XKCD ROCKS! is a mobile app that uses the XKCD API and the Fickr API to allow users to access the entire archive of XKCD comics (from xkcd.com) and fun related info like additional comic info and related Flickr photos. Users can scroll through the comics in order with next/previous buttons or swiping motions. In the mood to be surprised? - Users can also select random comics using a random button! Each comic comes with associated fun info. Each comic has an associated fun Flickr photo that has tags that match the comic's title. In addition, the photo and hidden comic info like publication date and funny caption can be viewed in full by pressing down on the screen to hide the comic and reveal hidden info. This convenient interface allows easy, intuitive touch screen commands/buttons and a well-designed interface that allows a lot of information to be presented in an easy-to-read manner.
Key Usability Advantages of This App:
- Flexibility of app commands - users can use both buttons and swiping motions to navigate the app, allowing users more flexibility and taking advantage of the touch-screen capabilities mobile interface
- Double-screen display (one screen is below the other and can be viewed by holding a finger down on the part of the Flickr photo that is revealed on the comic screen). Since the information and two images are partitioned between two screens, each image is enlarged and the text is not cramped, making everything easier to read and more aesthetically pleasing.
- App is easy to use. The commands/buttons are easy and intuitive. The user receives immediate feedback (the title changes immediately regardless of how slow the image loading from the APIs is, which can be slow on networks with poor connection). Additionally, the buttons are clearly labeled and easy to see. Instructions about the buttons and the touch-screen commands and how to use the app to view comics appear when the app is started up, helping users learn the commands and making it easy for new users to get started.
- Flexibility of navigation. Buttons/touch commands like next, previous, favorite, and random make it easy for users to do a variety of functionalities like going forward or backward through the ordered set of comics and doing fun things like seeing extra info, selecting random comics for viewing pleasure, and saving a favorite comic for easy access anytime.
Extra Credit Options Implemented:
Creative display of the flickr image - The Flickr image is displayed along with extra comic info on a second screen that is partially revealed so users know where to press down to view the image. This allows both the Flickr image and the comic to be displayed on full screens for easier readability and makes the Flickr image viewing another fun and easy action users can do, but don't have to if they don't like Flickr images.
Add a “random” button to generate a random xkcd comic - There is a random button that uses a random number generator to select a random comic and return it to the user. The user can hit random as many times as he/she wants and see new random comics each time.
Include other information about the comic in a clever and non-interruptive manner - There is a section called "Extra Comic Tidbits!" on the lower-screen (accessed by holding down on the revealed portion of the Flickr image from the comic screen), right above the Flickr image. The user can see additional comic information like date of publication (month and year), official comic number (this is an integer between 1 and 1485 that users can use to access a specific comic's web URL, which users can use when they find a specific comic on the app and want to view it via the xkcd website), and a hidden caption that the author writes for each comic.
Extra attention to design - see the usability advantages listed above
Below is the final zipped code file for this app:
Below are screenshots with associated captions describing how the app works and how users can navigate the app:
Below is a link to a YouTube video showing use of the app:
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