The New iOS Linkedin App Sets a New Bar for Mobile App Design

Be Sociable, Share!

    By: Hillel Fuld

    Let me just start off by saying that I love Linkedin. Having said that, I do think the site is the best kept secret on the social Web. I don’t say that because Linkedin lacks users, I say it because I believe most people use it for professional networking, for which it is great, but they miss out on an entire side of what Linkedin can offer.

    I am referring to traffic. While distributing content on Facebook or Twitter might be easier and more seamless, I have found that if you distribute content on Linkedin via relevant groups, the traffic is unparalleled.

    I also believe most people need to do some serious work on optimizing their Linkedin profile in order to achieve maximum results, but both these topics are for another time.

    What we are talking about here is the new iOS Linkedin app that completely exceeded my expectations of what Linkedin is capable of, as far as design is concerned. Of course, alongside the new iOS app, the company also released a new Android app and an HTML5 mobile site. You can read the Linkedin announcement here.

    When I first opened the new iOS app, I was truly impressed from the very first second, something many other apps are lacking with a loading time that takes way too long.

    The company describes the new app:

    We’ve completely re-organized the application around 4 key areas:

    • Updates: View updates from your network and top news from LinkedIn Today
    • Inbox: You can view your invitations and messages in one place
    • You: Access your profile, connections, share updates, and even more in the future
    • Groups & More: Browse and interact with your groups, as well as build your network through our People You May Know feature

    All in all, the app is designed beautifully, the feature set is rich, and most importantly, the speed is enhanced and blazing fast. Given the inferior Web interface of Linkedin.com (try removing a contact from that person’s profile, can’t be done.), I have no doubt in my head that I will be accessing the leader in professional social networks directly from my phone and not on my computer. Something tells me I am not alone on this one.