A pixel is a pixel!

Some time ago I had the opportunity to work with the great guys at AnguriaLab creating a UI prototype for an iPhone music application for a pretty big italian client. It was basically a simple karaoke app with some cool features on it.

Although this is not a new idea, it was quite interesting to study an interface full of graphic effects that immersed the user in a sea of emotion. I could have invented anything to explain the concept of the UI... But beyond the mental masturbation deserved by every crazy UX designer, the aspect that interested me mostly was purely technical.

I planned to make extensive use of graphic effects, light and morphing to make this application like any other advanced game for the iPhone. To give the customer a clearer idea of what that meant, I made a Flash prototype. Yes, Flash. I'm an old school masochist that way.

Although I don't use Flash much anymore, I still consider it a good tool for prototyping. Especially for designers like me who don't have advanced programming knowledge.



But I don't really know what it means for a developer to engineer an app like that. I'm talking about the real coding of the rendering, animation, transition, sounds... everything. And I think in this project the harder part was definitely on their shoulders!

Today, I work with great developers all the time! And it is amazing to see how two types of people, developers and designers, who are so professionally different, can work together toward the same goal.

Now back to the story. I was very excited to take on this crazy project, but sadly it ended badly as a typical Italian projects: the client disappeared and this project fell into oblivion... So now to vent, I'm writing this absurd post praising all developers out there who help make my job so unbelievable everyday! Thank you guys!

Although this sounds like sentimental adoration for them, it doesn't prevent me from arguing and fighting with them... no mercy: a pixel is a pixel! Eheheh! ;)

Comments

[Stefano]

Great prototype and great user interface ! I love the way you managed the 'complete word' stuff. I wish singring would be available, I'm pretty sure I would have purchased it.