rmg
07-13-2008, 12:12 AM
I'm going to paraphrase something I posted elsewhere...
You can create the coolest, most marketable theme, as far as new icons and flashy wallpaper go. But the one thing the theme development community should keep in mind is that usability is the hallmark and benchmark of the RIM. Optimum readability and ability to identify icons should be the primary concern. This is why the IPhone icons are so popular.
My older eyes have a bit of trouble with some of the icons I'm seeing -- neons, etc. Also, the font that's on my BB that is clearest and easiest on the eyes is BB Alpha Sans. Not seeing many themes that use reasonably sized fonts for menus. Scripts just can't be taken seriously, from a usability point of view
Just a further note on fonts -- look at your favorite websites. Mostly sans serif out there now. Not a lot of light type on light backgrounds, very few "precious" script typefaces.
I guess people should have the ability and access to make their smartphone look however they want. But designers and developers need to concentrate first on the old "form versus function" dichotomy. Or more appropriately, "form FOLLOWS function."
I know: I should put my money where my mouth is. I've been a web, print and video designer for longer than I care to say. But I'm a Mac user, and can't find support for doing much with Blackberry except download and install. (Any advice on getting a development environment together would be appreciated.) As soon as I can get past this hurdle, I'll post some designs. Till then...
rg
You can create the coolest, most marketable theme, as far as new icons and flashy wallpaper go. But the one thing the theme development community should keep in mind is that usability is the hallmark and benchmark of the RIM. Optimum readability and ability to identify icons should be the primary concern. This is why the IPhone icons are so popular.
My older eyes have a bit of trouble with some of the icons I'm seeing -- neons, etc. Also, the font that's on my BB that is clearest and easiest on the eyes is BB Alpha Sans. Not seeing many themes that use reasonably sized fonts for menus. Scripts just can't be taken seriously, from a usability point of view
Just a further note on fonts -- look at your favorite websites. Mostly sans serif out there now. Not a lot of light type on light backgrounds, very few "precious" script typefaces.
I guess people should have the ability and access to make their smartphone look however they want. But designers and developers need to concentrate first on the old "form versus function" dichotomy. Or more appropriately, "form FOLLOWS function."
I know: I should put my money where my mouth is. I've been a web, print and video designer for longer than I care to say. But I'm a Mac user, and can't find support for doing much with Blackberry except download and install. (Any advice on getting a development environment together would be appreciated.) As soon as I can get past this hurdle, I'll post some designs. Till then...
rg