In late 2008, the Toy Lab observed a huge need for kid-centered iPhone apps, and our team - in a still ongoing experiment today - decided to enter into the app-making arena. Our time with children and their parents had helped us understand what interactions made the most sense when it came to the preschool set, ages 2 to 6.
In anticipation of our first app, we contemplated and then coded some basic triggers for kids to enjoy. One particularly fun trigger proved to be the act of blowing into the iPhone microphone to get a dramatic visual response.
With the basic code completed, we matched this action to classic kid themes and play patterns. What subjects would kids understand and eagerly engage with? What topics would parents approve of as a positive way to occupy their children? After several brainstorms, Party Whistle was the obvious choice as a simple, fun application that could arrive just in time for New Year's celebrations.
Party Whistle was created with stop-action animation and much teamwork. We captured still frames of individuals blowing on a real party whistle. We strung together these images, along with graphics that showed Party Whistle doing fantastical things like flying in circles and exploding into a cloud of confetti. With the addition of sound effects that mixed real whistle sounds with goats bleating and roosters crowing, Party Whistle went where no party whistle had ventured before.
The result? A whole new party favor that brings smiles to kids and adults alike! New Year’s may now be over (for now), but Party Whistle continues to get invited to birthdays, reunions, and anywhere needing to get a party started.
In anticipation of our first app, we contemplated and then coded some basic triggers for kids to enjoy. One particularly fun trigger proved to be the act of blowing into the iPhone microphone to get a dramatic visual response.
With the basic code completed, we matched this action to classic kid themes and play patterns. What subjects would kids understand and eagerly engage with? What topics would parents approve of as a positive way to occupy their children? After several brainstorms, Party Whistle was the obvious choice as a simple, fun application that could arrive just in time for New Year's celebrations.
Party Whistle was created with stop-action animation and much teamwork. We captured still frames of individuals blowing on a real party whistle. We strung together these images, along with graphics that showed Party Whistle doing fantastical things like flying in circles and exploding into a cloud of confetti. With the addition of sound effects that mixed real whistle sounds with goats bleating and roosters crowing, Party Whistle went where no party whistle had ventured before.
The result? A whole new party favor that brings smiles to kids and adults alike! New Year’s may now be over (for now), but Party Whistle continues to get invited to birthdays, reunions, and anywhere needing to get a party started.
“The fact that the sound and even the way the whistle extends changes depending upon the power with which you blow -- remarkable."
- Apptism
“Ooh, Mommy. Let’s do it again!”
- Michael, age 3
- Apptism
“Ooh, Mommy. Let’s do it again!”
- Michael, age 3
