open-source platform: Android is built on an open-source Linux kernel, allowing

developers to access the source code, modify it, and contribute to its development.
This openness fosters innovation and collaboration within the Android ecosystem.
  Customizable user interface: Android provides users with the ability to customize
their device’s user interface, including wallpapers, themes, widgets, and launchers.
Users can personalize their devices to suit their preferences and style.

 Multitasking: Android supports multitasking, allowing users to run multiple apps

simultaneously, switch between them seamlessly, and perform various tasks
simultaneously.

 Google Play Store: Android users can access the Google Play Store, which offers a
vast catalog of apps, games, movies, music, books, and more. The Play Store
provides users a centralized platform to discover, download, and install content for
their devices.

 Google Assistant: Android devices come with Google Assistant, a virtual assistant
powered by artificial intelligence. Google Assistant can perform various tasks,
answer questions, provide recommendations, and control smart home devices using
voice commands.

 Security features: Android incorporates various security features to protect

users’ data and privacy. These features include app sandboxing, secure boot,
encrypted file systems, Google Play Protect, and regular security updates from
device manufacturers.

Connectivity Supports: It provides support for messaging services(SMS and MMS),

web browser, storage (SQLite), connectivity (GSM, CDMA, Blue Tooth, Wi-Fi etc.),
media, handset layout etc.

Categories of Android applications

There are many android applications in the market. The top categories are:

Entertainment

Tools

Communication

Productivity

Personalization

Music and Audio

Social
 Media and Video

Travel and Local etc.

What is API (Application Programming Interface) level?

API Level is an integer value that uniquely identifies the framework API revision

offered by a version of the Android platform.

API levels are defined in terms of developer’s side and it is more inside the platform architecture,
Each Android Device supports exactly one API level. For Example: