Tested - Squiggle Fish
#Developer: Stripey Design
#Website: http://www.squigglefishapp.com/
#Purchase: https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/squigglefish/id636939134?mt=8
#Cost: $1.99 (at time of review)
Please note that we received a post release review fee.
#Support: iPad Only,
#Developers Description
First, grab a sheet of white paper and a thick black pen and draw a fish. Then color it in however you like!
When you’re happy with your fish, swipe down, and hold the iPad over your drawing. Watch as it magically comes to life!
SquiggleFish is a unique experience for your child which encourages their imagination and creativity. Encourage them to create fish of all shapes and sizes. Make them colorful, use different materials and watch in wonder at the results .
It’s perfect for children aged 3-7, and ideal for collaborating in groups. Each child can draw a fish and add it to a beautiful shared underwater world.
#The Review
I have to start by saying that I love it so much when I see developers focus on developing #kidsapps that get the #fourlittletesters creative juices flowing. I found SquiggleFish excellent in getting all the kids to stir up their imagination and forced to them to use their motor skills before using the technology. All our kids love doodling and colouring and we all have a BIG love of the ocean, especially living so close to the sea. A big plus point is that all four children were able to participate in the experience, and it is an experience and 'a magical' one indeed. Poppy needed the most help, but I loved that about the app, it encouraged the need to plan, discuss, be neat and follow the rules and we had a real giggle too. The Rating speaks for itself, we loved this app.
#The Test
I think it is fair to say that they all took a little bit of convincing initially, when I said they could test an app, and then that they had to do some pictures first, there was some mixed feelings.
I helped the little ones with some initial black outlines, but after that there was no stopping Finn, Jake and Ethan. Poppy got a little bit bored after one or two fish, as I think at the time it was a little forced and she just wasn't in the best of
moods. That said she loves looking and playing with the fishes, and spotting all the new fish that were added to the aquarium.
The testers found the experience a little trying at first, as there was some trial and error with the 'auto' camera feature and the results of the fish captured varied, normally due to the black outline, which needed to be quite thick and dark.
They quickly learned what worked best and managed to create loads more fish without any help.
The boys did a real good job, and I was surprised how diverse the drawings were, as they were all quite keen to quickly expand the types of fish, and experimented with Sharks, Cuttlefish, Whales, Jellyfish, Seals and more.
~ Poppy liked making and colouring fish and that the fish zoomed in when you tapped on them and that you can turn them around. Poppy's favourite part of the app was seeing all the finished fish swimming around the aquarium.
~ Finn loved seeing the fish come to life and was keen to draw and colour fish after fish.
~ Ethan liked how you can create and design your own fish and that you could add multiple fish.
~ Jake liked that the app could bring your fish to life and that you could have lots of fish in the aquarium.
Our Aquarium:
#The Verdict
Stripey Designs have picked a relatively simple format and the choice of the fish themed 'make and do' app will be much loved by all. Chatting to the developer it looks like they have tons of ideas and will soon expand the app features.
#The Rating
Overall: 5/5
Look & Feel: 5/5 - The kids got to see their artwork come to life using the magical 'SquiggleFish' camera. Instructions and app flow was good.
Enjoyment: 5/5 - As a creativity app it really hits the spot. The kids had a blast, and spent a good few hours designing, colouring and snapping fish.
Playability: 3/5 - Initial play was very long, and not very technology based, it encouraged a lot of outside app play. The finish product is great, but once the activity is completed there didn't seem to be much to entertain afterwards.
Value for Money: 5/5 - Price is not bad. Note: You do need to supply your own pens and paper :)