The featured activity widget serves as a gateway to enhance user interaction by showcasing activities prominently on the Dashboard. One of the key elements of this widget is the use of thumbnails, which play a pivotal role in grabbing users' attention and effectively conveying the essence of each activity.
Understanding the Featured Activity Widget
The featured activity widget simplifies user access to activities directly from the Dashboard. It offers two display options: list view and gallery view. The choice between these views defines how activities are presented to users, impacting their navigation and engagement within the app.
For more information on this widget, please see the article: Featured Activities Widget Overview.
Designing Thumbnails: Key Elements and Tips
Thumbnail Specifications:
Use PNG format while saving thumbnails from your design software
Use GIF format for thumbnails with animations.
Size: 800 x 450 pixels These specifications ensure high-quality visuals that maintain clarity and sharpness across various devices.
Choosing Images
Select high-quality images that vividly represent the featured activity. Ensure these images resonate with your app's theme and engage users instantly. Canva's extensive image library and editing tools enable users to crop, resize, and apply filters to align images with their branding and design preferences.
Font Size and Accessibility
Maintain a minimum font size of 16 to ensure readability across different screen sizes and resolutions. Canva allows users to adjust text elements within templates, ensuring legibility without compromising visual appeal.
Thumbnail Template
Customizing the Template:
Upload Images: Easily upload images that represent your activities. Ensure these images are high-resolution and convey the essence of each activity effectively.
For graphics: Use Canva's extensive image library or bring in your own.
Edit Text: Customize text elements such as activity titles, descriptions, and any additional information using Canva's text editing tools. Maintain a minimum font size of 16 for accessibility, adjusting font styles and colors to suit your app's aesthetic.
Adjust Layout and Design Elements: Modify the layout by rearranging elements within the template. Canva allows you to resize, crop, and rotate images, as well as add graphical elements like shapes and icons to enhance visual appeal.
Incorporating Branding Elements: Integrate your app's branding elements such as logo, color palette, and typography consistently across thumbnails. This reinforces brand identity and fosters recognition among users interacting with the featured activity widget.
Saving and Exporting: Once satisfied with your design, save your work in Canva. Download thumbnails in PNG or GIF format at the specified dimensions (800 x 450 pixels) to maintain quality and compatibility with your app's display requirements.
Style Ideas
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Tips for Effective Thumbnail Design:
Contrast and Visibility: Ensure thumbnails stand out from the background by using contrasting colors and borders. This enhances visibility and draws attention to featured activities.
Consistency: Maintain a consistent design language across thumbnails to establish brand identity and facilitate user recognition.
Testing and Iteration: Encourage users to test different thumbnail designs and gather feedback. Iterative design improvements based on user insights can significantly enhance engagement and user experience.