iPad - Interaction Design Pattern

The differences between Mail on iPhone and Mail on iPad reflect the different user experiences of each device. Mail on iPhone is designed to help mobile users handle their email while they’re standing in line or walking to a meeting. Mail on iPad is efficient enough for people to use on the go, but it also encourages more in-depth usage.

Mail on iPhone presents streamlined email functionality in a series of screens:

Mail on iPad works well in all orientations (landscape shown):

Flatten hierarchy by at least one level:

Mail uses a navigation bar in the left or right pane:

Organize your content in


Split view: A split view is a full-screen view that consists in two side-by-side panes.

Popover:A popover is a transient view that can be revealed when people tap a control or an onscreen area.

Action sheet: An action sheet displays a set of choices related to a task the user initiates.An action sheet is displayed inside a popover.

Modal view: A modal view (that is, a view presented modally) provides self-contained functionality in the context of the current task or workflow.

iTunes uses a segmented control to provide perspectives on the content:

iTunes uses a tab bar to provide categories of content:

(see Apple 2010, p.7-52)

Apple, 2010. iPad Human Interface Guidelines. Apple (online). Available at: http://www.hung-truong.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/iPadHIG.pdf [Accessed 18 November 2010].