Apple Vision Pro’s release in 2024 opens up a whole new world of possibilities for content consumption. As the folks at Apple call it, Spatial Computing looks to bridge the gap between the virtual and real world. However, the success of Apple’s latest tech depends a lot in the hands of third-party App developers. How can they effectively create and develop apps using the Apple Vision Pro?
Creative applications utilizing the device’s functions and mechanics hold huge potential to deliver an exceptional experience. Naturally, there are some restrictions and obligations that a developer has to keep in mind while developing applications for the device to achieve optimal user experience. Apple has released guidelines and suggestions that help developers better understand these factors.
General overview on how to design your Apps on the Apple Vision Pro
Use familiar elements that the user already knows about to avoid confusion. Sidebars, tabs, and search fields are some common examples that should be present.
The content of your Application will be displayed on a Window. The default window is a rectangular translucent glass-like surface that takes up virtual space and can be independently stretched depending on the context.
Developers also have the freedom to put mini elements just outside the window, putting more emphasis on the content at the center.
Put human experience as your top priority when creating apps for the Apple Vision Pro
- Starting with the Field of View – it’s easiest to see things at the center. Consider this factor and deploy a landscape screen instead of a vertical one. It is easier for the human head to see side by side rather than up and down, and you will definitely need this regarding the Apple Vision Pro.
- Remember the comfort and posture a person should be in while looking at the app. Keeping the line of sight at an area directly in front of their head helps in this matter. Also, try to put the content at an optimal distance from a user which is not too close or far away. You can break this rule at times to deliver a certain experience.
- Be mindful of the physical surroundings around the consumer. Your app should not demand movement from the audience unless it’s part of an immersive experience. It should not also require large physical space as many might be in a limited territory.
- Using dimming or glowing during video playback is a great option to incorporate. This little feature can enhance the viewer’s experience substantially.
- Make use of depth for certain tasks. For example, you can put the control panel or the light controller at a distance closer compared to the cinema screen for ease of use. This feature can also enable developers to create 3D interactive objects.
- Avoid 3D texts. It is challenging to read, especially when looking from an angle.
- Use scale to deliver a distinctive experience as the device allows. You can make anything too big or too small without hesitation but try to find a balance.
- The device is built for immersion. Develop your app to deliver a memorable immersive experience. This can be done through clever use of both visuals and audio. Provide smooth transitions and visual movements to keep it easy on the eyes.
- Anchor your virtual content and position them to blend in with a person’s physical surroundings seamlessly.
Check out this video from Apple for more information: https://developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2023/10072/
How to Design the User Interface of Apps for Apple Vision Pro
- Make your App icons dynamic and responsive when the user looks at them. Use multiple flat layers (Up to 3) to achieve a 3D effect. The standard size is 1024×1024 pixels. Use bold and vibrant colors on the icons for people to see them easily. Avoid fading in or out of colors.
- Do not use opaque windows as a platform. Use dark and light tones for highlight/contrast to differentiate certain sections within the window.
- Use standard units for your text. Make the text style simple and bold for an easy read.
- Use vibrancy on nearer windows to focus attention on the desired place.
- Mostly use white text and maintain a layer of flat color in their background. Do not use color combinations that are difficult to view. Maintain an optimal hue and contrast to minimize strain on the eyes.
- Provide dynamic visual feedback like a hover effect when users navigate your app. This helps them to be sure that an option is being selected before they proceed to click it with their fingers. Use the standardized point size of 60 to make buttons. This enables the user to have optimal navigation.
Check out this video from Apple for more information: https://developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2023/10076/
How Users would control the Apps with the Apple Vision Pro
Users mainly would use their eyes and hands to control the device, with occasional voice commands. They can connect conventional tools like a video game controller or Mac with the Vision Pro. You should try to adapt these factors while making controls for your app.
- The users will mainly use their eyes to control and consume the content. Always keep the app’s contents within the user’s field of view for the ideal experience. Our eyes can only focus once at a certain time, so don’t deviate your user’s focus on multiple things within quick succession.
- Use depth to create a hierarchy between elements within or outside the window. Eyes can easily track and respond to depth. Deploy circular shapes and rounded edges for a better user experience. Also, try to place your symbols in the middle alignment.
- Hands can be used almost the way it is used around a smartphone.
- Users can pinch for a click, pinch twice for double clicks, pinch and drag for scrolling, pinch and hold for holding, pinch with two hands and move them in opposite directions for zooming and pinch two fingers together, then proceed to move them in clockwise or counter clockwise motion for rotating.
- You should design your app to simultaneously receive commands from both hands and eyes. For example, if a user makes such a command, it can always track the eyes and instantaneously respond to a particular area with a hand gesture.
- If you plan on creating custom gestures, make sure it’s both easy to learn and use. Don’t make gestures that are too physically demanding and might cause fatigue.
Check out this video from Apple for more information: https://developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2023/10073/
These are just some tips app developers can follow when developing programs for the Apple Vision Pro. If you have any questions or want to share something about app development with Apple’s VR headset, feel free to drop them in the comments below.
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