Ian has suggested we visit the following sites to learn about icon design.
http://mobile.tutsplus.com/tutorials/mobile-design-tutorials/killer-tips-for-iphone-and-ipad-icon-design/
http://www.visualdesigner.be/2010/01/05/designing-iphone-icons/
http://inspirationfeed.com/2011/03/20-examples-of-detailed-ios-application-icon-designs/
http://mobile.tutsplus.com/tutorials/mobile-design-tutorials/killer-tips-for-iphone-and-ipad-icon-design/
http://www.visualdesigner.be/2010/01/05/designing-iphone-icons/
http://inspirationfeed.com/2011/03/20-examples-of-detailed-ios-application-icon-designs/
Something to consider, since I've been preoccupied with related ideas about content creation and the notions of context vs. container.
ReplyDeleteAngie Harrison and others have been talking about the writing process changing (or perhaps that we're noticing more and more that the writing/creative process has always been the same, but our mode of assessment is increasingly limiting the organic process of creation).
Angie's discussion is here:
http://techieang.edublogs.org/2011/04/24/is-the-writing-process-changing/
Regarding the graphic design aspects of the app. It's a trap to think that the images need to be all slick and photoshoppy. There are many ways to make a user interface, and we can talk about that more in depth when we get to that aspect.
But an overall perspective is that because the students are making the app, they should drive the art direction. They can draw the interface on paper even and we can scan it or photograph it, or they can photograph physical items as user interface buttons on the main screen if they wish. (We probably should not muck around with the little arrows and Map/Detail button and the row of five buttons on the bottom as Apple is picky about approving things like that for the App Store.)
That still gives your class a lot of latitude. Have a look at:
Paper Town Friends
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/paper-town-friends/id375261895?mt=8
and
Faces iMake
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/faces-imake-lite/id357230884?mt=8
as two examples of where the interface can be very handmade. We really don't need more apps with shiny photoshopped buttons when your students could create something unique and wonderfully personal. :D
- Ian
That does give us latitude and leaves lots of room for creativity.
ReplyDeleteWell, you know ... I'm all about nurturing creativity in children and youth.
ReplyDelete