View Full Version : Horizonz: Future Concept Art
The order of the day is Conceptual. Two months ago I put together a few concept shots of what Horizonz was aiming to become. With Volume III nearing completion and my big move just around the corner, they never saw the light of day, until now that is.
These designs highlight some of the Home Screen features I've implemented over the last few months and clearly illustrates the reason for their inclusion. From day one, my initial intention was to finish Horizonz' feature set prior to improving it's appearance. Too date, I haven't spent too much time tweaking graphics, but after Volume IV is released, I intend to do just that. Bare in mind thought, VIV may still be some way off, for obvious reasons. Also, note, these are psd mockups I made two months ago, so a few ideas may have changed somewhat.
CONCEPT ART
This illustration highlights the DarkShade Home Scroller with revamped Now Playing Music panel, alternative Time panel and RSS Feed panel positions and new Menu Description and Media Section Info panels.
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/throughtheiris25/MainDarkNormal.jpg
This illustration highlights the Lower LiteShade Home Scroller, with new Now Playing Movie panel, original Time panel position, new Player Control location and also shows how the RSS panel text fades.
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/throughtheiris25/MainLiteLower.jpg
This illustration highlights the new Now Playing Episode panel with a variation in the panel's play state and the new location Disc Popup on disc insertion.
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/throughtheiris25/MainDarkLower.jpg
This illustration highlights the Shutdown menu with dimmed background losing focus to Time panel, Section Information panel and all important Dialogs such as Shutdown Timer and Player Controls.
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/throughtheiris25/ShutdownDarkNormal.jpg
This illustration highlights the Setup Menu categories with new look Category Controls, Scrollbar support and better Item highlighting.
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/throughtheiris25/SetupLite.jpg
This illustration highlights the new Weather Popup and the new location for all Home Screen dialogs including Volume Control and Mute.
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/throughtheiris25/MainLiteNormalWeather.jpg
DONATION UPDATE
Don't forget to donate to the PC Fund if you wish. At the moment, $55 is the Target. Yes, thats how well you've supported Horizonz, so thanks for everything. Still attempting to sell a few things in the newspaper, so hopefully, I'll be able to grab a PC asap and finish Volume IV. Here's my PAYPAL details again, if you wish to donate:
fayedickinson@hotmail.co.uk
Thanks again for all your support! Hopefully I won't miss any of you in the Donation Shouts section in Horizonz itself.
LAST WORD
These concepts are intended for Volume V and beyond. I look forward to hearing what your thoughts on them are, and remember, they are concepts, so constructive comments are only constructive if they're positive in manor. Graphic Design isn't my speciality, so a lot of self-training had to be done in the months leading up to Volume I. It's only been six months since I first used Photoshop and Illustrator. Hope this shows considerable improvement on what I've designed thus far.
Special Thanks to Six_Storm for giving me an idea or two and DigitalHigh for helping with a Backdrop or two.
Hope you like what you see dudes and dudettes, and lets be nice, okay!
missy_xbmc
2008-12-19, 17:56
Oh my, these mockups are stunning!!! Amazing job XB2IRIS! When did you say these would be in Horizonz.
I've been keeping an eye on Stark, and I must say, these screens look more slick with more functionality! Simply a brilliant job done with the Graphics here! I'm really impressed!
It's a little busy for my own tastes but bravo nonetheless - a very accomplished job that looks entirely within XBMC's abilities. I'm actually glad to see you're taking it in a substantially new direction as the old Aeon really will be succeeded by the new one. Good to see there's life in the old girl yet. :nod:
As for the above comment, don't be daft. :;):
krypt2nite
2008-12-19, 18:18
Looks good! Little busy like mentioned and the "Play your" thing above the home menu selection is not my cup of tea, but I would love seeing this on my TV.
Glad you shared those screenies... looks very very promising! Really like the "techy" look you gave it... unique design!
joncgde2
2008-12-20, 09:42
I agree... the "play your" bits don't look so good - they're interesting in terms of what is possible, but should not make the final cut. They kinda detract away from what Horizonz should be... DJH is right, it's starting to get a little too busy, and seems like there is no overall design philosophy in mind (this should be: minimal, professional, sleek) - in the same way, the DVD jewels are also on a strange path :/
My 2 cents...
I like everything with 1 exception, the "highlight" on the home menu bar... not sure what it is supposed to represent form-wise but to me it looks a little out of place.
Maybe make the highlight more uniform, like it is a slightly rounded glass (without the hard edged internal reflections - if that is what they are?)
I do like the 'added' explanation of the option once it is highlighted.
Oh my, these mockups are stunning!!! Amazing job XB2IRIS! When did you say these would be in Horizonz.
I've been keeping an eye on Stark, and I must say, these screens look more slick with more functionality! Simply a brilliant job done with the Graphics here! I'm really impressed!
