Our handheld devices can say a lot about us, and the home screen in particular. This is where we return to launch our most common applications, the programs that can make or break a device for us. Whenever I see a person take out their smart phones, tablets, or iPod Touches1, I always try to spy on their home screen layout. Is it full of folders? Are there more games than productivity tools? Is it a completely default layout? Regardless of the answer, I'm fascinated with how people customize2 their devices.
Here's my home screen as of last night:
Six default applications have yet to be removed from the home screen and, truth be told, they were all returned here mainly to fill out the screen. Aside from Setttings and Calendar, I rarely use the default applications. The most commonly used applications on here are, in order of usage:
- Evernote
- Tweetbot
- iBooks
- Instacast
- MoneyTron3
- Sparrow
- Any.DO
The others are certainly used, but not nearly as often. Looking back at previous home screens it's interesting how my iPod Touch has had its role changed several times over the last two years. At first it was mainly an RSS and Twitter device. Later, an RSS and Podcast device. After that, Calendaring became critical. Then came the games ... Angry Birds, Galaxy on Fire II4, and iGo. Now, however, the device is used mainly as a place for me to record information (in Evernote), learn new things (through podcasts), read books, respond to email, and keep track of basic everyday items.
It's really amazing how versatile these little things are.
But how about your phones, tablets, or iPod Touches? How do you have your applications laid out and why? I'd love to hear how you organize yourself.
