Have you ever been in that place- probably the living room sofa- where you’re just in the mood for some creative appetizers but all you’ve got is an iPad and some Doritos? If only there were a way to browse through some of the latest project samples from literally thousands of creatives from across the globe.
Well, you’re in luck! Dribbbits (yes, there really are 3 b’s) is an application designed for the iPad to provide a clean, easy, and fast way to do just that. Utilizing the online Dribbble community, Dribbbits brings “120,000 pixels or less” snapshots of designer’s work directly to you with style. Note: If you’re not already familiar with Dribbbles, head on over to their “about” page for more information.
Starting Out
So what’s so great about Dribbbits? (You have no idea how hard it is to get that last ‘b’ in there.)
For starters, it’s really easy to use! Simply start up the app, and you are immediately greeted with a gallery of twelve of the most popular “shots.” (400px by 300px images)
Home Screen
From there, it’s just a matter of swiping to either side, and the next twelve images are displayed. (This navigation can also be achieved through the use of the arrow buttons on either side at the bottom of the screen. Small dots also indicate your current browsing location as true to iPad tradition.) The transition is smooth and, while the images load quite rapidly, there is a very pleasant progress bar that will indicate how quickly the other images are coming along. I really like that small detail, although fortunately it’s rarely necessary.
Keep The Change: Caching
The speed of the application’s loading is due in part to its caching process. As you’re browsing, the app stores loads of information that allows you to browse the galleries offline. If you happen to be without an Internet connection, the app kindly reminds you with a pink message bar that it is “Reading from the cache” and that your experience will be improved with online access.
Offline Viewing
Note: Also in offline mode, you are able select individual “shots” and add them to your “Drawer”, even if you haven’t viewed them before. (More about “Drawers” coming up.)
The Detailed View
As you probably guessed, if you tap on any of the twelve images, you will be taken to a detail view that shows the full image as well as information about the “shot”, the creator (“player”), and any comments that people have left.
Detail View
We can go back to the main screen by selecting the back-facing arrow in the top menu, which will be labeled by whichever category you came from. (ie: Popular, Everyone, or Debuts) Getting the hang of it? See, I told you it was easy to use!
The top menu now allows you to switch between the categories “Popular”, “Everyone”, and “Debuts” as featured on the Dribbbles website. Also up top, in the right-hand corner, are two buttons- one for refreshing the content and one for accessing your Drawer. (Not to be confused with your drawers, which should be securely established about your waist.)
Store It In The Drawer
The Drawer is the place for you to store any “shots” that you fancy more than the others for quick access at a later time.
The first time I opened up my drawer with curiosity, only to find it empty (but full of potential), I was told that I could “save shots by tapping the Download button underneath each shot”.
Empty Drawer
This tactic proved confusing at first, but I ultimately discovered that instead of a “Download button underneath each shot”, there is a “+” button on the top menu of each detailed view like we saw before.
Download Shot
After adding shots to your Drawer, you can then access them as you please by selecting the Drawer icon and browsing away. These shots, like any others you have viewed in a given session, are accessible offline for your disconnected convenience as well.
It is also ridiculously simple to remove a shot from your Drawer. (Are you getting used to Dribbbits terminology yet?) When browsing your Drawer, tap on a shot and it will show you a detail view like normal with one exception- instead of a Drawer icon in the top right corner, there is a lone trash bin. Tap and confirm and the shot is out of your Drawer.
Note: I came across a strange problem during the deletion process- a bug perhaps. If you delete a shot and go back to the Drawer, the gallery isn’t always updated. If there are images following the one you deleted, the gallery displays the wrong shot until you close it and re-enter.
What More Could You Ask For?
I enjoy the simplicity and responsiveness of Dribbbit overall. So what more could I ask for?
Well, it would be pretty cool if I could access a Player’s gallery somehow- check out their other work. Also, some of the comments have links in them and it would be nice to either open the link in-app or launch Safari with a tap.
Conclusion
Overall, Dribbbits is a great app and it is clear that the developer really put a lot of effort into it. In closing, I leave you with a quick tip and final comment:
1. You can see more information about a Player by tapping on the refresh icon next to “Shot Information” from any detail view. (bonus points for cool flip animation)
2. I thought it was worth mentioning the diagonal gloss effect on the main gallery. Just another little detail that enhances your experience!
So what are you waiting for!? I have nothing more to say, so go out and get your own copy of Dribbbits for only $0.99!