iOS Building a new app for IM, any input on this UI?

[fungg3]

I'm in the middle of building a new app for IM (msn, aim, gtalk etc) and came up with the following UI so far. What do you guys think?
The screen is pretty self explanatory in terms of functionality. Is there anything missing or you would like to see improved? Any input is welcomed

 

[JohnFa]

That looks really cool actually!
What are the numbers? Do they show you how many messages you've received total from that person just during this particular conversation, or how many you haven't responded to yet?

 

[applecheese]

you really should follow apples guide lines on design. keep it consistent to their UI rather than making your own elements.

 

[fungg3]

you really should follow apples guide lines on design. keep it consistent to their UI rather than making your own elements.

I like apple's design too but wanted something fresh and different

 

[Warbrain]

you really should follow apples guide lines on design. keep it consistent to their UI rather than making your own elements.

I've found that some of the best UIs on the iPhone are not constantly following the guidelines set by Apple.

It looks nice but you may want to use the standard button for new messages/conversations instead of that one.

 

[applecheese]

you could still do something fresh and different while still keeping to apples design though.

some examples:
istudent pro
where to?
convertbot

your interface reminds me of android. i still like some elements of the design though.

 

[Fibbons]

It looks great but why does Charlie Sheen change his name so often?

 

[dccorona]

I'm in the middle of building a new app for IM (msn, aim, gtalk etc) and came up with the following UI so far. What do you guys think?
The screen is pretty self explanatory in terms of functionality. Is there anything missing or you would like to see improved? Any input is welcomed

dont listen to the others in this thread
if I want an IM app with apples UI design, there are more than enough out there for me to choose

but this one interests me, because its fresh and different (although the top right should be a green plus, that I do agree with)
it is a move in the right direction IMO

its time for a UI refresh on the iPhone, that or allow themes!
the pre, and HTCs new android interface, although both probably less intuitive than the iPhone, look SO MUCH nicer. the iPhones interface was great, but its getting old. They should keep everything where it is naturally, that is set up perfectly. Just change the look of things (and the notifications, please the notifications!)

but thats enough about the iPhone. This is supposed to be about your app
I think it looks great. This is what I want to see from developers. As a matter of fact, as I was waiting for the image to load, I thought to myself "please let it be different, not the traditional apple UI", and thats what you have here. Something to make your app stand out from the rest. Now you just need a compelling new feature

oh, and does the app automatically make everyones picture charlie?
not bad (obvious joke here, I understand its a placeholder, at least, I hope its a placeholder)

 

[fungg3]

dont listen to the others in this thread
if I want an IM app with apples UI design, there are more than enough out there for me to choose

but this one interests me, because its fresh and different (although the top right should be a green plus, that I do agree with)
it is a move in the right direction IMO

its time for a UI refresh on the iPhone, that or allow themes!
the pre, and HTCs new android interface, although both probably less intuitive than the iPhone, look SO MUCH nicer. the iPhones interface was great, but its getting old. They should keep everything where it is naturally, that is set up perfectly. Just change the look of things (and the notifications, please the notifications!)

but thats enough about the iPhone. This is supposed to be about your app
I think it looks great. This is what I want to see from developers. As a matter of fact, as I was waiting for the image to load, I thought to myself "please let it be different, not the traditional apple UI", and thats what you have here. Something to make your app stand out from the rest. Now you just need a compelling new feature

oh, and does the app automatically make everyones picture charlie?
not bad (obvious joke here, I understand its a placeholder, at least, I hope its a placeholder)

Yep the picture is only a placeholder, you can assign photos like you can in your contacts app. Thanks for the compliments motivates me to finish it quicker!