Okay Geek Farm
The Twitter app from old to new - Design in Review
Brandon Davenport
A few days ago, Twitter launched their new design for their website as well as the re-designed Tweetdeck web app and the overall consensus was mostly positive, which is shocking considering people loath any change on the internet. From what we’ve seen, the brand-wide re-design of Twitter has been a success so far, and only a few small nicks and scratches are left to be filled here and there. Today though, we’re focusing on Twitter’s new iOS app because we think it’s the most significant change and just another example of Twitter expertly blurring the lines between desktop, web & mobile.
The old Twitter app was amazing
The old Twitter app was one of the most elegant social media clients ever created, thanks mostly to Tweetie creator Loren Brichter who was hired by Twitter, but left the company Nov 7th. He and his small development company, Atebits, were responsible for creating the official iOS Twitter app, as well as the desktop app for Mac.
The genius behind Loren’s design was he kept it understated and fitting. No un-neccicsary frills or tinsle, Loren was focused on keeping the app true to the design consistency of the device, and in the end it was better for the user. Underneath it all though, you could feel the quality of every last detail, and the thought that was put into usability.
The official Twitter app was loved by everyone, and it set a benchmark for everyone else. You could see traces of Loren’s design in almost any social media app and his original App, Tweetie, will always be the high point of Twitter on the iPhone. It was almost perfect in every way.
The new Twitter app is fresh
One month after Loren Brichter left Twitter on November 7th, Twitter announced their brand-wide re-design, and so far the reaction has been positive. The new website is a little cleaner, brighter and a little more pulled together, but today we’re talking about the app.
The new Twitter iOS app is awesome, actually, it might in fact be “rad”. They’ve managed to take their design initiative on the desktop and mirror it on the iPhone with pixel perfection. you can clearly see that Loren had a helping hand with the app, or at least advised the design team at a lower level.
Clean lines, a modular based layout and breathing room makes the new Twitter app fresh. The team has continued to keep the app uniform with the current iOS design, but mix in elements from the new website.
It has the utilitarian design power users crave, but it also plays with new vibrant colors, textures and icons. You could say the new Twitter app is just the Old Twitter app “enhanced” a little, but there’s much more to the design that ties into Twitter’s entire effort, and it’s something so small, sitting right on the surface.
These will change Twitter forever
Much like we recognize the Superman logo, Pepsi emblem or Metallica type, these five icons will change Twitter forever. They are used in all of Twitter’s new apps and their website to provide a consistency for users. Most people don’t realize how important it is to give users the same experience everywhere they go, and make it understandable without explaining anything. These five icons are the new canon of Twitter, so expect to see them everywhere because they are absolutely the most important part of Twitter’s re-design.
Wrapping our review up
The old app was awesome and the new app is on par with the former. It’s everything it’s supposed to be, and will take it even further once a new update can roll out with new fixes suggested by users. The unification of Twitter as a company depends on these apps and their new website re-design, and the generally positive feedback Twitter has received is a sure sign they’re headed in the right direction.
What do you think of the new Twitter app? - Leave a comment below!