I won't go as far as to say its better than starks screenshots, but it will be wicked... in its own light of course... but thanks for ur comments babes
It's a little busy for my own tastes but bravo nonetheless - a very accomplished job that looks entirely within XBMC's abilities. I'm actually glad to see you're taking it in a substantially new direction as the old Aeon really will be succeeded by the new one. Good to see there's life in the old girl yet. :nod:
As for the above comment, don't be daft. :;):
thanks so much man... really appreciate any kinda comment from the skinner of all skinners... especially such a positive one... and trust me, i'll milk the old aeon engine for all its worth... hehehe... everything will be optional, so, it won't end up being all that busy... i totally get u on that point... and i agree... but again, its a pleasure hearing from the legend himself... and i hope one day i'll reach ur level of skinning... maybe u should go on another hiatis, for maybe two or three years, then maybe i'll be as good :)
Looks good! Little busy like mentioned and the "Play your" thing above the home menu selection is not my cup of tea, but I would love seeing this on my TV.
it'd be optional like everything else in horizonz, so it won't be all that busy... u'd be able to customize the bitch to ur prefs... sound good?
Glad you shared those screenies... looks very very promising! Really like the "techy" look you gave it... unique design!
thanks man... trying to do the techy thing, coz all in all, thats the way all interfaces should be... coz their on some kinda technology... hehehe... yeah, i know, that sounds nerdy!
I agree... the "play your" bits don't look so good - they're interesting in terms of what is possible, but should not make the final cut. They kinda detract away from what Horizonz should be... DJH is right, it's starting to get a little too busy, and seems like there is no overall design philosophy in mind (this should be: minimal, professional, sleek) - in the same way, the DVD jewels are also on a strange path :/
My 2 cents...
ur two cents are welcome dude... those play your bits will be optional... but i like the idea being in there especially for those who are using the skin for the first time... and with busy being a problem, everything will be optional... so, u can make it as unbusy as u won't... maybe no home scroller as well... then, u can guess what ur doing... hehehe... but for me, coming from a dude, thats been surfing the net for almost 15 years now... professional is a bit boring... i like something out of the ordinary...would u rather where a suit or something that blings u up to max... so, in order for something to look its best, it needs the bling factor... thats my 3 cents... lol... but yeah, the dvd jewels are strange looking, but for a reason... something different or unusual would be cool i'd reckon, but that now playing panel as a whole, still reeks of coolness... but maybe the artwork needs reshaping or something... but we'll see where this heads! that cool u reckon?
I like everything with 1 exception, the "highlight" on the home menu bar... not sure what it is supposed to represent form-wise but to me it looks a little out of place.
Maybe make the highlight more uniform, like it is a slightly rounded glass (without the hard edged internal reflections - if that is what they are?)
I do like the 'added' explanation of the option once it is highlighted.
its optional... mostly for people who are new to the system... but i still think it'd be a nice addition... something different... and about rounded glass... kinda leaving the round factor behind... uniformity is the order of the day, and i reckon, panels across the skin will look similar to the way it is in the above pics... thanks for your comments... greatly appreciated!
Thanks for that donation jarod71 and the great pm... and thanks for all the comments u guys... much appreciated... remember, this is a draft, so ur comments mean a lot in terms of the final product in volume V... so keep 'em coming dudes!
BlackRose
2008-12-21, 15:05
The order of the day is Conceptual. Two months ago I put together a few concept shots of what Horizonz was aiming to become. With Volume III nearing completion and my big move just around the corner, they never saw the light of day, until now that is.
These designs highlight some of the Home Screen features I've implemented over the last few months and clearly illustrates the reason for their inclusion. From day one, my initial intention was to finish Horizonz' feature set prior to improving it's appearance. Too date, I haven't spent too much time tweaking graphics, but after Volume IV is released, I intend to do just that. Bare in mind thought, VIV may still be some way off, for obvious reasons. Also, note, these are psd mockups I made two months ago, so a few ideas may have changed somewhat.
CONCEPT ART
This illustration highlights the DarkShade Home Scroller with revamped Now Playing Music panel, alternative Time panel and RSS Feed panel positions and new Menu Description and Media Section Info panels.
This illustration highlights the Lower LiteShade Home Scroller, with new Now Playing Movie panel, original Time panel position, new Player Control location and also shows how the RSS panel text fades.
This illustration highlights the new Now Playing Episode panel with a variation in the panel's play state and the new location Disc Popup on disc insertion.
This illustration highlights the Shutdown menu with dimmed background losing focus to Time panel, Section Information panel and all important Dialogs such as Shutdown Timer and Player Controls.
This illustration highlights the Setup Menu categories with new look Category Controls, Scrollbar support and better Item highlighting.
This illustration highlights the new Weather Popup and the new location for all Home Screen dialogs including Volume Control and Mute.
