Andrew’s Prototype
My primary focus to this project was specifically looking at kinetic typography applications. One particular application we looked at was Spout. This app is designed to make the most boring reader-feeds on Facebook, Twitter and Google into something much more alive. By playing with the text and adding animation to the fonts, Facebook or Twitter reader-feeds will feel more engaging and interesting even though the content is still the same. A short video of how Spout works and looks is below.
However, the problem with Spout is the lack of interaction available for the user. It will appear pretty neat at first, but after a few minutes of use the application becomes repetitive. Hence, my intention is improve the reusability of Spout.
Above is the first concept of the new features added to Spout.
Above is the explanation of the finalized page1 concept.
The above page2 concept shows how the features can be customized and altered.
Our Presentation
ebook_project1_presentation_v2 Here you can view our presentation!
Jennifer’s Prototype
I explored the content quality control of PostSecret. This is a widely popular site that has received critically acclaimed reviews over its user generated content, however the iOS version of it has only received 2 stars out of 5.
After reading all the reviews, there were two main issues.
1) the software platform seems unstable, however this would be the developer’s role.
2) the content shown on the app was unsatisfying, specifically, many of the ‘popular’ confessions were seen as phonies.
My prototype with this app is to build it with user quality control. Already practiced in user generated content sites like YouTube and Reddit.com, users are able to mark down or mark up the confession. The current app only allows you to mark up, and such a simple way to implement quality control would raise the number of downloads of this app and also the profit.
Sarah’s Prototype
Here’s the sketchbook process of how I arrived at my storyboard. The following three sketchbook images are some brainstorming sessions with thumbnails.
Below: This was where I started to really plan out the app. It was helpful to have a printout of the ipad so I could figure out the scale of the app.
Below: Here are the two prototypes that I worked out on paper. My focus was on improving Zite, a personalized magazine app. The first storyboard is more of a merge between tweetmag and zite. The second storyboard involved more user interaction with a drag and drop interface. See notes for more information.
Just Design
Motion Graphics + Kinetic Typography
Spout
This app is designed to make use of Facebook, Twitter and Google reader-feeds and status into something much more alive. By using kinetic typography, the reader-feeds will show up with animation fonts, making it much more appealing.
The Elements: A Visual Exploration
Properly one of the most visually appealing periodic table of elements today, The Elements provide a vast range of information about each and every element including various examples of materials. The display of examples also has an interactive aspect that lets the user view the material from different angles.
Social Content Sharing
Kinetik, as seen on an iPhone
Kinetik: an app that helps you find the apps you’re interested in! And allows you to share with other users, shows the most popular apps being shared in real time.
PostSecret
PostSecret : the iOS version of the popular blog site, one the most popular visual user generated content. It is simple, minimalistic and allows users to submit their secrets via the app as well.
Socially Driven Content
Here we look at how logging into a social network through the ebook, the reader sees content from their social network and areas of interest.
Flipboard: Content from your Facebook and Twitter accounts are gathered and converted into a gorgeous “flipbook”. It’s definitely drool-worthy. This app has exploded with popularity. Apparently $10.5 million was invested, just when they were starting up! (To read more, check out this Fast Company article). Other similar apps: FLUD and Taptu
News 360: Much like flipboard but pulls a news selection tailored to your interests. I found it a bit ugly, but the news360 section is quite nice. It’s interesting to literally dive deeper into the articles.
Pulse: Takes your favorite websites and transforms them into a colourful and interactive mosaic. Has sharing capabilities but not as smart as Zite regarding personalization.
