[Q] Who wants to help me create a nice, intuitive and smooth Homescreen-interface?

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UPDATE:

Check out the VIDEODEMO (HD 720p, you'll need a big screen and a decent computer)!
http://caemgen.nl/SlickUI/videodemo/

YouTube-version:



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Hello there.

I'm kinda new to XDA, so let me properly introduce myself first:
My name is Kevin and I live in The Netherlands. I'm really into games, music, movies, phones (Android) and design. I work as a graphic/web-designer/video-editor/animator in The Netherlands.

Just recently, I bought a Samsung Galaxy S. I'm quite happy with the device, especially since Samsung released the 2.2 JP6-update and even more so when I decided to apply the latest Voodoo lagfix-release. The device just flies, although there are still some occassional 'freezes' and slowdowns every now and then.

And then my brother came along, yesterday, showing me his jailbreaked iPhone 4 with some awesome Cydia-tweaks. He had a fully working notification bar, live wallpapers, folders in folders, true multitasking, etc. and I got a bit... well, jealous. I'm sorry, but that interface is just soooo nice and smooth.

Just check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DHVaJfWL5E
The way folders work is really nice. And there are a lot of other things that make the phone feel like everything is very well integrated. No delays, no freezes.

So, this made me wonder: Could we, the Android-community, create a Homescreen-replacement app that just BLOWS everything away when compared to the iPhone? The Galaxy S, Nexus One, Desire (HD) etc. certainly are powerful enough.

Maybe a Homescreen-replacement app wouldn't be enough, I guess some ROM-tweaks would be required to make certain things work. But when I see LauncherPro in action (with its silky-smooth homescreen-scrolling), I believe that very much can already be achieved when just focussing on a Homescreen-replacement first.

And don't get me wrong, LauncherPro is already a 'great' app. But it lacks customization and eye-candy. Yes, I'd like even more customization. But what I really miss is the eye-candy. I've got so many ideas for a visually stunning and innovative UI-experience... and I could work out the designs/graphics, but unfortunately I lack knowledge and skill in coding for Android.

I'd love to work on a User Interface with a dedicated group of people that is both visually appealing and functional. Is there anyone here that has the skills/time/motivation to work on the coding-part? Maybe more than one person? But remember, the goal is to make it silky smooth, very functional and highly customizable. Quality is of the utmost importance!

Here's a bit of a sketch I did by the way: Nothing substantial though.



Quick note: The idea for the bar at the bottom is that you can slide it upwards to see all of your apps. In there, you can then rearrange icons. The 5 icons at the top of the full drawer stay visible when you slide it down. In that state you can also slide to the right, like in LauncherPro, so that the next row (5 icons) from your full app drawer is visible and so forth. If you would slide to the left, you would see the bottom row of your full app drawer.

Additionally, you should be able to slide the minimized dock down entirely.
I should probably do an animation to show you, as it's hard to explain.

The new dock using tabs for ALL applications and RUNNING applications, means you can easily see which apps are currently running and switch to them (or close them).

Update: I think I've got a name for the project.
What about SlickUI?

Check out KiteUI, the project is already under way.

Originally Posted by TheGrammarFreak

Check out KiteUI, the project is already under way.

Thanks for the link.

But I must say that I don't really like that approach and the look..

I suggest to take a look at the SDK samples - they contain a lot of useful snippets, classes, etc.

Wish I could help Caemgen, that concept of yours looks great in both form and function!

I'm a lowly App Inventor user though, for now.

I can code a little in PHP and JavaScript, do HTML/CSS and I also have SQL/mySQL experience but until a week ago my Java install was borked so I couldn't install the SDK and still haven't tried. Kind of put off coding development when there is App Inventor because I'll have to tackle Java!


PS - Is that The Crystal Method on your portfolio site?

WOW! That looks great. I wish I could help, but I'm not too good with coding. I just do designing, but it looks like you already got the graphics down. I'll be looking for this to be complete.

BTW, KiteUI looks like it's going to be a while, but both are looking amazing.

Thanks guys! If the ball starts rolling for this project, I could use your help on the visual part to, even if it would be just some advice.
@Subjective Effect: Yes it is! Heard that track in the game Blur and thought it was amazing.

I really like the idea to this... just one thing id personally change is... the middle icon (phone) in that orb i would make a nifty weather widget. i know this is all early stages and that is just a very very early design-idea, but if u do need help with the concept and some ideas, my inbox is waiting would love to help out.

keep up the good work

xxxx

Originally Posted by Pinback!

I really like the idea to this... just one thing id personally change is... the middle icon (phone) in that orb i would make a nifty weather widget. i know this is all early stages and that is just a very very early design-idea, but if u do need help with the concept and some ideas, my inbox is waiting would love to help out.

keep up the good work

xxxx

Thanks, but I think the phone-dialer is something that should always be in reach.

Also, check out these new sketches:

I would pay 20 bucks for this. I just need one homescreen if this happens. Very user friendly and obviously, Slick!