DONATION UPDATE
Don't forget to donate to the PC Fund if you wish. At the moment, $55 is the Target. Yes, thats how well you've supported Horizonz, so thanks for everything. Still attempting to sell a few things in the newspaper, so hopefully, I'll be able to grab a PC asap and finish Volume IV. Here's my PAYPAL details again, if you wish to donate:
fayedickinson@hotmail.co.uk
Thanks again for all your support! Hopefully I won't miss any of you in the Donation Shouts section in Horizonz itself.
LAST WORD
These concepts are intended for Volume V and beyond. I look forward to hearing what your thoughts on them are, and remember, they are concepts, so constructive comments are only constructive if they're positive in manor. Graphic Design isn't my speciality, so a lot of self-training had to be done in the months leading up to Volume I. It's only been six months since I first used Photoshop and Illustrator. Hope this shows considerable improvement on what I've designed thus far.
Special Thanks to Six_Storm for giving me an idea or two and DigitalHigh for helping with a Backdrop or two.
Hope you like what you see dudes and dudettes, and lets be nice, okay!
Nice to see your online. Anyways, I don't know what to say about these new Screenshots! They're absolutely stunning first of all, and I like everything you've done with them. Agree with a the one dude about the dvd cover, its a bit oblong, but i guess thats okay, but this is something special!
Not bad for a photoshop baby! I'm amazed at how you've improved dude! I think the final product will be revolutionary! I for one am super excited!
Nice to see your online. Anyways, I don't know what to say about these new Screenshots! They're absolutely stunning first of all, and I like everything you've done with them. Agree with a the one dude about the dvd cover, its a bit oblong, but i guess thats okay, but this is something special!
Not bad for a photoshop baby! I'm amazed at how you've improved dude! I think the final product will be revolutionary! I for one am super excited!
thanks babes... especially like the part where ur insulting anyone and not picking a fight... very special times... hehehe...
nyways... close to xmas and no pc yet, so keep the faith, a dude donated over the w-end, so maybe others will chip in with the odd xmas donation... hehehe!
Hey, great to see you finally posted these! Said you should a long time ago, but yeah, your a stubborn one. They look great man, better on my pc than yours i take it, i remember the pics being darker somewhat! Nonetheless, their a work of genius and I look forward to the day they're actually in Horizonz!
Anyways, donate people, XB2IRIS only needs a few bucks, then a Volume IV will be here for all to enjoy! Tested it the other day, and their are some neat new features and a lot of the things he's posted as screenshots actually look a hell of a lot better than you'd think when you actually get to see them in person! But yeah, its almost finish, but isn't at all stable. Some of the other stuff that used to work doesn't anymore, so trust me, he's not holding out on you guys but I reckon it'd take a full 3 or so days to finish it, but thats a guess, coz a lot of stuff isn't finish!
I've donated, your turn if you haven't already!
eriksmith200
2008-12-22, 16:48
are you planning on separating all settings menus from the movies, weather etc menus?
digitalhigh
2008-12-22, 17:03
Like the brushed metal look...definitely crispy. Could be just a*tad* less pronounced in the OSD menus and stuff. Keep the metal, just make the transparency higher. (Fourth Picture down)
And actually, looking at that same pic again, I think the whole thing would look really sharp if it were just a bit more transparent. I really like the glasslike feel this adds tho.
And I have to agree...the "Play Your" thing above videos, and "adjust the" above settings...it's a bit too much like mediastream. Or maybe it's because it is too busy or something. What if you had that text appear at the top center or top right of the screen? Keep it in there because extra descriptiveness is always good, but don't have all that stuff interacting in one spot?
I like the new "now playing" stuff you did tho...fits very nicely with the rest of the skin.
Have you given any thought to having the weather display with the main bar somehow? Add the option to have it on top or right on the main scroller or something...
Doraemonn
2008-12-22, 17:14
Interesting concepts.
For my money though I have to say I prefer the current overall look. The addition of brush metal as well as glass effects, coupled with what in my opinion looks like an unnecessary 'patio roof' effect over the main scroller's sections, seems to be moving away from what made Aeon so appealing: its clean, uncluttered simplicity.
My personal recommendation would be to keep focus on the "less is more" philosophy, and not tinker with textures and design concepts for tinkering's sake.
MediaStream has the cluttered, over-complicated angle sewn up. I'd say differentiate by offering the exact opposite.
Sorry if it sounds a bit harsh... You know I'm a fan ;)
Interesting concepts.
For my money though I have to say I prefer the current overall look. The addition of brush metal as well as glass effects, coupled with what in my opinion looks like an unnecessary 'patio roof' effect over the main scroller's sections, seems to be moving away from what made Aeon so appealing: its clean, uncluttered simplicity.
My personal recommendation would be to keep focus on the "less is more" philosophy, and not tinker with textures and design concepts for tinkering's sake.
MediaStream has the cluttered, over-complicated angle sewn up. I'd say differentiate by offering the exact opposite.
Sorry if it sounds a bit harsh... You know I'm a fan ;)
Well said, not harsh IMO.
