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GUI Development : Interface Objects and Skeuomorphism

The GUI (graphical user interface) is an important part of the user’s experience with a piece of software. The GUI represents the visual elements of the program and good GUI design is key to ease of use. While ease of use and clear access to features are paramount in GUI design the visual aesthetics are also important. The aesthetics of the GUI allow the developer to create the visual identity and branding of the plugin. Visual identity can be used to reflect the features of the plugin.

A common design element used in audio plugins is skeuomorphism. Skeuomorphism describes interface objects that mimic a real-life object, for example, a knob or fader. This gives the user an instant understanding of how to use this feature as they are familiar with the real-world equivalent. Skeuomorphism can range from being highly accurate to a real-world object or piece of musical equipment, such as Universal Audio’s 1176 compressor plugin which is a faithful recreation of the classic studio rack compressor (fig. 1), to more abstract and simplified versions of knobs and sliders such as those used in Ableton’s interface (fig. 2).

Further Market research and development of our Kontakt library will inform the route we will take in designing our GUI and I will elaborate further on our process in future posts.

Fig. 1 UA 1176 Compressor is modelled after the real rack unit.
Fig. 2 Ableton uses a more simplified, abstract GUI design making each controls function clear.
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Guest Lecture: Luke Pickering – The Church Studios

In week 3 we were joined by Luke Pickering, in-house engineer, assistant engineer, and mixer at The Church Studios in London. Luke began by giving us some background on his work at The Church as well as some of his production credits such as working with Mumford & Sons and Stormzy. Luke then described his path from graduating from the University of Lincoln to his current role and offered advice on getting into the industry. He explained the hierarchy of a professional studio from runner to assistant engineer to producer and what each role involved. Starting as a runner in his initial placement at The Church, Luke explained that his role was to generally assist, cleaning, making drinks and other tasks. He emphasized that initiative and good work ethic were key to getting noticed and progressing. He explained that when applying for runner and intern roles it is crucial to show an understanding of the role, stating that you are a producer, engineer, etc. and talking about your aspirations to be so show that you do not fully understand what is required from the role and will often result in unsuccessful applications. He explained that it is important to find your place in the team and show yourself to be a useful asset. By showing that you are responsible and can be relied on you will be given more responsibility and opportunities for studio work. As a service-based industry it is crucial to show you are responsible as you will be working along side clients and a high level of professionalism will be expected of you.

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Learning Outcomes

LO 1: Understand the methods of effective market research and be able to apply them to inform the development of a product.

LO 2: Develop the software skills necessary to create a Kontakt sample library to a professional standard

LO 3: Develop project management skills for a professional project.