Apple's IOS calculator redesigned
We all have a calculator in our pockets today.
However most of us had to go through the all hassle to figure out where scientific maths buttons were.
After a little googling or experimenting we all found out it was hidden away in the screen rotation!
Using screen rotation as an alternative for bigger interfaces is a nice option, however it comes with many issues :
- It’s hard to handle it with one hand, requires two hands & is more adequate for people who have a disability (a missing hand or arm).
- it’s not made to work “on the go”
- It requires activating screen rotation
- It’s being less and less used unless it’s a video content but hey, even videos are adopting the vertical stance!
I choose to completely redesign the structure of the IOS calculator based on what they already built.
I decided to adopt the structure of their buttons on rotation mode, since they were smaller in height thus allowing for more rows in the "thumb accessible area" as well as more buttons.
After talking to a few of my friends who frequently use scientific buttons about the most used ones in their opinion, I was able to filter down the most important scientific buttons to be displayed on the main calculator keyboard.
Then, for the rest, by taking inspiration on the symbols keyboards from IOS as well as the "emoji" keyboards that allow to find a bunch of keys hidden a "click" away, I designed the "S"button at the bottom left. The S stands for scientific & displays the rest of the icons while keeping the most important one in sight.
In order to go back to the main keyboard, you'd have either to choose the scientific symbol you were looking for or simply click on the "123" button at the bottom left to go back to the main keyboard!
What do you think? Please leave your awesome feedback in the comments!
Some more context:
I decided to participate in the 100 days UI challenge with two objectives:
1- improve my UI
2- Advocate & promote accessibility & designing for a good cause & better world!
You can read my latest article on medium about the good practices on UX accessibility right here :
https://uxdesign.cc/how-to-design-digital-interfaces-with-every-disabilities-in-mind-19572579d7ef
Cheers!