Feedback needed on new iPod Nano theme: Corners

[crzyboyster]

I actually started making this theme a while ago but never bothered to finish it due to lack of inspiration. It was named after its curved "corners" and uses simple dark grey to light grey gradients all over. Attached is a screenshot showing all that has been made and done so far from the psd file.

Please tell me how I can make it better because right now, it has no real "flow" and sucks (in my opinion).

[DancemasterGlenn]

Well, first of all it looks very cool from what you already have... it kinda looks like the images are carved/cut into the "metal". Just to throw out an idea, it would be cool if you could use some font with the same color as the current pictures that will allow the text to have the same feel. You'd probably need a custom font, but it would look really sleek in my opinion. Further, when you actually have to chenge the way things look (as the progressbar goes from empty to full, for example), I think the theme as it is now would look good accented by a black or a very dark grey (so I guess the font could also be dark, if the grey didn't look good/wasn't readable). Essentially, while I'm seeing something very unfinished that could become a relatively colorful theme, in my mind I see a very sleek, stripped-down theme that uses shades of grey to achieve a techy, elegant feel.

Hope that's helpful, if you take it in a completely different direction I'll understand  

[terrence1019]

I agree. And can you port it to sansa e200 and c200?  

[crzyboyster]

My biggest problem is that I barely know how to use photoshop so I couldn't create the best images. Does anyone know what I should do for the repeat and shuffle icons? Right now they are just text. Also, I was considering making a separate "taskbar/toolbar" at the top (like a different panel) for the icons...


EDIT: I have been working on the theme and maybe I'll finish it by the end of this week? I already have a good font in mind called "Pixo" I have already converted it and it's available in this theme:

http://www.rockbox.org/twiki/bin/view/Main/WpsIpodNano#PHK1_Remix

I think that it'll be perfect for this theme!

I'm considering making an e200 version of this theme, too.

[DancemasterGlenn]

That font looks perfect! As far as icons go, I think if no one minded you could use a greyscale version of the PHK1 Remix repeat icon (adding a one or whatever in the middle for different repeat modes. That loop looks really good... I also like the way they did their shuffle icon (I'm partial to those cris-cross icons), but if you were to do one like that, I would put it on its side. It just seems more natural, I guess.

Not to totally steal everything from that WPS...

But anyway, icons aside, I would say that due to the stark, sleek look of the WPS you should probably keep the text information pretty simple, which would probably keep with the theme, and not overcrowd the tiny nano screen. Probably just Artist/Song/Album (in whatever order), and some time information under the progressbar if it would fit. Were you thinking of using album art for this?

[crzyboyster]

Yes, I will probably use the album art conditional for this theme. Attached is the latest version of this theme. I really don't want to take the icons from that theme, I'll try and see if I can make some myself...

[ZincAlloy]

nice... you might want to make the Icons a little darker to improve readability.

[crzyboyster]

Definitely, ZincAlloy and I'm working on a better progressbar for this theme. Will post latest screenshot...

[terrence1019]

A recommendation: make a cut/carved out image of the rockbox symbol on the background. Would look real cool  

Also: I agree with you- make your own repeat and shuffle icons. Make your own style to it. But be sure to make a-b repeat icon.

Also: a key-lock icon would be nice


The ony thing now is to find a font that makes it stand out. Check out this link:

http://forums.rockbox.org/index.php?topic=15115.0

karashata posted a link to some fonts he made. Maybe you should try them out  

[crzyboyster]

Actually, I've already seen those and will probably use them. I like the idea of the carved out rockbox symbol in the background. Maybe I'll make one background with the symbol and one without?

I already have a lock icon by the way...

[Strife89]

It looks very nice! My only complaint is that (in my opinion) you need to brighten the background a little bit. Otherwise, great work!  

[terrence1019]

I like the idea of the carved out rockbox symbol in the background. Maybe I'll make one background with the symbol and one without?

I think the one with the symbol should be enough. It would be very stylish.

BTW: Have you considered making your own icon pack to go with the theme?

[crzyboyster]

I haven't had time to work on it (once again), but I will start working on it soon. It's own icon pack? Not a bad idea... I'll have to see about that. If I brighten the background, the whole theme would lose its real "feel".

[Strife89]

I just meant "brighten it a little", to make the background look a little more luminous.

(Maybe my monitor's too dark. Darn brightness knob.... )

[terrence1019]

crzyboyster, this theme looks promising.

BTW: what information is the WPS screen going to have? And how will it be arranged?

Also, can you test the theme out with the font acknowledge-12 and tell me if it looks better compared to the font pixo?