Project Overview
We have been given the opportunity to explore the Microsoft Expressions software and
Microsoft Silverlight plug-in.
•First, we have decided to develop a web application prototype using the said
technologies, which will help families share their everyday lives, communicate easier,
and manage multi-media.
•Second, we want to document every step of our exploration, challenges and failures,
successes and innovations via our blog, www.xamlhouse.com. We want to craft this blog
in such a way that it becomes not only our story, but also a resource for developers and
designers alike.
Project Objectives
•Research the potential of Microsoft Expressions software and Silverlight plug-in.
•Explore basic user interactions from both design and developer perspectives.
•Explore development beyond Javascript. Utilize C# programming language and the
Visual Studio 2008 environment.
•Explore the implementation of Adobe softwares into both Microsoft Expressions
software and Silverlight.
•Document explorations via our blog, www.xamlhouse.com.
•Develop a web application prototype.
Target Audience
Xamlhouse.com Blog
The audience for this aspect of the project will be any designer, developer, or
enthusiast who is interested in the potential of these Microsoft technologies. We
hope that by publishing our process we will expand our audience to both
Microsoft and Adobe patrons.
Web Application Prototype
With our web prototype we plan on targeting families who use, or wish to use
Internet based technologies to communicate at a more integrated level. Families
who are separated by distance, or are busy with their everyday lives can
communicate more frequently via our application. We felt a simple application
would best illustrate the relative strengths and weaknesses of Silverlight.
Web Application Outline
Features
• Photo/Video Gallery with Commenting Capabilities
• Calendar
• News Bulletin Board
Usability
• Easy and simple to use.
• Icon driven.
• For all ages.
Initial Technology List
Operating System Configurations
1. Windows XP and Vista Operating Systems on PC
2. Windows XP and Vista Operating Systems on Mac with Parallels/Bootcamp
Software
1. Silverlight 1.1 Alpha
2. Microsoft Expression Design
3. Microsoft Expression Blend 2
4. Microsoft Expression Web
5. Microsoft Expression Media
6. Microsoft Visual Studio 2008
7. Adobe Creative Suite 3
Languages
1.XAML
2.C#
3.Javascript
Secondary Technology List
Operating System Configurations
1. Windows XP and Vista Operating Systems on PC
2. Windows XP and Vista Operating Systems on Mac with Parallels/Bootcamp
Software
1. Silverlight 2.0
2. Microsoft Expression Blend 2
.5
4. Microsoft Visual Studio 2008
5. Adobe Creative Suite 3
Languages
1.XAML
2.C#
**May be a need for media or other software for video compression.
Design Process
• Screens, wireframe to current comp
Development Process
• Simple buttons
• Slider
• Accordion
• Zoomer
Things We Like
• Video –HD/Scalable
• Frame rate/Transitions
• Programming Language Choice and Power
• Possibility of Real Time 3D (Exciting)
• Mobile Devices (Exciting)
• Deep Zoom - Quality
Things We Don’t
• Multiple Versions Existing
• Backwards Compatibility
• Blend: primitive tools, lack of features, tough to do detailed work
• Project File Structure
• Workflow between dev and design
• Breaking graphical elements into XAML
• Lack of support for Adobe Products
• Windows OS Only
• Installation
• Similarity in work environment, Adobe to MS
Submission
•Silverlight.net Gallery