Liberty University
Master of Visual Communication Design
Course: Vector Illustration. Art532
Professor: Brianna O'Neal
Work: A to Z, Concept, Research, Sketch, Illustration, Presentation
Year: 2021
SKEUOMORPHIC VS FLAT
App UI Design Oud of The East
CONCEPT & SKETCHING
The Eastern oud was selected for its cultural relevance and strong melodic identity within Middle Eastern music. Widely regarded as the predecessor of the guitar, it offers a distinctive visual and functional structure. While app stores are saturated with Western instrument interfaces, Eastern instruments remain underrepresented, creating an opportunity for exploration.
Multiple preliminary sketches were developed for the main interface before selecting a final direction. Complete app views were then structured in both skeuomorphic and flat styles, including strings, tuners, notes, maqams, percussion, navigation, and a dedicated learning interface with video support.
SKEUOMORPHIC
FLAT
ILLUSTRATION PROCESS
Following sketch development, the designs were executed in Adobe Illustrator, establishing the full graphic system. Arabic calligraphy was created for “Oud Al Sharq” using a custom chisel brush adapted to reverse Western stroke direction. Eastern ornamental patterns were constructed from scratch, inspired by traditional pearl and seashell inlays.
Additional elements such as spruce and rosewood textures, along with metal strings, were developed to support the skeuomorphic version. These details were later simplified into dominant color forms for the flat version, resulting in two clearly distinct visual directions with varied audience preferences.
FINAL
MOCKUP
Mockup image credits: pixabay.com by niekverlaan, adrimarie
THANKS
Firas Ota Bachi © 2021