Apple Pinned Threads
A streamlined and space-saving interface for reclaiming screen space with pinned threads.
Focus
Redesign
Industry
Mobile Communication
Timeline
November 2023
6 days
Process
Sole Contributor - Discovery, Research, Design, Testing, Delivery
Problem
Pinned threads, while convenient, create clutter on the app screen, especially when all nine pinned threads are used, taking up a significant portion of the screen.
Goal
Inspired by Apple's native app designs and their effective use of swipe gestures, this project aims to propose a space-efficient solution by adapting the design dynamically to the number of pinned threads while preserving most of the core functionality.
Background
In iOS 14, Apple introduced pinned conversations in the Messages app, allowing users quick access to frequent contacts. Pinned threads appear as large icons at the top of the Messages list, with a limit of 9 pinned contacts. This feature streamlines communication by prioritizing important conversations and making them readily available without scrolling through the entire message list.
The Why
My design philosophy emphasizes enhancing existing applications rather than reimagining entire products. While full redesigns can be valuable exercises, I find greater satisfaction in optimizing specific features to improve user experience. At the time, I was using an iPhone 12, and while I appreciated the core functionality of pinned threads in Messages, I wanted to explore a variant design that would challenge me to apply my design studies in a real-world context.
This exploration led me to consider how design systems and pattern libraries are used to solve common problems. Designers often study patterns across platforms, but it's crucial to understand the "why" behind a pattern before implementing it. In the case of pinned threads, the "why" centers on optimizing screen real estate – a challenge that resonated with my own experience. This project became an opportunity to thoughtfully adapt this widely understood pattern to Apple's design language, aiming to declutter the interface without sacrificing core functionality.
Below: 8 pinned contacts hover in Edit mode. Contacts are stacked vertically for easy reordering, returning to the swipe-based design when editing is complete.
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Challenges
To address the challenge of clutter and enhance the user experience, I conducted a comprehensive analysis of various popular messaging apps, including WhatsApp, Samsung Messages, and Telegram. My goal was to identify the most efficient design components and interaction patterns that could be adapted to the Apple ecosystem while maintaining a seamless and intuitive user experience. This research highlighted the potential of:
Swipe gestures: For quick access to features without extra screen space (like in WhatsApp and Telegram).
Dynamic avatars: To visually differentiate and prioritize conversations (inspired by Samsung Messages).
Customization options: To personalize the experience and prioritize threads (as seen in Telegram).
These insights guided my design process, leading to a solution that aims to declutter the interface while preserving core functionality.
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In a group of 12 testers:
Visual Appeal: 75% of participants rated the redesigned interface as visually appealing and less cluttered compared to the original design.
Below: 3 pinned threads, initially displayed at a height of 88px, dynamically resize as more conversations are pinned.
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Deliverables
Here's a breakdown of the redesigned pinned conversations feature, with a focus on space optimization and ease of use:
Dynamic Display: Conversations now display new messages dynamically, keeping the list visually clean until new activity occurs.
Intuitive Resizing: The size of pinned conversation icons adjusts based on the number of pinned threads, ensuring optimal use of screen space.
Swipe Gestures: Users can swipe left or right to access their pinned conversations swiftly, leveraging familiar navigation methods.
Streamlined Information: Each pinned thread displays essential information such as the contact's name, message count, and typing indicator, providing users with relevant context at a glance.
Below: Once messages are read, the texts disappear from view dynamically, allowing for more screen space.
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Conclusion
By incorporating dynamic resizing, intuitive swipe gestures, and streamlined information display, the solution can provide an alternative experience with a more efficient design. The redesign maintains the functionality users love while ensuring the interface remains just as simple and easy to navigate. Future iterations will continue to refine these improvements based on user feedback. It's exciting to anticipate how future iOS updates will continue to evolve and enhance the user experience, as iOS 18 is planned for launch in September 2024.
Case Study
