PaperCraft: Metatron’s Cube origami app

A UI design case study for PaperCraft, an iPad and iPhone app for creating origami platonic solids based on Metatron’s Cube, including printable diagrams, video instructions and a framed print shop.

metatrons-cube-origami-ipad-app-diagram-shape-details-dodecahedron

Rapid sketching of ideas

Before going too far into my design process, I normally started out by quickly sketching out ideas, user interactions and concepts on paper first. This helps me to get a feel for the layout, navigation and placement consideration while ensuring I capture my thinking if I need to look back on design decisions later in the process.

metatrons-cube-origami-app-sketch-iphone
metatrons-cube-origami-app-sketch-iphone

Splash screen

I’ve been experimenting with the idea of creating a simple iPad/iPhone app where you can choose, print and make an origami platonic solid based on Metatron’s Cube.

Metatron's cube origami app select a shape

Choose a shape to make

From this screen, you select the shape you would like to create and then it would provide you with a printable pdf and video instructions on how to construct the shape.

Metatron's cube origami app select a shape

Icosahedron overview

A brief overview of an icosahedron (source: Wikipedia) with a grid overlay to show how the shape is constructed.

Metatron's cube origami app icosahedron overview

Origami diagram

On this screen, you can print or share the origami diagram via email, Twitter or Facebook for others to make.

Metatron's cube origami app diagram

iPhone version

Experimenting with potential layouts for the iPhone version of the app. Not too different from the original iPad layout and responds to the device width.

metatrons-cube-origami-mobile-app-hexahedron
metatrons-cube-origami-mobile-app-icosahedron

Purchase a framed print

You can also purchase a framed (or unframed) print of the various shapes via the app. The ability to customise the white or black frame with the option for international shipping.

metatrons-cube-origami-app-framed-print
metatrons cube origami app single framed print tetrahedron
metatrons cube origami app single framed print hexahedron
metatrons cube origami app single framed print octahedron
metatrons cube origami app single framed print dodecahedron
metatrons cube origami app single framed print icosahedron
metatrons cube origami app single framed print puzzle

Mobile game

By re-using and repurposing some of the design elements I was able to create a simple mobile game. Nothing too groundbreaking more of a design challenge I set to see what I could do the things I had.

metatrons-cube-origami-app-iphone-game-mockup

Final design

Here’s a quick mockup of how the final design looks on an iPhone. Providing clients with photorealistic mockups in context helps them visualise how the finished product will look.

metatrons-cube-origami-ipad-app-diagram-shape-details-dodecahedron

Let's collaborate

If this sounds like the way you like to work, get in contact to tell me a little about yourself and your project and I'd be happy to help. Send me an email at hello@richmcnabb.com.