Graffiti_application

=Facebook - Graffiti Application=




 * Description**

Graffiti is an application designed for implementation with Facebook. It was designed by Tim Suzman, Ted Suzman and a “mark”. This application yields 489,466 daily active users. Graffiti allows users to illustrate and draw digitally online. These drawings are then instantly displayed on another user's profile page within Facebook. Graffiti has recently added an option of “replaying” the drawings creation in real time or in a simulated “fast” speed. The art is displayed in a simple gallery system, with archiving capabilities for more than 30 pieces. There also exists functionality to view all the art you have drawn, and all the art others have drawn for you. This application flawlessly links creativity with a usually static and uncreative social networking environment.

Example of a finished Graffiti drawing, displayed on recipients page

Below is a short explanation of how the user creates an image The user creating the art is presented with a simple interface (below) by clicking the “draw something” link. The interface was designed with usability in mind with all important options and functions labeled and located clearly within sight. A large issue with usability and experience is tollerance for mistakes. The Graffiti application takes this into consideration with an “undo” button with an large number of undo-states. The drawing tools are presented in a simple fashion with 2 sliders clearly marked as “opacity” and “width”. The colour palette expands and contracts as needed, to be out of the way of the work surface. Users are prompted as to exactly what their brush is going to look like on the canvas by way of a “brush preview” window.
 * Analysis**

After the user has drawn their image. After the "done" button is pressed, the image is displayed on the users page.



**Strengths and Benefits**

 * From a usability standpoint Graffiti is at the top of its game. The user experience is pleasant and very simple. But does not always have to yeild simple results.
 * The integration with other processes in facebook is flawless
 * The user is notified and prompted at each step with simple instructions that guide the process
 * The application acts as a simplified "photoshop" type raster application, but it has been distilled in such a way that artistic possibility hasn't been throttled. This prevents "artists" from being turned away.
 * This application is flexible, novice artists would have no problem creating with it but its tools are effective enough that an accomplished artist could also create something impressive with it.
 * The display of finished works in several locations and styles is an effective way to showcase finished pieces.
 * Other users are notified upon completion of a piece, which increases the opportunity to gather more users
 * The experience can lost as long as the user wants, they can end it at any time or choose to abandon the entire process.
 * The application lacks a "save" function to allow the user to return to their piece. This would be beneficial to more complex pieces.