Concept iOS Notification System Impresses, May Be Partially Correct
May 3, 2011
The Italian blog iSpazio (translated "iSpace") today posted a very intriguing concept regarding how Apple might rework its beleaguered notification system in iOS 5. The article translates pretty well, but -- whether you read it or not -- this is one of those things that needs to be seen to be understood. So watch the embedded video first, then read on for some impressions.
Pretty cool, right?
The idea to put all notifications into an app-based unifying manager is a good one, and will probably be an option when Apple delivers the expected redesign. Indeed, one of the strengths of this particular concept is creator Andreas' insistence to develop his vision using already-established Apple design sensibilities, cobbling together the entire concept from existing iOS graphical elements.
Beyond the notification handler, Andreas seemingly suggests using the space left of the toggled "active programs" banner (currently reserved for iPod playback, orientation locking, and brightness controls) for a "last notification" display. It's unlikely Apple will change that, but, moving on, the artist has created a lovely lock-screen display for selected updates and messages, using the familiar "unlock" swipe gesture on each to bring up a more detailed (though still device-locked) sampling of pertinent information. Personally, I think this -- along with the discussed ability to turn off notifications within full-screen apps (like Netflix, games, etc.) -- is the most forward-looking idea in the entire demonstration. I fully expect Apple's reveal to have some kind of optional notification system built into the iOS 5 lock-screen.
Unfortunately, the concept does leave out a thoroughly re-imagined restructuring of the current notification system's most prominent and infamous offender: the big, blue rectangle. For a brief moment at the video's 45 second mark, there appears to be a webOS-inspired riser tray beneath the system dock, but nothing more of this is shown or explained. And that's a disappointment, because this is absolutely the single most important element to consider in any such system redesign. (Actually, I hope we do not see a webOS- or Android-esque notification banner. Apple is an innovative design leader, and whatever they come up with should be new and exciting, not old and recycled.)
Overall, Andreas gets a lot of things right with this well-made proposal, even if only from a utilitarian and industrial design perspective. For more insight, check out his blog's FAQ page.
My idea? Make the notifications independently optional, consisting of a briefly flashing one-pixel frame around the edges of the entire iDevice display (perhaps with an accompanying vibration of type-specific duration). They'd be ambiguous until you check the suggested "notification app," but most people could probably live with that.
Any suggestions of your own? Leave 'em in the comments.