These design principles are common for all Nokia platforms and represent Nokia’s idea of good design. Keep these things in mind to make sure your application will be a success.

Less is more.

• Keep it simple, easy, and intuitive to use. Make it obvious what your application does and how it works.
• The application is lean. There is no extra content. The application works fast and is powerful.
• The structure is flat. No deep hierarchy and endless scrolling.
• The design is elegant and simple and works without exceptions.

Every pixel counts.

• Remember that mobile devices have limited screen real estate.
• Consider ergonomics and the size of peoples’ fingers when laying out your application and designing controls. The minimum dimensions for touch areas are 8 mm for thumb, 7 mm for finger, and 5 x 4.5 mm for pen.

Natural interaction.

• The interaction is familiar, clear, and trustworthy.
• Basic interaction should be achieved with touch.
• Be consistent, logical, and coherent both within the application and within your target platform.
• Make sure that you use terms consistently.

Remember the user.

• What does the user want to do with the application? Keep the big picture in mind when designing the application.
• Mobile devices are used in different situations. Check that the application can be used in those conditions where it should be used, e.g. in a bus, outdoors, in a noisy environment...
• You are creating the application for the end user, not for yourself.
• The application is intuitive and fun to use.
• The application makes the user smile but not laugh.

Use fonts and colours wisely.

• The fonts you use are clear and easy to read from small screen.
• Check that the contrast is clear enough.
• Use a limited number of colours.
• Remember the colour metaphors and cultural differences in perceiving colours.

Don’t be offensive.

• You have only one chance to make the first impression. Make the most of it.
• Check that the application is in line with the Ovi Store content guidelines.

For more information, see the following PDF checklists:

• User Experience Checklist for Touch
• User Experience Checklist for Keypad