I like many of the changes he's made: new metal+glass textures is nice and the general layout of the controls.
... I agree with trying to keep it "relaxing" to the eye... I feel there are many sharp/hard edges which is "distracting", the 'patio roof' is one of those that does this the most. Maybe soften/round the corners/points on the images just a bit and don't "stack" too many like images on on top of the other - Now Playing is an example of where putting some separation of the menu bar from the Now Playing controls would clean it up a bit and be less busy - again too many hard angles all in one place.
My two cents. I think the future of this mod lies in being all things to all people. As you say, the more "cluttered" look is handled perfectly well by MediaStream while the "minimalist" look will be catered for by Aeon 1.0. So what place Horizonz?
Well, the purpose of a mod like this is to satisfy popular demand. So if you want a banner view, wall view or whatever other view that isn't part of Aeon's vision, xb2iris is your man. Add to that the fact that Horizonz is based on the old Aeon aesthetic, and the old code with its myriad shortcuts and hacks, and it has the potential to be relatively unique. Messy, perhaps, but that's the price you pay. That's assuming it doesn't start feeding off the Aeon 1.0 look, which for courtesy's sake I hope it doesn't.
I do agree about those "Browse your...", "Watch your..." headers over the menu, though. I never fancied them in MediaStream and it looks too much like a me-too addition here.
rectifier
2008-12-23, 14:30
I believe, after looking at the new concepts, that its bringing a better more graphical approach to horizonz, which in my opinion is great. To make something unique and shine in its own light, somethings gotta be changed, and the new look is amazin in my opinion!
Firstly, XB2IRIS, has mentioned that everything would be optional, so it wouldn't be cluttered and complicated. It would just be the old Horizonz with a few new options, and I think thats great, coz not everyone shares the philosophy of less is more! I believe he's again trying to cater to the larger audience, by providing a few things from other skins to make this skin the best skin it can be, and even better their optional, so if you like it, u can use it, if not, don't!
To be honest, their hasn't been any skins with amazing graphics yet. Everything has stuck with the simple interface look, which in my opinion, is a shame. He's increasing the slickness, which i believe is great, so let him go with it, coz at the end of the day, ur friends will be more impressed with ur media centre when he sees it!
So, lets wait and see what it looks like, these are mockups, and i'm sure his doing what he always does, take suggestions and ideas into consideration and employ them! Thats a great approach, and with who else in these forums, can we actually be as honest without getting blacklisted and ignored! So, appreciate that fact!
Hey, great to see you finally posted these! Said you should a long time ago, but yeah, your a stubborn one. They look great man, better on my pc than yours i take it, i remember the pics being darker somewhat! Nonetheless, their a work of genius and I look forward to the day they're actually in Horizonz!
Anyways, donate people, XB2IRIS only needs a few bucks, then a Volume IV will be here for all to enjoy! Tested it the other day, and their are some neat new features and a lot of the things he's posted as screenshots actually look a hell of a lot better than you'd think when you actually get to see them in person! But yeah, its almost finish, but isn't at all stable. Some of the other stuff that used to work doesn't anymore, so trust me, he's not holding out on you guys but I reckon it'd take a full 3 or so days to finish it, but thats a guess, coz a lot of stuff isn't finish!
I've donated, your turn if you haven't already!
Thanks for keeping the mocks, coz without them, i'd have to do the entire thing over... Anyways, people know they can donate if they want man... Most of the hardcore fans have, and i'm sure a few others will when they can, but lifes not always that simple i take it!
are you planning on separating all settings menus from the movies, weather etc menus?
yeah, thats always been an idea, but maybe i'll stick to the normal setup depending on where things go from here... so, we'll see later in dev... hopefully we can all wait... hehehe
Like the brushed metal look...definitely crispy. Could be just a*tad* less pronounced in the OSD menus and stuff. Keep the metal, just make the transparency higher. (Fourth Picture down)
And actually, looking at that same pic again, I think the whole thing would look really sharp if it were just a bit more transparent. I really like the glasslike feel this adds tho.
And I have to agree...the "Play Your" thing above videos, and "adjust the" above settings...it's a bit too much like mediastream. Or maybe it's because it is too busy or something. What if you had that text appear at the top center or top right of the screen? Keep it in there because extra descriptiveness is always good, but don't have all that stuff interacting in one spot?
I like the new "now playing" stuff you did tho...fits very nicely with the rest of the skin.
Have you given any thought to having the weather display with the main bar somehow? Add the option to have it on top or right on the main scroller or something...
as you know, these are still mocks, so transparency can easily be altered, but i'll see how they look when i put them into the skin, so maybe it'll be more transparent, maybe not... the end product is unknown for now, these are nothing but concepts... and as for the info menus, i'm just going to include then as an optional extra... so use them or not... i know there'll be fans of that option... people have requested it... and i like wheres its located, makes the scroller look a little more interesting if u ask me, but who knows, i'll try a few things before i make up mind with a final draught... and that weather idea is cool... see what i can think up... would be different... maybe an added dialog or something... we'll see what happens... but thanks for the comments!
