The Hookflash Project
Hookflash Communication Application
Communication UI/UX Design · Windows Desktop Application
Hookflash selected The Skins Factory to design a cross-platform communication client for the Windows desktop. Beginning with client-supplied scope wireframes, we developed the user experience, interaction design, visual language, application screens, and supporting modals. During the six-month engagement, the scope expanded to include a multi-participant video-conferencing system, extending the same interface language across a broader collection of communication workflows.
The Challenge
Simplifying a feature-rich communication client without hiding its depth
Hookflash needed to support a substantial collection of communication functions without surrounding users with every option at once. The client’s initial wireframes established the required content and basic functionality, but the deeper, less frequently used features still needed to remain logically accessible. The application also required a strong visual identity that could feel approachable and modern without allowing translucent effects or tactile details to interfere with clarity.
Our Approach
Revealing complexity progressively within a tactile translucent framework
Following internal and client design meetings, we created low-fidelity vector wireframes that allowed us to develop the experience while also communicating the intended visual direction. Deeper and less-used functions were nested logically throughout the interface rather than competing with primary actions. We shifted the main framework away from the brand’s brown toward a more neutral grey, retained its blue as the primary action color, and refined the semi-transparent glass effects, shallow tactility, modals, and video-conferencing screens as one connected visual system.
BEFORE: The Client’s wireframes
You can see a few of the Client-submitted scope screens below. They wireframed the basic functionality and content. This made our job much easier. This helped illustrate what the content was and that not only speeds up the design process, it brings production costs down.
IN BETWEEN: our wireframes
After internal and external design meetings, we set out to create low fidelity wireframes. We decided early on that final results were to be a semi-transparent, tactile design language, much like the Intel project we worked on. So to save time, we created vector comps. This gave us the ability early on to show our visual design intent, while we worked on the user experience and interaction design.
Their brand identity used a brown / blue combination. We ended up shifting the core visual color design of the framework away from their logo’s brown to a more neutral grey.
The blue from their logo is still utilized as a hero / action color which ties the application directly to the brand identity.
Modals
Video Conferencing Addendum
After we started, Hookflash approached us with an additional scope of work - designing a multi-participant video conferencing system.
Fine-Tuning the Visual Design
Testing the semi-transparent glass effects.
AFTER
The project was completed in 6 months. Here are the some of the finalized screens and modals:
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