Microsoft Expression Interactive Designer (Sparkle)
I have just installed Sparkle March 2006 CTP. I’ve already heard XAML in WinFx(Avalon, Vista Presentation Layer) on numerous blogs, but I really haven’t got the chance to use it. Not until now.
The product enables the user to create (very cool) designs on xaml forms (the next generation windows forms). It looks like Flash only with the full capability of C#. You can do the same old things that you can do in windows forms, plus, you can create animations on your controls (the designer has a timeline!). It definitely rocks!
It’s a separate application that has the ability to open your C# or VB project files. Now you can seamlessly work with a graphics designer. Today, the usual process is, create a design, then the programmer places the functionalities. On Interactive designer, its quite the opposite. You can initially create the application, then go to your designer and say “Make it beautiful!”
Screen Shots:
A sample application designed with the Interactive Designer.
The Workspace.
Another App.
The Interactive Designer is available to the public. Although you must install the WinFx Runtime libraries to be able to run Applications designed with Sparkle (Interactive Designer).
For more information, just visit the Interactive Designer Homepage.
Downloads:
If you want to create applications using this product the you must have either the RTM of Visual Studio or any Express Product. Then download these files: