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Ask DN: Designing for Windows Phone

9 years ago from , User Interface Designer

Hi DN,

I have to work on an app design that is for WP8. With zero experience on this platform, I'm here to ask where to get the best of ressources and technical information. (pixel density, screen sizes....etc) I did take a look at the WP Dev Center, but honestly it only got confused... their website is terrible...

12 comments

  • Aaron Lee, 9 years ago (edited 9 years ago )

    I was just in the same situation as you. Take the Windows 8.1 UX Design Jump Start course on the Microsoft Virtual Academy. Really helped me.

    http://www.microsoftvirtualacademy.com/training-courses/windows-8-1-ux-design-jump-start#?fbid=Jwha6ypcu5r

    1 point
  • Jeremy GilbertJeremy Gilbert, 9 years ago (edited 9 years ago )

    Hey. The Design Guidelines page would be a great place to get started. There's also a few useful resources and templates here.

    Edit: There's also a lot of great videos on Channel 9

    1 point
  • Robbie FarrellRobbie Farrell, 9 years ago (edited 9 years ago )

    I was just about to post a slightly similar thread. I'm working on a Win8 app at the minute and was wondering if anyone knew of a CSS framework that provides native Windows control by default.

    I find the Windows8 Design Handbook a great place to check for quick reference on guidelines.

    0 points
  • Hadrien BHadrien B, 9 years ago (edited 9 years ago )

    If you can get a Windows Phone device, don't forget to download the most successful apps, including all Bing and 6studio apps, but also MetroTube/myTube, Readit/Baconit, etc.

    The native apps are quite great, and show most of the basic expectations from a Windows Phone user, like proper animations, back button, and user theme use.

    If you're a developer (and therefore have Visual Studio and know how to compile an app), check the Windows Phone Toolkit. It contains some components used by the Windows Phone team.

    0 points
    • Khaled Islam BouyaKhaled Islam Bouya, 9 years ago

      That's what I've been doing. Downloaded the apps that I used the most on my android too... Thanks for the recommandation :)

      0 points
  • Patrick DangerPatrick Danger, 9 years ago

    If you're going to be designing for the platform you should probably be using the platform, go find yourself a WP8 handset and carry it around as your primary phone for the duration.

    Living on the platform introduces you to its constraints in a way that can be difficult to pick up from the guidelines.

    0 points
    • Evan PEvan P, 9 years ago

      This is a great point. Both the 520 and 521 can be found for under $100 and both of these "low end" phones are just about as "snappy" as the higher end devices.

      0 points
    • Khaled Islam BouyaKhaled Islam Bouya, 9 years ago

      Indeed, I have a little Nokia in hand, don't know what's the name, just a low-end phone. But it allowed to download some apps and see the differences... But can't be asked to carry it as a primary phone, not really a fan of it... Maybe cause it's low-end...

      0 points
  • Jonathan YapJonathan Yap, 9 years ago

    Use the guide on their site, it can be a little confusing at first but dive through it and play around with the phone itself. Their animations are pretty sweet.

    We manage to get in touch with Microsoft through the client and organise app reviews, it proved very helpful in understanding the technical aspect of it. Highly recommend it.

    Its an old blog but there might be some useful tip here. http://ux.artu.tv/

    0 points