Three outstanding iPad apps show just how the power and versatility of the platform can be put to use. And there are some insights that are valuable to any business that wants to put an iPad app to work for it.
The three apps were the stars of last night’s Interaction Design Association (IxDA) Dublin event where their producers were on hand to tell the stories behind them and demonstrate the apps.
Pocket Body on the iPad
Pocket Body: interactive iPad app for students of anatomy
Mark Campbell of eMedia.ie described the process of developing Pocket Body (www pocketanatomy.com) – a dedicated tool for students of human anatomy. Developed with the help of students and their tutors, this includes a 3D model of the body that can be zoomed and rotated to show the structures of muscle, circulation system and skeleton in a way that is just not possible with a printed 2D atlas of the human body.
Electronic push-pins on anatomical features lead the way to over 30,000 words of detailed content. Students can also add their own study notes. The Pocket Body for iPad builds on experience with Pocket Heart an earlier app for iPhone.
Mark identified a number of key success factors, including:
- Focusing on one audience (students) rather than trying to cater to many
- Very careful planning and testing with users
- Ensuring that text content was absolutely right for the audience
Try out a free web version of Pocket Heart (plugin download required).
Full algebra course and personal teacher
Emmet O’Neill, of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (formerly Riverdeep) talked about a major project to make a full algebra course available on iPad using its new Fuse eLearning environment. The source material was extremely long and posed particular challenges with complex notation. It is now being piloted in California.
Using videos of the Holt McDougal Algebra 1 app in action, O’Neill showed how the interactive version engages students with interactive exercises, step-by-step demos and videos of explanations that one student reported was like “having my own personal teacher” in the iPad.
Learn more about Fuse and Algebra 1 for iPad
Grace App for Autism on iPhone
Grace App for Autism in use on the iPhone - now on iPad too
Lisa Domican wowed the IxDA audience as she described how she built up the Grace App for Autism (www.graceapp.com) to communicate with her daughter Grace. Initially on iPhone, the app replaced a large book of images used to communicate non-verbally and develop children’s speech.
Initially the iPhone (in an armoured case) was a more convenient alternative to the book. But then, using the camera, children and parents were able to extend the images it included by adding photos of their own. She expressed some initial doubts about whether the iPad was too delicate and expensive an option, but decided in the end that the extra functionality of the larger screen made it a valid choice for parents.
Lisa Domican and Grace App have received extensive publicity and a number of awards, including a World Summit Award and Irish Web Award in 2010. However, hearing the story directly from her – how she dealt with technical, logistical and financial challenges – was inspring.
See a video below of the Grace App (iPhone) in action.
And the takeaway? These iPad app producers showed clearly:
- The iPad and iPhone continue to be game-changers in many, many areas
- Technical knowledge helps, but Lisa Domincan proves that it is not a prerequisite
- A clear vision, careful planning and rigorous testing are vital
- The best apps make use of the mobility, technical strengths and particular interface of the devices
- Ireland can produce world-leading apps for iPad
IxDA Dublin is the Dublin branch of the Interaction Design Association, “a global network dedicated to the professional practice of Interaction Design” It has built up over 20,000 members since 2004.