Interesting concepts.
For my money though I have to say I prefer the current overall look. The addition of brush metal as well as glass effects, coupled with what in my opinion looks like an unnecessary 'patio roof' effect over the main scroller's sections, seems to be moving away from what made Aeon so appealing: its clean, uncluttered simplicity.
My personal recommendation would be to keep focus on the "less is more" philosophy, and not tinker with textures and design concepts for tinkering's sake.
MediaStream has the cluttered, over-complicated angle sewn up. I'd say differentiate by offering the exact opposite.
Sorry if it sounds a bit harsh... You know I'm a fan ;)
patio roof effect... dam dude... a love patios... their the best... u can chill take a smoke and have bbq on them... thats great... hehehe...
nyways... firstly, this skin needs to improve graphically if i'm to get it to the next step... and these are mockups, so the real thing may not even look that way... but one thing xbmc is missing is something with a different graphical approach... i'm bored with professional... i want dark and mysterious now... lol... lots of other people have mentioned that interfaces are getting repetitive and boring coz the graphics look simple... i agree, wanted something a bit out of the ordinary... something slick and above all different... like really cool websites u run into every now and then... no one remembers boring prof looking myspace pages for one thing, but interesting different ones serve the memory a lot better and makes the user feel more interesting and cool like i bet this look will for u... hehehe... just my take on it all, but i guess, when it happens... give it a try and then decide... coz so often things look better when ur in control... for instance, those wide icon views are way wicked when u use them, but in screenshots, they look weird... a few people have got unstable copies of horizonz volume iv... and they actually like those wide icons... so, lets wait and see what happens... the original look will definately not stay... but maybe a few ideas will be taken from it... plus, i need to make this skin its own skin if u get what i mean! and for it being over complicated... u don't have to have anything u don't want on the screen... their optional!
Well said, not harsh IMO.
I like many of the changes he's made: new metal+glass textures is nice and the general layout of the controls.
... I agree with trying to keep it "relaxing" to the eye... I feel there are many sharp/hard edges which is "distracting", the 'patio roof' is one of those that does this the most. Maybe soften/round the corners/points on the images just a bit and don't "stack" too many like images on on top of the other - Now Playing is an example of where putting some separation of the menu bar from the Now Playing controls would clean it up a bit and be less busy - again too many hard angles all in one place.
okay, i get yah... my explaination of hard angles... well... i had a choice between professional round edges or the un-used unique approach of hard edged triangles... went for the latter to be different and stick with my concept of changing everything so people can have a different feel in horizonz and aeon... and trust me, this isn't going to be any different from other versions... any skin will be busy if it was setup that way... and this skins going to have tons of options so people can create their own experience, be it busy or easy of the eyes... i'm aiming for all tastes... and i myself like the idea... get what ur saying on the soften front, may blur the textures a bit... see how they look afterwards... c'mon where are all the robotech fans... hehehe... hard edges are cool... like rock music is cool... other skins are pop... this is rock and even to an extent metal! bring on the cool!
My two cents. I think the future of this mod lies in being all things to all people. As you say, the more "cluttered" look is handled perfectly well by MediaStream while the "minimalist" look will be catered for by Aeon 1.0. So what place Horizonz?
Well, the purpose of a mod like this is to satisfy popular demand. So if you want a banner view, wall view or whatever other view that isn't part of Aeon's vision, xb2iris is your man. Add to that the fact that Horizonz is based on the old Aeon aesthetic, and the old code with its myriad shortcuts and hacks, and it has the potential to be relatively unique. Messy, perhaps, but that's the price you pay. That's assuming it doesn't start feeding off the Aeon 1.0 look, which for courtesy's sake I hope it doesn't.
I do agree about those "Browse your...", "Watch your..." headers over the menu, though. I never fancied them in MediaStream and it looks too much like a me-too addition here.
well like u mentioned... this mod lies in everones interests, and thats why i've made everything optional and there'll be even more options when this interface is added... so if u like it cluttered, so can have it that way... if u want it simple... u can have it that way as well... just think its cool providing the user with an interface he can design based on his tastes... so, those menus are also optional... hehehe... nyways, thanks for your two cents dude... much appreciated that ur saying ur say in here... been waiting for it for ages... almost went to japan to come and get it... so thanks... trying to make this bitch unique... i'm not the aeon creator, u are, so i guess i have to make horizonz more my baby than urs at some point... plus, stark is going to clean out the skin wars, so, for all the people left over, i need something new for them to enjoy! hopefully it will get ur stamp of approval when it gets to the point these screenshots show... maybe i can turn u from a dude that has nine inch nails playing on his system to an actual nine inch nails fan like me! hehehe!
