How the iOS Control Center is Wasting our Time, and What Could be Done About it
I mean, what I did about it
In the latest version of iOS, Apple upgraded our beloved Control Center by now giving us the ability to customize it a bit.
This update comes after 4 years of no major updates for us users.
Let’s have a look at the evolution of the Control Center between the years 2013 to 2017.
Now let’s talk about this current update…
At first, when I heard about this new Control Center, with the customization options, I got all excited.
I quickly updated my iOS version, and anxiously tapped away to experience this new wonder. What came next was my huge (UXish & geeky) disappointment.
The new Control Center is nothing close to what I imagined it to be.
In this article I decided to take on the challenge to re-think the Control Center from an Apple product designer point-of-view. Thinking about the constraints and the design language of Apple iOS 11, but also daring to be more task oriented.
First, let’s have a look at the problems that the Control Center as is
This feature is meant to save us time by providing relevant shortcuts, but in order to add or edit these shortcuts — I need to waste so much of my precious time!!
So…
#1 — Why not edit the Control Center… In the Control Center?? — In its present state, I am compelled to go through time-wasting multiple functions to get to where I want to be.
#2 — It’s not fully customizable — There are still a few permanent, unmovable features there that are irrelevant to my daily use of the Control Center. I could do without many of them, but yet I can’t remove them.
#3 —Limited ability of actions — Here’s one example: Wouldn’t you rather be able to also control the Wi-Fi settings directly from the Control Center?? The on/off button on the Wi-Fi should not be the only option available to me.
Apple — you already implemented force touch actions in the previous Control Center update, why not go another step further in this version? For us.. Your users that actually use your phones.
Now that we’ve covered the problems, let’s talk solutions
During the design process, my goal was not to create an entirely new Control Center interface.
Instead, my goal was to create a natural look and feel to the existing iPhone interface.
That same mindset leads me to design short, quick and playful animations to keep the user amused and empowered. It’s also my job as a product designer to blend in with a brand’s design system and not redesign anything, while still offering some minor addons and tweaks here and there to create a more delightful, emotional experience for all users.
Introducing… the Control Center
User Interviews
I personally interviewed 10 different iOS users, across different genders and age (all living in Israel though) to ask about their experience with the new Control Center, and hear what they would like to have the option to do with it but can’t.
Sketching Things Out
Started with some sketches with the good ol’ paper and pencil.
The Designs
Eventually, what I came up with is a more robust, yet still simple to use Control Center.
Here are the results:
#1. Almost fully customizable
Every feature in the Control Center, other than the volume and light, is editable.
I can add, remove and move the apps and controls icons.
#2. Editing the Control Center… (wait for it) … inside the Control Center
#3. Expanded options upon force touch
Going beyond the restrictive on/off choice.
Wouldn’t you want to add, remove, and connect to available Wi-Fi networks? How about Bluetooth devices?
#4 — Quick access to the iPhone settings —
installing the Setting Icon in the Control Center will get you where you want to go. Faster!
Going the Extra Mile
Once I pulled the first string, it led me to other improvements on my wish-list.
Accessing my ‘Favorites’, navigating with Waze ‘Take Me Home’, or doing a Google search are now a force touch away from the Control Center.
Takeaway
I believe that, as designers, we should always question and attempt to improve any product we interact with.
This is only my humble suggestion, but if you can relate to it, I would love if you could hit that ‘clap’ icon and share this article. Send it to a friend, tweet it and mention @Apple, and maybe we will get to see a super useful Control Center in the upcoming iOS version.
You are more than welcome to follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Feel free to get in touch :)
Thanks for reading,
Shani.
