How Pokemon Sleep breaks the standards to improve comfort and accessibility

For years, mobile apps have followed certain design standards heavily influenced by the operating systems we use daily. You’re probably familiar with the typical navigation bar at the top of the screen, right? The one that includes buttons to go back, move forward, or access more options depending on where you are in the app. It’s something we’ve become so used to that we don’t even question it. But what if I told you there’s another way to do things?

This is where Pokemon Sleep comes in and does something different, breaking with those standards. Instead of following the traditional model, the team behind this app decided to innovate, focusing on the comfort and accessibility of its users. The key: moving all the main actions to thumb reach. It seems like a simple change, but it’s been a huge hit, engaging users and offering a navigation experience that’s much more intuitive and easy to use.

The change in mobile navigation

Normally, apps have followed those patterns set by iOS and Android, where the top navigation bar is almost an unwritten rule. It’s useful, sure, but not always the most comfortable, especially if you have a large smartphone. Let’s be honest, sometimes stretching your finger to the top of the screen is uncomfortable, especially when using the app for long periods.

Pokemon Sleep decided to turn this upside down, moving all the essential actions to the bottom of the screen. Goodbye to awkward finger stretching! Now, everything you need is within thumb reach. This small change makes interacting much more ergonomic and smooth, allowing users to navigate the app effortlessly, especially when you’re half asleep, literally.

Main actions within thumb reach: A game-changing difference

Pokémon Sleep’s design focuses on comfort and physical accessibility, which makes perfect sense if you think about the app’s purpose: to monitor your sleep. You’re already using this app when you’re resting, so you don’t want to be juggling with your phone to reach the functions you need.

By placing all the actions at the bottom, the app feels more natural and easy to use. From logging your sleep to checking statistics, everything is just a tap away, making the experience much more intuitive. You don’t have to think too much about how to move through the interface—everything flows more organically, and that’s something users appreciate, especially in an app like this.

Accessibility for everyone

But Pokemon Sleep didn’t just focus on making the app more comfortable; they also focused on making it accessible to everyone. We know that top bars can be a challenge for people with motor difficulties or even for those using larger phones. By moving all key actions to the bottom, Pokémon Sleep has made the app much easier for people of all abilities to use.

The best part is, it’s not just people with disabilities who benefit from this. By reducing the effort needed to interact with the app, all users win. It’s a classic case of inclusive design: when you make it accessible for some, you’re actually improving it for everyone.

The complete experience: Pokémon Sleep and the Pokémon Go+ gadget

Now, what’s really interesting is that Pokémon Sleep didn’t stop at just improving the app. They took the experience a step further by integrating the Pokémon Go+ gadget. What’s special about it? Well, not only does it complement the Pokémon Go app, but it also integrates seamlessly with Pokémon Sleep, allowing users to enjoy an online and offline experience.

Thanks to Pokemon Go+, you can log your sleep without having to stay glued to your screen all the time. This makes it easier to go about your day (or night) without distractions, and it also turns the experience into something more immersive. It’s a step forward in how we interact with our apps, allowing for a continuous connection that doesn’t rely solely on your mobile device. For those who prefer a less intrusive, more relaxed experience, this gadget is a great addition.

Breaking the standards can be key

Pokemon Sleep has shown that, sometimes, the best thing is to break with established standards. By moving the main actions within thumb reach and offering an online-offline experience with Pokémon Go+, they’ve created an app that’s not only more comfortable and accessible but also more engaging for users.

Comfort and accessibility, the perfect combination

Pokemon Sleep teaches us that comfort and accessibility should go hand in hand when it comes to interface design. By breaking traditional conventions and putting the user’s needs at the center, they’ve created an app that’s not only easy to use but also accessible to everyone, regardless of physical abilities. Plus, by integrating a gadget that extends the experience beyond the screen, Pokémon Sleep is offering a glimpse of the future of digital interaction, where the line between online and offline becomes increasingly blurred.

This kind of innovation is what truly makes a difference, and it reminds us that when it comes to design, thinking outside the box and challenging the norm can lead to great rewards.