High-quality apps and games are intuitive and delightful to use, evoking
positive sentiments through considered and differentiated design.
They also invest in a strong, unique identity and brand, and stand out from
their peers.
To build a high-quality app or game, follow these guidelines.
Usability
Android offers standard components for app layout, interaction patterns, and
user controls. Use these components to provide a consistent and intuitive user
experience. For example:
Note
: Be sure to follow the recommended
UX design
guidelines
for all the form factors
that you support:
Mobile, Large Screens and Foldables, Wear OS and Android TV
When needed, provide an engaging way for users to learn how to make the most of
your app or game, or any new features that you may add. Design your onboarding
for your target audience; for example, consider whether you need to cater both
to new and expert users. Allow users to configure important aspects of the user
experience, such as
notifications
,
privacy
and
security
.
Accessibility, localization, and deep links
With billions of potential users, your app or game may need to support a diverse
range of users and environments.
Localize
your app or game for the markets you distribute in, providing
high-quality translations,
culturally and geographically relevant content, and appropriate measurements,
metrics, and currencies.
Follow Android's guidance for
accessibility
, and
build for billions
where relevant.
If your app accepts traffic from the web or other external sources with
deep
links
, ensure the links
resolve directly to relevant content.
Visual appeal and craftsmanship
Your app or game's design provides an opportunity to delight users and
differentiate your offering, particularly in competitive categories. Develop an
original art style and take a consistent and coherent approach across all of
your product surfaces. Use images,
color
,
and white space to express hierarchy, state, and brand identity. Transitions and
animation, alongside images, can help to communicate key messages or complex
ideas, and make your user experience more dynamic. Follow relevant best
practices in the
Android UI design
hub
.
Games depend on emotion and narrative to engage users. To deliver more immersive
experiences, integrate visual aspects like animations and your art style with
your game's audio, storyline, and controls.
Monetization
There are many ways to monetize your app. A great monetization experience starts
with setting user expectations. Before people install your app or game, tell
them how and when you bill them.
Ensure that any moments where you choose to monetize are properly integrated
into the user experience. For example, don't surprise users with a payment
request immediately after your app has loaded, or distract them with ads in the
middle of a game level.
If your app or game has a paywall, consider offering free trials for any paid
content so that users can make informed decisions on whether to subscribe. If
users must pay to make progress in your app or game, make sure you set this
expectation prior to installation.
The timing, frequency, and placement of ads are important factors in delivering
a high-quality user experience. To ensure that your ads respect users' time,
keep their presentation proportional to the rest of your content in duration,
frequency, and size. Use careful size and placement to minimize the risk of
accidental taps.
Take responsibility for all of the content in your app, including ads, even if
you use a third-party SDK to deliver them. Be aware of ad content your app
presents to your users and ensure it's appropriate for your audience.
Google Play guidelines
If you distribute on Google Play, follow these additional user-experience
guidelines.
Monetization
Google Play allows you to generate revenue from users in a range of ways
including
subscriptions and in-app purchases
.
Discovery and featuring
Google Play considers all aspects of the user experience when evaluating what
titles to promote and where.
Learn more