Android 4.0 ICS User Interface Overview

The original Article is here. User Interface Overview

The Android system UI provides a framework for you to build your own app on it. The main interface, global navigation menu, and notification are important.

Your applications will play an important role in maintaining the consistent experience and pleasant use of Android. At the end of this chapter, we will introduce the main content involved in achieving this goal on your app.

Read the following quick overview of the final aspect of the android user interface.

Main Interface, all applications, and recently used
Main Interface

The main interface is a custom space that can be used to place application shortcuts, folders, and widgets. You can switch between different home screens by swiping left and right.

The frequently used toolbar at the bottom of the screen is always loaded with the most important shortcuts and folders on the interface.

Click "All Applications" in the middle of the common toolbar to open all applications and widgets.

All application interfaces

The "all application interfaces" allows you to browse applications and widgets that have been installed on your device.

You can drag an application or widget icon from the "All application interfaces" and place it in an empty location on any home screen.

Recently used Interface

"Recently used" provides an efficient way to switch between recently used applications. Among Multiple running tasks, it provides a clear switching mode.

The "recently used" button is located on the right of the navigation menu and displays applications that have recently interacted with users. They are arranged in descending chronological order, and the recently used applications are placed at the bottom.

You can switch to this application by clicking one of the "recently used" items. Slide left and right to delete recently used content.

System bar

The system bar is a screen area used to display notifications, communication device status, and device navigation. Normally, the system bar is displayed with your application. When an application displays content that is easy to see, such as a movie or image, it can temporarily hide the system bar so that users can enjoy full-screen content without any worries.

1. Status Bar

   The notification waiting for processing is displayed on the left and the status of some devices, including time, power level, and signal strength, are displayed on the right. Gently slide down the status bar to display the notification details.

2. Navigation Bar

   This is a new function on the android 4.0 mobile phone. Currently, the navigation bar only appears on devices without traditional physical buttons. It includes the navigation control of the device, including returning to the main interface, recently used, and playing the menu role in apps written in Android 2.3 or earlier versions.

3. Compound Bar

   On a tablet, the status bar and navigation bar are displayed at the bottom of the screen.

Notification

A notification is a short message that you can access through the status bar at any time. They provide updates, reminders, or important information, but these are not serious enough to interrupt your current operations. Slide down the status bar to open the notification notice. Click the notification to open the related application.
More information about notifications

Most notifications have a title and a line message. The layout of notification recommendations includes two rows. If necessary, add the third line. The timestamp is optional.

You can slide left and right to delete the notifications in the notification queue.

Common application interface

A typical Android application, including the operation bar and application content area.

1. Main Operation bar

   Application command and control center. The main operation Bar contains the elements used to navigate your application on the hierarchy and interface, as well as the most important operations.

   More information about the operation bar

2. Interface Control

   Allows users to switch between different interfaces provided by your application. The interface usually consists of different data or different functions provided by your application.

3. Content Area

   Space used to display your application content.

4. Split operation bar

   The split operation bar is either below the main operation bar or at the bottom of the screen, and provides a method for various operations. In this example, a split operation bar moves some important operations from the main operation column to the bottom.