I believe, after looking at the new concepts, that its bringing a better more graphical approach to horizonz, which in my opinion is great. To make something unique and shine in its own light, somethings gotta be changed, and the new look is amazin in my opinion!
Firstly, XB2IRIS, has mentioned that everything would be optional, so it wouldn't be cluttered and complicated. It would just be the old Horizonz with a few new options, and I think thats great, coz not everyone shares the philosophy of less is more! I believe he's again trying to cater to the larger audience, by providing a few things from other skins to make this skin the best skin it can be, and even better their optional, so if you like it, u can use it, if not, don't!
To be honest, their hasn't been any skins with amazing graphics yet. Everything has stuck with the simple interface look, which in my opinion, is a shame. He's increasing the slickness, which i believe is great, so let him go with it, coz at the end of the day, ur friends will be more impressed with ur media centre when he sees it!
So, lets wait and see what it looks like, these are mockups, and i'm sure his doing what he always does, take suggestions and ideas into consideration and employ them! Thats a great approach, and with who else in these forums, can we actually be as honest without getting blacklisted and ignored! So, appreciate that fact!
thanks man... that makes sense and everyone should read it! hehehe
Johnny_Blaze
2008-12-23, 15:45
WoW!!!! Amazing shots man! That going to put the funk back into XBMC! Looks absolutely stunning! Quite a graphical marvel if you ask me! And I've read thought a few of the other comments, don't let them get you down, it doesn't look cluttered or busy or anything remotely close to that, it looks Classy bro. Too many people in here like simple! In other words, boring is the order of the day! Make sense to you?
Try something new y'all! It's called Change!
almost went to japan to come and get it...
oh no. will we have to donate for that too ?? :sniffle:
WoW!!!! Amazing shots man! That going to put the funk back into XBMC! Looks absolutely stunning! Quite a graphical marvel if you ask me! And I've read thought a few of the other comments, don't let them get you down, it doesn't look cluttered or busy or anything remotely close to that, it looks Classy bro. Too many people in here like simple! In other words, boring is the order of the day! Make sense to you?
Try something new y'all! It's called Change!
thanks man... long time no hear from... i totally agree!
oh no. will we have to donate for that too ?? :sniffle:
hmmm... eish dude... obviously some people feel a little ill done by because of that... wasn't my choice dude!
Just want to wish all of you a merry xmas! Hope u have a great time y'all! Thanks for all the support in 2008!
hmmm... eish dude... obviously some people feel a little ill done by because of that... wasn't my choice dude!
i was making a joke.. ???
Hate to be a downer, but personally I'm very tired of apple style brushed metal. I much prefer subtle gradients over overly elaborate textures, so for me these concepts are a bit of a step backwards from the current style which I'm a big fan of.
Hate to be a downer, but personally I'm very tired of apple style brushed metal. I much prefer subtle gradients over overly elaborate textures, so for me these concepts are a bit of a step backwards from the current style which I'm a big fan of.
I would have at least posted somthing positive as my first post... then maybe made this the 2nd ;)
hopefully you realize that about everything has already been done 100,000x over... all the range of effects: metal, glass, black&white, and many, many more.
the point is to make it the style that the skinner and/or users enjoy, no matter what it is.
If you think you can do better please do... this is exactly how many of the skinners and graphic designers started.
but in all... your post was pretty useless from a feedback perspective.
hopefully you realize that about everything has already been done 100,000x over... all the range of effects: metal, glass, black&white, and many, many more.
In fact I do realize that, that what pretty much the point of what I said: Brushed metal has been done to death, particularly by Apple, so I'm pretty tired of it. Subtle gradients has also been done to death, but still I prefer it since they generally create a cleaner look that doesn't age as quickly.
If you think you can do better please do... this is exactly how many of the skinners and graphic designers started.
I don't think I can do better, I'm sorry I didn't realize you have to be a graphic designer to provide feedback :rolleyes:
but in all... your post was pretty useless from a feedback perspective.
Oh well, I explained what I do like (the current design and subtle gradients) and what I don't like (brushed metal), if that feedback is worthless to him, then I'm sure he will disregard it.
Just because I'm new to the forum doesn't mean I'm going to be a sycophant just for the sake of not stepping one anyones toes, and it's not even your toes so just maybe you should leave it up to xb2iris to determine what feedback is useful and what is not.
six_storm
2008-12-26, 20:58
Very good job!!! Sorry I haven't been online here lately, life has been crazy busy with the holidays. I'm finally getting a wireless card for my HTPC so I'll be able to further test Horizonz lol.
i was making a joke.. ???
i know dude... ur not one of the malicious dudes... i kinda know who they are already... hehehe
Hate to be a downer, but personally I'm very tired of apple style brushed metal. I much prefer subtle gradients over overly elaborate textures, so for me these concepts are a bit of a step backwards from the current style which I'm a big fan of.
that is a downer... well... its never been done on xbmc before, and its just a skit, its not the actual skin, so who knows what the final draft will look like... but i totally don't agree with the metal look being more boring than the overused pro-look of xbmc skins these days... well, thats just because i haven't used apple or any apple progs for thousands of years now i guess... guess when ur tired of pro looks, u can return to the metal look and grab whichever volume is out then... hehehe
I would have at least posted somthing positive as my first post... then maybe made this the 2nd ;)
hopefully you realize that about everything has already been done 100,000x over... all the range of effects: metal, glass, black&white, and many, many more.
the point is to make it the style that the skinner and/or users enjoy, no matter what it is.
