A) You can't do on an iPhone
B) Optimize the user experience for our usage habits
and
C) Because we can.
Furthermore, I think its pretty safe to say most Android users are constantly tinkering with their home screens to maximize the space, widgets and apps most used. After giving it some thought, I wanted to propose a method to organizing your home screens and point out some things to keep in mind when laying it out.
First- download a launcher you are comfortable with. For many this may be the stock launcher, but there are a host of other launchers that offer plenty of features and add ons. I personally am using LauncherPro, but there is ADW that comes in CyanogenMod and etc, etc, if you are curious. Lifehacker did a great write up on launchers. The features in some of these launchers can help save space on the home screens and even double up on some functions.
Second- widgets. We all love them. They are the eye candy that never gets old in Android, but be warned that loading many widgets on the screens can eat into battery and affect performance, so just keep that in mind.
Okay, for the sake of this blog post I am assuming a 5 screen layout and I have customized my home screen to a 5x4 layout through LauncherPro as you will see. The next step is to identify your usage habits and needs to organize similar apps on the certain pages. To help with this, I have 'labeled' my 5 home screens under the following categories:
(from left to right)
1. Reference and Games
2. Media
3. Dashboard (Home)
4. Utility
5. Special Purpose
1. Reference and Games
This page is the farthest page left on my device, but proves to be very helpful. I like to think of this page as my genius page. You know those times when you are in a group and someone argues with you on how many ounces are in a cup? or who is the lead actor in the next summer blockbuster? This is the page to refer to. I also keep my time wasters like games and some space for other reference style apps or widgets.
2. Media
Whether it's social, right-wing, Hollywood, user created or streaming media the page-left is the catch all for information on friends, the world or my own pictures or music. Android is embedded heavily on the media side, so it's good to keep this one close. I have also created some contact shortcuts at the bottom on this page for frequently called or potentially useful contacts.
3. The Dashboard
The dashboard or home screen is the center of the five and is really the most important one in determining how effectively you use your phone. It's the first thing you will look at so having apps that regularly use and widgets you will want to see on the fly are ideal. I have taken this page to be primarily my communication page as all main forms of messaging are on it as well as apps I check at least daily if not hourly.
4. Utility
Android is all about function and productivity. So I have used page-right as my utility page, which is full of settings, controls, folders or one-off apps that are handy/useful. I could put all the power settings on one row in CM6 but have opted for larger buttons and spread it out over 2 rows. This page is all about convenience and usefulness.
5. Special Purpose
This page is kind of different and best dedicated to your lifestyle, job or hobby. I travel a lot, so I decided to dedicate this screen for all things travel which comes in very handy when on the road. As you will see I opted for the widget plotting out my upcoming flights as well as apps that will assist in direction or decision when in a new place. I have also made a shortcut that plots out directions to my work, from where ever I may be, since I am new to the area and like having the directions on hand when I return from my adventures. If you are in the medical field maybe this page has apps related to medicine and health news and apps like Epocrates, if you are into photography maybe you put photo apps and web shortcuts and photo related widgets here.
Only you know what works for you, but I hope these categories and uses can help you explore or identify ways to get the most of out Android and unlock all the features available to you.
No comments:
Post a Comment