Every year, Apple announces the winners of the App Store Awards. In 2023, 14 titles were certified across his five platforms: iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. These titles aren’t just the “best” from a design perspective, they’re also positively contributing to the world in some way.
I recently had the opportunity to meet the teams behind three of these award-winning apps. At first glance, AllTrails, PrĂŞt-Ă -Makeup, and Pok Pok may seem very different, but as I discovered, they all have at least one thing in common. It’s about inclusivity. Each also looks very attractive on the iPhone 15, iPad Air, and other Apple devices.
Inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword for these apps, it’s a core value that is reflected in every aspect of their design and development. These apps are designed to be accessible and welcoming to everyone, from the user interface to the content and functionality. And that’s what sets them apart from the countless other apps competing for our attention in a crowded app market.
AllTrails, iPhone App of the Year
AllTrails may seem like just another fitness app at first glance, but it’s evolved into much more than that. Originally a website for hikers to share their trails, it is now a mobile app used by more than 60 million people in 191 countries. In the past year the number of users has doubled and in Antarctica there are now more than 420,000 trails available on the app.
The team at AllTrails believes everyone can benefit from the outdoors. That’s why the app includes trails for users of all backgrounds and skill levels, making it accessible to everyone.
According to CEO Ron Schneidermann and CPO Ivan Selin, AllTrails is more than just a fitness app, it’s an app focused on total health and community.
Recently, the app has added some exciting new features, including 3D immersive video trail previews that help users better understand routes, terrain, and elevation. The app now also provides real-time advanced conditions such as temperature, mosquito index, and forecast conditions based on recent and historical weather data. There are also guides to over 200 national parks across 8 countries.
This year, the app also added stats and achievements to help users celebrate their time outdoors. Also, iOS Live Activities feature is coming soon.
Schneiderman said AllTrails’ recent success can be attributed to the end of the pandemic, which left people feeling isolated. Therefore, people are now getting out more to explore the world around them. Selin says the App Store Award is proof that his iPhone maker recognizes the importance of his AllTrail mission.
Selin explained to Apple: This is a testament to our commitment to designing innovative products that help people connect with the outdoors. We’re excited to be able to positively impact people’s lives and look forward to bringing even more fun experiences to our community in 2024. ”
Preta Makeup, iPad App of the Year
Just to be clear, using Pret-a-Makeup, which was named iPad App of the Year, won’t improve your health. However, if you are a makeup artist or want to be a makeup artist, this app can be a great tool for creating realistic makeup. The app promotes inclusivity and self-expression, making it unique and valuable to the beauty industry.
Pret-a-Makeup is an innovative makeup app designed for iPad or iPhone users. Developed by his Brazil-based team of 13 experts, this tool allows makeup artists to test, plan, or create looks without actually applying makeup. With over 700 beauty products and 40 facial templates available in 40 styles, this app offers users a wide range of options.
During a meeting with the Pret-a-Makeup team, I wondered if this app would provide a realistic experience. I’m no makeup expert, but just spending time at Sephora and Ulta with my teenage daughter has taught me that makeup is designed for people from a variety of backgrounds. Surprisingly, I was impressed by how realistic this app offers a realistic experience.
At the start of each makeup session, users can select a model from a digital sketchbook containing sketches of people from different ethnic backgrounds. The library of apps is more diverse, making it a popular choice among users. The app is available in 12 languages ​​and has been downloaded more than 5 million times in 170 countries.
As you continue, each brush stroke reacts to your slight movements and the shape of your face, giving you an authentic sketching experience using your finger, stylus, or Apple Pencil. The ring light feature is the most exciting feature I’ve seen in an app in years.
Looking ahead to 2024, co-founder and illustrator Roberta Weiand revealed that a new UX will be coming next year. We can’t wait to see how the new look enhances the app over the coming months.
Poku Poku, Cultural Impact Award Winner
Pok Pok, a game available on iPhone and iPad, is one of five winners of this year’s App Store Cultural Impact Awards. This game is inspired by a living room floor full of toys. We offer a digital playroom with a variety of creative activities that encourage children to learn, explore, and experiment through play.
The app currently includes 16 Montessori-inspired digital toys for preschoolers of various backgrounds and abilities. The game has no ads, no rules, and no language barriers, making it accessible to people all over the world.
Pok Pok co-founders Melissa Cash and Esther Huybrghts say their app is suitable for children ages 2 to 7 and encourages thinking outside the box. They believe this app stands out from other apps on the market, which is why it was chosen for the App Design Award. It also promotes inclusive representation so that everyone feels included while playing.
One thing I noticed when I took a quick look at the app is that all of the app’s sounds are recorded by hand. This winter, Pok Pok will receive a significant winter update.
Other winners at the App Store Awards include Photomator (Mac App of the Year), MUBI (Apple TV App of the Year), and SmartGym (Apple Watch App of the Year). Among the winners of the game are Honkai: Star Rail (iPhone Game of the Year) lost in play (iPad Game of the Year) P’s lie (Mac Game of the Year), and hello kitty island adventure (Apple Arcade Game of the Year).
In addition, four other winners received Culture Impact Awards, including “Proloquo,” “Too Good To Go,” “Unpacking” and “Finding Hannah.”
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