If you think you can do better please do... this is exactly how many of the skinners and graphic designers started.
but in all... your post was pretty useless from a feedback perspective.
there we go man... someone is standing by me... this is extra special... wait a sec... i'll get a camera... take a picture... savour this moment... hehehe... thanks for getting that part man... i'm a newbee on the graphics design thing and having done this with only about 6 months under my belt and no training, i think its pretty good... so thanks for those comments... makes sense to me... and gladly, to someone else as well...
In fact I do realize that, that what pretty much the point of what I said: Brushed metal has been done to death, particularly by Apple, so I'm pretty tired of it. Subtle gradients has also been done to death, but still I prefer it since they generally create a cleaner look that doesn't age as quickly.
I don't think I can do better, I'm sorry I didn't realize you have to be a graphic designer to provide feedback :rolleyes:
Oh well, I explained what I do like (the current design and subtle gradients) and what I don't like (brushed metal), if that feedback is worthless to him, then I'm sure he will disregard it.
Just because I'm new to the forum doesn't mean I'm going to be a sycophant just for the sake of not stepping one anyones toes, and it's not even your toes so just maybe you should leave it up to xb2iris to determine what feedback is useful and what is not.
this feedback... in which people are having a quarrel in my forum is very useful dude... i have a hell of a hangover, so the entertainment suits me just fine... please, keep going... the subtle gradients in temper i have to agree are pretty cool... have no idea how to fit the metal brushed thingy into this conversation and make sense right now... but yeah, thanks for the input dude... everything is helpful... i'll try brushed plastic instead... coz i don't think anyones tried that yet!
Very good job!!! Sorry I haven't been online here lately, life has been crazy busy with the holidays. I'm finally getting a wireless card for my HTPC so I'll be able to further test Horizonz lol.
cool man... thanks for the popin... dam, that htpc is gonna rule dude!
xb2iris,
you do an amazing job & more impressive considering you just started 6 mo ago w/ no formal training.
I give a lot of feedback, I'm just that way since I feel I have a knack for UIs look'n'feel and usability, but ultimately it is what you want it to look like, it is your skin.
I've used Horizonz exclusively since 2 versions ago and don't expect to make a change...
Also, I know DJH was upset about the Meedios skin called Chrome but I think that skinner has done a few cool things with the layout on a few screens... very user friendly and eye pleasing... here's the ones I suggest adopting:
Episode List
http://members.cox.net/livin/chrome/episodes.jpg
Album
http://members.cox.net/livin/chrome/album.jpg
Movie description
http://members.cox.net/livin/chrome/movie.jpg
Play List
http://members.cox.net/livin/chrome/playlist.jpg
Now Playing - maybe add some more album info, but it is a nice layout
http://members.cox.net/livin/chrome/nowplaying.jpg
Movie List - maybe combine these two, leave out the movie description and just keep title, watched, rating, year, star rating, runtime, etc. Could even possibly get 3 columns, not sure.
http://members.cox.net/livin/chrome/movielist.jpg
crn removed enough from Chrome to satisfy my anxieties over it, but that said it'd be sad if Horizonz copied the Aeon-esque stuff that remains. I know the colour schemes and basic layouts are hardly unique but the inspiration's still there, and you'd effectively be reducing the "gene pool" by converging on the one style. The same goes for the frames.
I'm not trying to piss on anyone's parade - just thinking of the outward growth of XBMC design. I remember when every XBMC skin was just a different flavour of Project Mayhem. Now they can be anything from Aeon to Media Stream to xTV. Even Horizonz is starting to beat its own path. So let's embrace that, eh?
djh,
The shots of Chrome I posted, that I'd like to see in Horizonz, I have not seen layouts anywhere else... I have no secret insight into Stark so if they are the same I have no clue.
I'm sure you realize that great works often inspire great copies and adaptations... this is life, without this we'd still be using stone tools, eating raw meat, and wearing no clothing... not an exaggeration, just scientific & historical fact.
Instead of taking offense, even if the offender did not ask permission or give credit - as they should, take it as "Imitation is the highest form of flattery" ... which it is.
Not to beat this too much but if it were not for "copies" of the original PM skin from years ago the skinning engine would still be immature since plagiarizers and moders (like myself) asked for many of the major enhancements that are now in the engine.
