journal app moodboard (pdf)
Moodboard
Reply
Category Archives: Interactive Design Studio I
Revised Thesis
Meaningful UX is achieved when form communicates function within an experiential context; facilitating the users curiosity to experience an app in a meaningful way by either extending their natural abilities or emulating a physical process by placing them in a magic circle, and creating a suspension of disbelief that they are using an app.
Developing a Thesis
During last weeks class Professor Rueda really challenged my way of thinking for what it means to be an app designer and developer. He told me that I shouldn’t, “make an app just to make an app, because anyone can do that; you should put some more thought into why you make these things” – which really got me thinking “why do I want to make iOS applications?” Initially my reasoning behind building applications was because I wanted to get into the field and build a strong portfolio but then I realized that I needed a deeper motivation behind my work, and I came to the conclusion that:
As a designer I strive to create applications which have exceptional user interfaces and experiences that are built on top of solid products people want to use. I also desire to make apps that are informed, empathetic and ethical in the way that they interact with their users.
I’m still ironing out the finer details of my artists statement but I think that this pull quote nicely summarizes what I wish to accomplish with the applications that I will be designing and developing in the future.
Update:
I have refined my thesis:
Meaningful user experience is achieved when form communicates function; thusly, facilitating the users desire to accomplish a one-dimensional task which either extends their natural abilities or emulates a physical process.
Learning iOS
As an aspiring UI/UX Designer iOS development is a field that I need to have a working knowledge of. Most, if not all, startups, development shops or design studios have people working on iOS Apps and I want to be able to design and develop for that platform in and out.
The first thing I need to do to get started designing and developing on iOS is to actually learn iOS development. To accomplish this I will need text books as well as other educational materials such as screencasts. Since technical books are expensive, heavy and hard to transport from not only my dorm to school but also from Hong Kong to the US – I have decided to subscribe to Safari Books. This a website that allows you to read virtually every technical book online for as low as $10 USD a month. Where screencasts are concerned I purchased several instructional videos from PeepCode, primarily their videos on design and iOS.
Now all I have to do is set up my Photoshop to have the proper work-flow for iOS design and become a licensed iOS developer, which costs around $99 annually. This subscription will allow me access to the SDK, development tools and even the ability to publish apps that I create.
I have many hours of video and a long ways to go before I get my first app out into the wild but I am confident that I will be able to have at least a working prototype be the end of the semester. Wish me luck, as this will be an exciting journey.