Blog | Crank Software

Storyboard 7.0 now available: New features for sophisticated UX on low-power devices

Written by Scott Snider | Feb 25, 2021 3:00:00 AM

If you’re developing, testing, or optimizing embedded products today then you know that customer success starts with an amazing user experience. UX that performs and UX that sells are the pillars upon which our latest release was built, and the items below are what you can expect from Storyboard 7.0. 

 

To get an in-depth look at all the features, watch this on-demand webinar:

1. Direct support for Sketch documents

We now support Sketch! In our quest to continue supporting UX-focused design and development, we’ve added support for the popular design tool.

Using our Rapid Design Import and Iteration Technology, you can now import, re-import, and compare and merge Sketch documents directly within the Storyboard workspace. Not only does this give your team the option to use the world’s most popular design tool, it lets you iterate faster by streamlining the incorporation of design changes at any point without impacting prior backend development and testing work.

In this short video, see Sketch import and re-import in action:

  • Workspace toolbar controls
  • Import and re-import document selection
  • Rapid acceptance or rejection of design changes

 

Coupled with similar capabilities for Photoshop, and our native GUI development support, this latest release of Storyboard gives you unparalleled flexibility in your GUI design and development process.

Watch our Sketch user training ▸

Read the Sketch docs ▸

2. Drag gestures for improved control over screen transitions

This year, a big theme for GUIs on embedded devices is packing more features onto smaller form factors, including wearables and personal devices. To support smaller screen sizes, where pointing devices aren’t an option, Storyboard 7.0 introduces drag events for screen transitions, with fine control over how they behave. With options for animation rate, frames per second, transition type, and more, you’re better able to deliver a differentiating look and feel for your device.

See drag transitions in action, including:

  • Event configuration options
  • Running on the Storyboard simulator

 

Read the screen drag event definitions (gra.screen.drag.config) ▸

3. Color gradients for added richness

Gradients are making a comeback! They add energy to designs and help individual elements stand out from the noise. And since gradients were typically performance intensive and hard to use, Storyboard 7.0 detaches them from the canvas and optimizes them for efficient use, even on MCUs. You can also view and adjust them on elements directly in the workspace before deploying onto the hardware.

Available across the board on all supported platforms, start adding gradients to your applications and see what users say. 

See gradients now, including:

  • Gradient render extension 
  • Choosing color options

 

See the options for gradients ▸

4. Infinite scrolling for smooth list interactions

No one wants a good experience to end and certainly, a good experience is driven by smooth performance. To support a user’s desire to continuously scroll through tables and lists, Storyboard 7.0 provides support for infinite looping both horizontally and vertically (and simultaneously), with no jitter.

Catch this loop:

  • Table configuration options
  • Running on the Storyboard simulator

 

Learn how to work with scrolling content ▸

5. Scale with SVGs and reduce footprint

SVGs were designed to offer UX designers the ability to scale and transform graphics easily but this sometimes came at the cost of performance. Storyboard 7.0 rasterizes SVG assets on export, reducing the performance load on the hardware and allowing you to maximize the flexibility of the format.

Read more on SVG support ▸

That’s not all! 

For a complete list of features and updates in Storyboard 7.0, watch the product release video and check out our release notes.

Interested in learning more? Download our free trial now!