As someone who loves good design, I always appreciate products that combine form and function in a way that makes life easier and more enjoyable. Three apps I use almost every day are Apple’s ecosystem, Waterllama, and Strong. All of them have points in both UX and UI design, but they also have areas where they could improve. Let’s break down why I keep using them daily and what could be better.
Apple: Simplicity Meets Sophistication
When it comes to Apple, its design philosophy has always been about simplicity, elegance, and ease of use. From the moment you unlock your iPhone, you’re greeted with a clean interface that feels intuitive even if you’re using it for the first time. Apple’s UI is minimalist but powerful, with everything you need at your fingertips, whether it’s for productivity, communication, or entertainment. And you know I’m a big fan! (Apple Fanboy, Kind of)
What’s Good:
- Consistency Across Devices: Whether you’re using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, the experience feels cohesive. Apple nails it with cross-device integration, allowing you to transition from one device to another seamlessly.
- Fluid User Experience: The UI is visually appealing with smooth animations, gestures, and a clean design language that is both inviting and efficient.
What’s Not:
- Customization Limitations: Apple’s tight control over the user interface means you can’t customize your device much, unlike Android. While that contributes to its uniform experience, some users may find it restrictive. Even with the iOS 18 update, it’s still not nearly as customizable.
- Overload of Features: Apple’s settings menus can be a bit overwhelming for first-time users or those who don’t need all the advanced features. Even as someone who uses Apple every day, it’s easy to get lost in endless settings and toggles.
Waterllama: Hydration with Personality
Waterllama is one of those apps that adds fun to the mundane task of staying hydrated. With its whimsical characters and colorful interface, Waterllama motivates you to drink water throughout the day, turning what could be a dull health chore into a playful experience.
What’s Good:
- Engaging UI: The playful characters and visuals make it exciting to track your water intake. It’s a great example of gamification done right in UX, making something as routine as drinking water feel like an achievement.
- Ease of Use: The app’s simple layout and visual cues make tracking easy, even when you’re on the go. There’s no steep learning curve; you open the app, log your drink, and that’s it!
What’s Not:
- Customization Limits: While the design is fun, the app could benefit from more options for customization, like setting different hydration goals based on more specific health needs. It’s also very character-driven, which might not appeal to everyone.
- Limited Tracking Options: Waterllama focuses almost entirely on hydration. Adding more health and wellness metrics could make the app more comprehensive without losing its playful design.
Strong: Fitness Meets Functionality
Strong is my go-to fitness app, particularly for weightlifting and strength training. Its UI is designed for efficiency, and the app’s ability to store workout data and help you plan routines makes it invaluable for anyone serious about their fitness.
What’s Good:
- Streamlined UI: The app’s minimalistic design is functional and uncluttered, allowing users to log workouts quickly and efficiently. This is crucial when you’re at the gym and want to focus on lifting, not messing with your phone.
- Detailed Tracking: Strong provides detailed progress tracking and analytics, giving you clear insights into your fitness journey. The ability to easily compare past performance and set goals enhances the user experience significantly.
What’s Not:
- Learning Curve: For beginners, the app can feel a bit complex. It’s built for people who already know their way around a gym, so first-time users might need some time to get comfortable with all the features.
- Aesthetic Design: While the UI is functional, it could use a little more personality. It’s very straightforward, but it lacks the engaging visual elements that make apps like Waterllama fun to use. A slight redesign could make it feel more approachable without sacrificing functionality.
Conclusion
Each of these apps—Apple, Waterllama, and Strong—has found a spot in my daily routine thanks to their strong UX and UI designs. Apple’s seamless integration across devices keeps me in its ecosystem, Waterllama turns hydration tracking into a fun task, and Strong makes fitness tracking efficient and insightful. However, even the best apps have room for improvement. Whether it’s adding customization options, simplifying interfaces, or enhancing visual appeal, there’s always something that could be fine-tuned.
Design isn’t just about how something looks, but how it works—and these apps, despite their flaws, definitely work for me.
Minimal Techie Blog 