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simMarket is a popular and well-known marketplace for flight simulation add-ons.
simFlight
2020 — 2022
Project ManagementUX & UI DesignFrontend DevelopmentAPI Integration
VueJSElectronNodeJS
simFlight wanted to create a desktop app that had all of the existing simMarket’s twenty-year old online shop’s functionality, combined with a new built-in installation process for add-ons: all wrapped-up with a modern look and intuitive navigation.
We respected the brand’s legacy color palette: the blue and white combination that beautifully symbolizes a plane flying through the sky.
We opted for a minimalist design approach and created a components library that served as the foundation for the app’s visual simplicity and clean design.
In order to achieve a solid design layout, we used a simple 16 column grid with a 40px gutter that allowed each product card its own space. The grid allowed us to place text, images, and functions in a consistent way throughout the design, for all viewport sizes.
This project was an amazing technical challenge because simMarket already had its mature Shop built on top of PHP with TWIG and we had to find a way to properly migrate all existing functionalities into an API for the App in order to build the new custom add-on Installer. We decided to build the App with Electron, which allowed us to build a cross-platform App with Vue.js under the hood for efficiency and speed. The API requirements were built in coordination with simMarket's backend team and we successfully integrated all the registration, login and purchasing flows in the App, while simultaneously improving the product management process with intuitive downloads and easy installations.
The main screen of an App sets the tone for its user experience: the Browse screen was carefully designed to create a dynamic feeling with real time updates, presented with a modern look.
The purchase flow is intuitive and simple with 3 quick and easy steps: add to cart, billing information and lastly, payment.
What makes the App stand out the most from simMarket’s existing Shop: users can download and install flight simulation add-ons directly in App, receiving continuous feedback and notifications throughout the installation process.
The flight simulation community is very generous: simMarket users can purchase vouchers to offer as gifts to friends. We created unique cards for each voucher so that they stand out from other App products.
Every screen is consistent with the defined structure and graphical elements, creating a seamless navigation experience.
Miguel Blaufuks, CEO, simMarket
A Desktop App that honors and upgrades simMarket’s legacy style, while delivering a seamless, intuitive navigation for all users.
See the other simFlight platforms Concealed has worked on.