Chapter 3. Types of Cocoa Touch Applications
Cocoa Touch applications tend to fit one of several key types. Like most classification systems, the list in the mobile HIG that is elaborated upon here is far from perfect. We can all think of applications that fit into multiple categories, or new categories presently missing from the listing. Think of this less as a strict classification system and more as a list of general directions in which an application developer might lean. Treat the terms as indicators for developer intent and market positioning.
The application types are as follows:
Productivity tools
Lightweight utilities
Immersive media
You can consider this chapter as a supplement to the information Apple provides in the mobile HIG. Before elaborating on each application type, it’s worth providing a secondary classification schema: the one that the Apple App Store uses.
The App Store files applications into one of the following categories. This list of categories is editorial in nature and is likely to change as new applications are released into the store. Still, keep this organization in mind when developing your user experience. The App Store is the only official distribution channel for Cocoa Touch applications and thus, in a sense, your user experience officially begins in the App Store.
| Books | News |
| Business | Photography |
| Education | Productivity |
| Entertainment | Reference |
| Finance | Social Networking |
| Games | Sports |
| Healthcare & Fitness | Travel |
| Lifestyle | Utilities |
| Music | Weather |
| Navigation |
Productivity Tools ...
Get Programming the iPhone User Experience now with the O’Reilly learning platform.
O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.
