My First Skin Concept: Windows 7

**ihateafropaul** · 07-12-2009, 03:26 PM

Originally Posted by ws6vert

I really like the concept! but, I think the media buttons should stay at the bottom of the screen and be there for every screen, seems like the most economical place in my opinion. maybe if you move the media info module to left and make it a lil bigger that would be nice (bigger album art and text!). You can keep the right side for the smaller modules like u have already. This configuration would give you the ability to add a navigation info module, or anything actually... OBD2, Calendar, PC info, RSS, just whatever ya know?

Hey thanks for the input! I was actually thinking about doing this

My idea was a little different, but I think I like yours better. I am going to work on individual screens for the time being, but take this to heart when I come back to the main/menu screen.

I am still learning and have never had a CarPC, so I am kinda just going off what looks and feels good in photoshop, I know its going to be a whole different world when I get it on the 7" touch screen.

Also if anyone knows of a skin that they really like the layout and feel of, let me know, and give me some suggestions of why you like it! Thanks all!

**ws6vert** · 07-12-2009, 04:22 PM

Glad to help, one last thing I notice for the main screen, you may want to replace the IE icon with HD Radio, as that is a very popular feature, and maybe add like an arrow that will allow the top bar to change to a different set of icons for other screens such as Internet and whatever else users would want. Does the big Windows button have a purpose at the moment?

**ihateafropaul** · 07-12-2009, 04:40 PM

Originally Posted by ws6vert

Glad to help, one last thing I notice for the main screen, you may want to replace the IE icon with HD Radio, as that is a very popular feature, and maybe add like an arrow that will allow the top bar to change to a different set of icons for other screens such as Internet and whatever else users would want. Does the big Windows button have a purpose at the moment?

The big windows button is going to open a settings screen, you will be able to change the background, hibernate, lock, shut down, all that stuff.

You can see I left a little space between the last icon and the time container. I am going to put a ">" there, that will switch to the next batch of icons (HD radio, traffic cams, gas prices, movie times, XM, I haven't really decided yet, but, we are on the same page

**ws6vert** · 07-12-2009, 04:43 PM

Sounds good, I saw your white concept above... looks good as a possible Day-Skin, I prefer the Black, and it will function well for a night skin.

**ihateafropaul** · 07-12-2009, 06:08 PM

I like the black as well... as far as day and night go, do you think just dimming the screen is a good solution or should I make the black/white theme carry through?

**ws6vert** · 07-12-2009, 06:40 PM

Hard to say... during the day u would want bright colors with high contrast, so the dark bar with the grey buttons would be difficult to see in the sunlight. ON the other hand, at night u want dark colors that way u arent blinded or distracted while driving and thus the dark bar with grey buttons is perfect. Its a give and take. For now, I would get something working that visally looks the best and maintanes functionality, changes for day and night can be made later.

You're latest update looks really good. Much more feasible than the initial. Dynamic modules is a good idea, im just not certain if it is possible in RR. Will have to get a more experienced skinner to tell you that. Im sure others will comment.

**ihateafropaul** · 07-12-2009, 06:56 PM

Yeah, I am going to try and push RR to the limits for sure. If its not possible its not possible, I will just have to write a new FE

**ws6vert** · 07-12-2009, 07:10 PM

I'm not sure another new FE is the answer, that attempt has been tried over and over. I honestly think for a real step forward on the software side of this hobby, it will take a collaboration/merger of all the major front ends. I think RR is the greatest function wise, but it seems to lack in its visual ability... such as transitions or animations, layered modules and so forth. That being said literally ANYTHING is possible in RR, it just has to be thought out, and drawn up. There are plenty of people on here that can help you come up with ways to make your ideas work, just gotta ask the questions.

**NSFW** · 07-12-2009, 07:49 PM

Originally Posted by ihateafropaul

I am still learning and have never had a CarPC, so I am kinda just going off what looks and feels good in photoshop, I know its going to be a whole different world when I get it on the 7" touch screen.

Also if anyone knows of a skin that they really like the layout and feel of, let me know, and give me some suggestions of why you like it! Thanks all!

I wrote up some thoughts on CarPC UI design here...
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/soft...ml#post1251537
I try to put that link in every thread I see where someone designs a new skin or front end, in hopes that someone will build something that appeals to me.

Also, I really like the look that this guy below is going for, because the buttons are big and clear and there aren't very many things on the screen...
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/othe...ser-input.html
I don't share his enthusiasm for using the Powermate for UI navigation, but I do like the graphic design so far. I'm of the opinion that less stuff is more usable. Though, with all the empty space on the left and right edges, there's probably other stuff that could go on there without diminishing the usability.