3D Rotating User Interface

Martin Grayson — Thu, 01 Jun 2006 11:33:00 GMT

Thought I would post up another sample I made a while back - a 3D rotating user interface, similar to that in the Healthcare demo.

In this simple sample, there are two levels of navigation. Moving from level 1 to level 2 will rotate the main user interface away into the background, while the secondary UI appears in the foreground. See below...

As you can see, there was no expense spared in creating a compelling user interface! But this is a very simplified example on how to do this.

Although you should be able to see the technique used in the attached source code, here is basically what is happening... There is a 3D viewport in the background containing a plane mesh. The mesh has a Visual Brush as a diffuse material. When the user navigates to the secondary level of the UI, the main UI's visual is copied onto the meshe's material, the mesh is then rotated into the background. I then move the real main UI, 2000 pixles to the left to get it out of the way. Simple.

Have a play and let me know your thoughts.

Martin

Presenting 'Harmony' - 3D WinFX Music Player

Martin Grayson — Thu, 01 Jun 2006 11:01:00 GMT

I came across Harmony yesterday, thanks to a kind e-mail some one sent us. After 5 minutes of using, I am hooked. This is a superb way to look at my music library - its like actually having the CD in my hand!

The creator admits this is similar to Coverflow for OSX, but again, Harmony is a great example of the combination of different media supported by WinFX.

Download now!

Martin

Martin Grayson: Adventures of a 'Devigner' : 3D

3D Rotating User Interface

Presenting 'Harmony' - 3D WinFX Music Player