Challenge Summary
Welcome to the IBM Catalyst Splash Screens Challenge!
We are looking for your best, most eye-catching splash screen designs. We are looking for 7 versions of a splash screen, iOS and Android native versions. The designs should follow the IBM branding, but should have a WOW factor! This is the first impression the viewer will have with the app. It should be eye-catching and appealing.
We are only focused on the loading splash screen for the app.
Round 1
INTERNAL SCREENS
All Internal screens should have the same color scheme, but different from the other categories. Look at the full Challenge Description for notes and details on each screen.
- 1a. Catalyst Hybrid
- 1b. Loading Splash Screen - Android
- 1c. Loading Splash Screen - iOS
We are just looking for how you merge the IBM branding with the design guidelines of iOS, Android and this idea of a Hybrid screen. If you would like to submit External and Catalyst BlueMix for checkpoint review as well, please do, but its not required.
Round 2
We are looking for ways to differentiate between the 3 categories of screens. This could be something as simple just a color shift between the groups or some subtle design changes.
INTERNAL SCREENS (Refinements/Feedback)
All Internal screens should have the same color scheme, but different from the other categories. Look at the Challenge Description for notes on each screen.
- 1a. Catalyst Hybrid
- 1b. Loading Splash Screen - Android
- 1c. Loading Splash Screen - iOS
EXTERNAL SCREENS
All External screens should have the same color scheme, but different from the other categories. Look at the Challenge Description for notes on each screen.
- 2a. Catalyst Hybrid
- 2b. Loading Splash Screen - Android
- 2c. Loading Splash Screen - iOS
CATALYST BLUEMIX
The Catalyst Bluemix screen should have a different color scheme from the Internal and External screens. Look at the Challenge Description for notes on each screen.
- 3a. Catalyst BlueMix
Catalyst is a mobile app built on IBM enterprise standards, policies, and best practices. It provides completely reusable design patterns, enterprise API connectivity and seamless Bluemix integration. The Catalyst app is aimed at mobile developers to accelerate mobile app development, maximize code reuse, and simplify the use of company services and platforms.
The focus of this challenge is on creating a great Catalyst Splash Screen.
Challenge Goals:
- Deliver designs for native iOS AND Android Catalyst applications
- Each version of the splash screen should feel like IBM, but work within iOS and Android design patterns. Consider using IBM colors, icons, branding, etc. within iOS and Android design patterns.
- Wow factor! This is the first impression the user will have of the app. It should be eye catching and engaging.
- Include any animation suggestions and/or design patterns that give feedback to the user that the app is loading in the background.
- Note: We want to promote a sense of brand/consistency for the Catalyst application
File Downloadables:
- Existing Catalyst screens for reference.
Design Pattern Requirements:
- Create your designs at 640 x 1136, resolution 326 ppi. This is for both iOS, Android and Hybrid versions
- Review the existing Catalyst screens - This will give you a good idea of what the rest of the app looks like. Use this as inspiration for the Splash Screen.
- There are 7 unique splash screens that we need designed, split into 3 categories; Internal, External and Catalyst Bluemix
- Each category (Internal, External and Catalyst Bluemix) will have their own color scheme. The UI will change depending on if its an iOS or Android native app.
- There is a “Hybrid” app splash screen in each of the categories. This can have more of an OS agnostic UI design.
Refer to the IBM Design Language for guidance on IBM design patterns and branding.
Screens Needed:
There a 7 screens that we need to see split into 3 different categories: Internal Screens, External Screens and Catalyst BlueMix
INTERNAL SCREENS
All Internal screens should have the same color scheme, but different from the other categories.
1a. Catalyst Hybrid
- A Loading screen that gives a great first impression to the user.
- Should follow whatever color scheme you establish for all Internal Screens (refer to the IBM Design Language guide for specific IBM colors)
- Can have more of an OS agnostic UI design (doesn’t need to follow iOS or Android guidelines)
- Follows the IBM Design Language
1b. Loading Splash Screen - Android
- A Loading screen that gives a great first impression to the user.
- Should follow whatever color scheme you establish for all Internal Screens (refer to the IBM Design Language guide for specific IBM colors)
- Follows the IBM Design Language
- Should all use common Android Material design patterns. Refer to the Google Material Design guideline for additional information. There are some great downloadable assets in the Resources section.
1c. Loading Splash Screen - iOS
- A Loading screen that gives a great first impression to the user.
- Should follow whatever color scheme you establish for all Internal Screens (refer to the IBM Design Language guide for specific IBM colors)
- Follows the IBM Design Language
- Should all use common iOS design patterns. Refer to the iOS Design Guidelines for additional information.
EXTERNAL SCREENS
All External screens should have the same color scheme, but different from the other categories.
2a. Catalyst Hybrid
- A Loading screen that gives a great first impression to the user.
- Should follow whatever color scheme you establish for all External Screens (refer to the IBM Design Language guide for specific IBM colors)
- Can have more of an OS agnostic UI design (doesn’t need to follow iOS or Android guidelines)
- Follows the IBM Design Language
2b. Loading Splash Screen - Android
- A Loading screen that gives a great first impression to the user.
- Should follow whatever color scheme you establish for all External Screens (refer to the IBM Design Language guide for specific IBM colors)
- Follows the IBM Design Language
- Should all use common Android Material design patterns. Refer to the Google Material Design guideline for additional information. There are some great downloadable assets in the Resources section.
2c. Loading Splash Screen - iOS
- A Loading screen that gives a great first impression to the user.
- Should follow whatever color scheme you establish for all External Screens (refer to the IBM Design Language guide for specific IBM colors)
- Follows the IBM Design Language
- Should all use common iOS design patterns. Refer to the iOS Design Guidelines for additional information.
CATALYST BLUEMIX
The Catalyst Bluemix screen should have a different color scheme from the Internal and External screens.
3a. Catalyst BlueMix
- A Loading screen that gives a great first impression to the user.
- Should have a different color scheme from the Internal and External Screens (refer to the IBM Design Language guide for specific IBM colors)
- Can have more of an OS agnostic UI design (doesn’t need to follow iOS or Android guidelines)
- Follows the IBM Design Language
Branding Guidelines:
Use the current designs as a guide. However, we want the Splash Screen that you are designing to be impressive and eye catching.
We are excited to see what you create!
Target Audience:
Internal and external software developers
Judging Criteria:
- How well you design the splash screen and how well it fits in with the IBM branding
- Cleanliness of your graphics and design.
- Design and User Experience.
Submission & Source Files:
Preview Image
Create your preview image as one (1) 1024x1024 JPG or PNG file in RGB color mode at 72dpi and place a screenshot of your submission within it.
Submission File:
Please upload PNG images in a zip file with all requested contest requirements stated above. Number and Name your files (Internal 1a, 1b, External 2a, 2b, etc) this will help review them in order. This is very important.
Source Files:
All original source files of the submitted design. Files should be created in Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator and saved as layered PSD/AI files.
Final Fixes:
As part of the final fixes phase you may be asked to modify your graphics, images (sizes or colors) or modify overall colors
Please read the challenge specification carefully and watch the forums for any questions or feedback concerning this challenge. It is important that you monitor any updates provided by the client or Studio Admins in the forums. Please post any questions you might have for the client in the forums.