About FlexiGallery

Introduction

FlexiGallery is a Progressive Web App (PWA) designed to explore how different UI interaction strategies affect user performance, satisfaction, and energy consumption. The application allows users to switch between different display layouts and navigation techniques when browsing photos.

This project is motivated by the growing need for applications that are not only aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly but also optimized for battery life and performance. By implementing common UI patterns, FlexiGallery aims to provide insights into design trade-offs that could guide future mobile application development.

FlexiGallery Interface Illustration

Features

  • Offline Functionality: Access your photos even without an internet connection
  • Push Notifications: Stay updated with timely alerts about new features and content
  • Responsive Design: Optimal viewing experience across all devices
  • Multiple Navigation Methods: Choose between swipe-based and button-based navigation
  • Flexible Layouts: Switch between grid view and list view based on your preference
  • Sorting Options: Arrange photos chronologically from newest to oldest or vice versa

Technical Implementation

FlexiGallery is built using modern web technologies:

PWA Architecture Diagram
Offline Functionality Illustration
  • Next.js: For server-side rendering and static site generation
  • Service Workers: For offline functionality and caching
  • Web Push API: For implementing push notifications
  • Responsive Design: Using Tailwind CSS for adaptive layouts
  • IndexedDB: For client-side storage of photos and metadata

Performance Considerations

Performance Metrics Visualization

Given the resource constraints of mobile devices, particular emphasis is placed on:

  • Energy Efficiency: Optimized rendering and network requests to minimize battery consumption
  • Responsiveness: Fast loading times and smooth transitions between views
  • Memory and CPU Usage: Efficient resource utilization, particularly when switching between UI modes