I Made Something Better for You
January 19, 2014
Back in June of 2013, I launched Capptivate.co: a kinetic pattern library that captures and preserves delightful iOS animations. For an overview of the thinking behind the site, how to use it, and info about the tools I used to build it, read this post.
Anyway, last summer I decided to test the waters by putting Capptivate.co out into the world despite the fact that there were, ahem, a significant number of issues with it. I thought that if people found the site useful enough and the idea resonated, then I’d continue to tweak and make it better.
Here is the good news, 130+ app animations later:
Capptivate.co is Now Much Better
The site loads faster, thanks to what I like to call “cache optimizing things” and a CDN. I still need to find a way to make the videos and other files smaller and to streamline the posting process, but that will happen eventually!
The information architecture of the site is much simpler now, and I hope it effectively reinforces the fact that Capptivate.co is a pattern library for animations. Each post has been re-categorized by Patterns (ex. Navigation, Transitions, UI Elements, etc.) as well as by Components (ex. Flip, Scale, Ease, etc.) that combine to produce the effects on screen. You can access these through drop down menus in the header.
The other major improvement to the site is that when you click on the title of a post, you get to see all the animations related to the app, a big juicy app icon, and a link to download! It would be lovely if the affiliate links on the paid apps in any way defray the costs associated with running the site, but I’m not holding my breath.
So … yay! This is exciting stuff. And so here is the bad news:
Some Things are Still Broken
For example, when you view the site on a mobile device it’s in seriously rough shape. Don’t even do it. It will make you wince with pain. And please, let’s not start talking about the fact that the videos won’t play — at ALL — on iPad right now.
Sigh.
I’ve also noticed that the footer just disappears without so much as a by-your-leave from several of the pages. It’s there and perfectly fine one minute and then the next thing you know, said footer has departed like some kind of nervous, startled rabbit.
I’m going to continue to work on these (and other issues) but if you know how to fix any of this, please please PLEASE let me know :)
So that’s about it for the update — except for something that I’ve been meaning to write to answer a couple questions about the site:
Official Capptivate.co FAQ
Wait — I still have no idea — what is Capptivate.co?
Read this and this.
Can you let me know when you post new animations?
Follow @CapptivateCo on Twitter.
How do I submit my app?
Twitter is best way to contact me with submissions (or feedback, or just to say hi).
Why didn’t you post my app?
Most likely haven’t made time to post it yet. Other reasons could include the fact that I’m pretty selective and that I don’t typically post apps with banner ads in them.
I like what you’re up to — can I help out?
For now the best way to help is by spreading the word about Capptivate.co and letting me know about apps with awesome animations!
Originally published at badyewex.com on January 19, 2014.
