The UI. I'm using an old interface for a kid's microscope that was popular in the 2000s.
Retain a sense of quirkiness and personality reminiscent of 2000s technology.
Avoid modern minimalist trends; embrace a fun, nostalgic design that gives the app character and uniqueness.
Highlight the app's relaxing and nostalgic quality. Users should feel like they are stepping away from the fast-paced, utilitarian approach of modern technology, immersing themselves in a calming, familiar experience.
Shift perspectives on how we interact with technology by creating an app that feels like a delightful companion rather than a tool.
Playback functionality is being verified to ensure it works properly. If the program supports seamless continuous playback as intended, this will reinforce its relaxing and nostalgic quality.
Logo Display: Add a "Toonango" logo to appear in the bottom-right corner of the screen during playback, mimicking a TV network logo.
On-Screen Advertisements: Implement animations or graphics that pop up at the bottom of the screen to advertise content. These could:
Appear randomly.
Include user-contributed messages (since the project is open-source).
Multi-Platform Support:
Transition from a standalone executable to a full-featured Windows program.
Expand compatibility to include Linux support.
Always-On Simulation:
Ensure the application behaves as if it has been running continuously, even if restarted. This means it should maintain a consistent playback schedule down to the second, as though the user just turned on a TV to find it already playing.
Optimize for standalone use, allowing the app to function seamlessly on a dedicated computer connected to an old television for a retro experience.
Bundled Content for Demonstration:
Include sample videos and advertisements with the download to demonstrate the app's functionality right away.
Acknowledge that the app is intended for use with copyrighted media, while providing initial content to showcase its features.
Setup Humor and Convenience:
Address the use of pirated content with a humorous touch. On the download page, provide a note such as: "Now, I can't actually tell you how to do that, so please go to my second website, which is run by my brother and not me, and allegedly contains step-by-step instructions."
Use a quirky and memorable top-level domain (e.g., .is) for the secondary website to add to the charm.
"The purpose of this app is to evoke a sense of relaxation and peace you once knew, but forgot—hidden in the quiet corners of your childhood dreams."
It's relaxing to let the program select a cartoon episode to watch. This feature already adds a sense of peace and nostalgia to the experience.
Playback cannot be paused. This is an intentional design choice to promote relaxation and immersion, creating a unique experience where the cartoons act as a soothing background to the user’s life.