Icarus Update and GoTools Release
While we've been busy with development, the GoSuraj website has been overdue for an update...
That changes today!
We're pleased to announce that GoTools (Wave 1) has released with 7 brand new tools (and other improvements), as part of the GoSuraj website Icarus update.
Check it out on the GoTools page.
Development
Ray explains the development side:
- Capabilities:
The GoSuraj website v3.5 Icarus update is the first update to the website in a while. This update upgrades the website's capabilities to Icarus-grade, which includes many features such as Vinidoz-enabled sound integrations, the GoTools app suite, 3D graphics (e.g., GoPrism), MIDI support (e.g., GoMester), and more.
- Improvements:
Many new quality of life improvements have been incorporated, including new Changelog and FAQ pages, and new features like GoReport and persistent Settings. The "What's Hot" page has also been updated with more categories, applied the v3 Light Mode to new features, and other improvements.
- Infrastructure:
At the Icarus-grade, this update introduces new experimental infrastructure, and lays the foundation to support future projects, some of which (e.g., Stratus) are currently in ongoing development.
Design
Chloe talks about the design side:
- Consistent design:
The GoTools suite is the first time I've helped influence the the graphical interface a GoSuraj product. Since this is an interconnected app suite, I wanted the overall design to feel familiar and connected. Working with Ray, I started with creating a more consistent style for the new features in the suite. This included expanding the Reveco style of simple and flexible parts, and reusing them across the apps. This started with the GoTools apps page and expanded to each app in the suite.
- Unique apps:
Each app gets its own page. And depending on the app, they may have separate panel interfaces for a more consistent look. I still wanted to keep the playful feel of Characterful Design so I went for colorful categorized buttons in the apps page. This made them useful and kept with the GoSuraj style. I also used interesting designs depending on the app. For example, GoMetro is colorful like the apps page, while Hexapoly has a cool cyber-mystic design that fits more with its theme. Stratus even got a design that looks like a cross between Reveco and terminal styles!
- Updated homepage:
To give the GoSuraj homepage a little more life, I added some animations using Reveco (with Ray's help of course!). I started with a little refresh that included animated typing and scrolling app name effects. The new layout includes the new Changelog and news banner systems. And to make the changelog easier to understand, I worked with Ray to add mythology themed codenames. Then keeping with Characterful Design, I adapted Aria Chat's mouse cursor with new icons like the green caret, which better with the website. It's been a really fun project!