Screen flow for adding items to a list in a mobile app?

Question

What is the recommended (optimal) screen flow for adding items to a list in a mobile app?

The two options I came up with are:

1. (Shopping Cart Style) Start with a blank form for adding or finding a new item. After hitting the save/add button, clear out the form so the user can add more items. Include a menu button to see the list of all the items added.

2. (Contact List Style) Start with a list of items. User hits a menu button to open a form for adding or finding a new item. After saving the item, the user goes back automatically to the list of items.

Which one is better, and is there any other way of doing this?

Answer 1

Another option is to use the list view, but provide a add icon for each list entry so user doesnt have to tap on the menu btn. You can tap as many times to increment qty or disable add if only one unit can be added at a time.

Have a search icon in toolbar (top or bottom) to search for an item.

For new users and even generally i think "list of items" is better as one can see the items that are available. Also you can use promotions etc to showcase new items. This really depends on what the application is designed for.

Answer 2

Since you want to do it in the mobile app, it is better not to use the shopping cart style. I attached a pic in the following. This is very easy to use and clear in the design, especially for mobile app. Pulling down to create an item and when you click on the item, it allows you to edit. Hope it helps.