Design iOS Interfaces
Use this skill to turn a product request into an iOS interface plan that feels at home on iPhone and iPad.
Workflow
- Clarify the user goal, target device class, primary tasks, and whether the output is a concept, a detailed spec, or implementation-ready guidance.
- Choose the native information architecture first:
TabViewfor peer top-level areas,NavigationStackfor drill-in flows, sheets for focused modal tasks, full-screen covers only for immersive or blocking experiences. - Design around content and safe areas before decoration. Keep controls in expected platform regions such as navigation bars, toolbars, tab bars, forms, lists, and bottom accessory areas.
- Use system semantics for typography, colors, spacing, materials, and controls. Avoid custom chrome unless it serves the product and remains accessible.
- Define states before finishing: empty, loading, error, offline, permission denied, selected, editing, destructive confirmation, and large Dynamic Type.
- End with a concise spec: screen structure, navigation, components, visual hierarchy, accessibility checks, and implementation notes.
iOS Design Rules
- Prefer familiar iOS structures: list rows, grouped forms, inset grouped settings, segmented controls, toolbars, confirmation dialogs, contextual menus, and swipe actions.
- Keep body text near the system body size unless the design is a true editorial or media experience. Do not shrink secondary labels below legible sizes.
- Respect the 44 point minimum touch target. A tiny visual icon can exist inside a larger tappable region.
- Use full-width content when it is content, but avoid edge-to-edge full-width buttons unless the context truly calls for it.
- Treat color as semantic feedback, not surface styling. Use system colors and adapt for light/dark mode.
- Use material and glass effects sparingly. The current HIG favors content with controls layered above it; blur must preserve contrast and meaning.
- Make settings sheets dismiss with a right-side
Doneaction unless the product has a strong reason otherwise. - Use SF Symbols or platform-native icons. Prefer recognized symbols over text-only tool buttons.
- Plan for Dynamic Type, VoiceOver labels, Reduce Motion, Increase Contrast, right-to-left layout, and localization expansion.
References
Read references/ios-hig-reference.md when you need concrete values, source links, or a checklist.