Can we all move past this once an for all even if 1000x other copies come out... just do what you do best, make skins so amazing that everyone wants to use them and copy them!
You make a good point, Livin, and I probably am being too precious about certain things. I could also have done worse than be a bit more specific in that last post, as I was only really talking about the anchored black panel stuff. The white-over-fanart stuff from Chrome, on the other hand, is actually what I meant when I said that crn is clearly a talented guy - they're very nice indeed. I would say, though, that in light of recent events, it'd be very good idea to clear any copies with him before they're done. I believe he's quite up for someone porting Chrome, though correct me if I'm wrong.
boxterduke
2009-02-11, 18:25
Very nice art style and design, but like some said in the first page, it is a bit busy. I would remove the outline around the selected option. You have a border around an item when selecting it (like watch your movies) I would remove the boarder and just leave it simple.
Great job and keep up the good work.
Last time i released concepts in here, there was a mixed reaction, but it was leaning more in the direction of not cool than cool... kinda think a few of u are a bit too conformist... the weirdo's and strange people loved it... hmmm... i take back that comment...
Nyways, after the feedback for the last set of concepts, I've been busy working my butt off, but i've luckily run into some free time for a short while and i pile my mind into some concept art for now...
nyways, from ur suggestions... a lot of u prefer the glass look of horizonz of old and so, with that in mind, i will change my last concepts to look more slick and professional (how boring does that sound)... no one liked the new home focus label idea... so i guess ill take it out and save myself extra coding... it'll look good, so i hope u guys don't attack this idea as much as the last, because i don't want to go back to the drawing board again after these concepts come out!?!?!?
HexusOdy
2009-03-05, 13:41
I have to agree mate. The new concepts felt more Vauxhall Vectra than Audi R8 ;)
Horizonz has been the best of late because its so smooth and sleek, best to stay in that area!
xb2iris,
you're welcome to send some screens or a beta skin my way, you know I will always give you a 100% fair assessment, and I'll be nice about it.
digitalhigh
2009-03-05, 17:17
it'll look good, so i hope u guys don't attack this idea as much as the last, because i don't want to go back to the drawing board again after these concepts come out!?!?!?
The downside of taking over a skin that was started by someone else and that already had a following as large as Aeon is that it's not fully your project as much as it almost belongs to the community. Most users are going to want something that stays in line with the original idea of a skin...not the deviations you were proposing.
To be honest...this is why I lost a lot of interest in Horizonz. I know it's your project now, but the whole reason I started using it was because of the "boring" simplicity of it. I don't require more flash-bang graphics, weird angles, or shiny brushed-metal textures. Simple and sexy was just fine for me.
But, it is your mod, and I'm not trying to dissuade you from doing your thing. Just offering my two cents on the matter...
HexusOdy
2009-03-05, 18:54
I think they best thing to do is that if you want to go in a direction away from Horizonz IV then it needs to be called something else, a new skin.
If its called Horizonz 5 it needs to be an evolution of IV not a revolution :)
Hey XB2Iris...
Can you take a look at the File mode / showcase with the latest SVN's?
After a while it shows an overlay which is empty.
I think it's a bug which stayed unnoticed because most use the Library view... In Library-mode this information is there....
I don't have enough experience to repair this myself.
I did change the delay to 8 seconds which is more appropriate because it already takes 2 seconds to display the fanart....
I also put in a bit of transparency... (80% opaque) on showcasefilter2.png and showcasefilter4.png. Maybe a little bit higher is better (less transparency)
This will show you more of the fanart. With some backdrops it's quite annoying that a certain part is completely invisible.
The episodehighlight.png became some transparency as well in my own mod.
Tension113
2009-03-05, 21:27
It'll be fixed before next release if XB2Iris and I ever get around to trading files.. I fixed it up when you first mentioned it, but there's still a bit more that needs to be fixed.. I've been using library all this time and just recently realized how screwed file mode is..
There's also something strange with the TV-episodes...
lets see them screens lol
joncgde2
2009-03-27, 15:09
so i guess ill take it out and save myself extra coding... it'll look good, so i hope u guys don't attack this idea as much as the last, because i don't want to go back to the drawing board again after these concepts come out!?!?!?
Professional is they type of style that can be used for a long time without people getting sick of it, or finding hard to use...
Most people would prefer a professional looking skin because they can use it for a long time - at the moment, I'm still using Aeon most of the time, because the design doesn't date
If you want to have a skin that will be regarded as a 'classic', then you want one where the design will stand the test of time
babyface
2009-04-07, 03:23
xb2iris - I really like the screens, can't wait for V to be released!
Quick question: can you tell me where the backdrop in the screenshot below is from?
http://i39.tinypic.com/kf5gmt.jpg
gummismurfen
2009-04-21, 07:18
Any ETA for version 5 ?
Any ETA for version 5 ?
We'd better first ask him if he has spare time at the moment...