Clear: a To-Do List for iPhone with a “Funky” UI
User Interface is definitely an art that could make or break a product. Folks at Realmac has just redefined its revolutiany new UI in an app called Clear, a simple to-do’s list for the iPhone, available in app store for $.99.
The whole idea of effectiveness of an UI is to use it rather than reading the instructions, but below are few useful “shortcuts” for better understanding.
The app offers 3 hierarchy layers:
- Settings (you are rarely at this level)
- List – That group your tasks by category of your choice (work, home, school, etc..)
- Item’s – to do task (lowest layer)
Each layer shows vertical bar that color gradually goes from dark to light depicting a “heat map”. The darker (hotter) or more urgent items are on top. Tap and hold each line to move up or down on the list.
Tap and pull down or pinch apart with your two finger between 2 lines to create and insert new line item. Swipe the line item toward left to delete and right to fade it out as completed.
To go to upper layer, pinch your two fingers to collapse all items or pull the list down beyond the creation of new line. The latter solution is practical when there is only 1 line item.
Tap the name to edit or rename the item, tap outside of the name to expand (from upper to lower layers).
I personally felt skeptical at first, but luckily found the UI is actually very fun, natural and intuitive to use. The default heat map theme is my preferred choice amongst the available themes.
After few minutes, I could create easily tons of to do items and prioritize tasks, note that there are not due date, start date or other complicated details. To do task just consists of one line you jot down. The app offers a great relief knowing all to do items are written down and get them out of my mind.
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