Hi

Here are some comments on the iOS app. Some of them are negative, but I'll say right now I really like the app.

1. Introducing Skritter to a total newbie via the iOS app was a flop. Some of it was due to the demo bug, but it also seemed like there were too many steps and options for a beginner. You had to choose lists, and it wasn't clear what to do. Admittedly, this was with my 10-year-old niece, but I was also confused.

2. I was a little put off when using the app at first (on an iPad 2). Some of it was just getting used to the new interface, but it seemed a little laggy, a little slow to get Skritter to recognize my strokes, a little arduous writing.

3. Then I switched to raw squigs (which I hadn't used much until now) and dark mode. And it became very fun and fast to use!

4. I have the old problem recognizing strokes HZ and HZG http://graphemica.com/%E3%87%95 http://graphemica.com/%E3%87%86
I can't figure out how Skritter wants me to do those strokes so it recognizes them every time.

5. I've had lots of people say "wow, how beautiful" when they see me using the app.

6. I really like the app overall. It's added a good dose of fun to Skritter for me.

Sorry if some of these comments are redundant, I haven't read all the recent forum posts. I just thought I'd give some feedback while it's fresh.

Point 4 applies to me as well. Both those elements stuff up for me frequently, and I've not yet worked out how to write them in a way that pleases the HWR.

That said, it's not a big deal for me.  I've only been using Skritter since the iOS app launched, and already my learning has exploded. Incredible stuff.

I don't really understand what you mean about those strokes you linked, skritter recognises the standard mandarin stroke order, have you studied stroke orders before?

3. I was a bit disappointed with how the writing worked at first. I thought there was no way to compare what you wrote with the character. Then I found "Raw Squigs" and was much happier.

@paddy665 my problem is not with stroke order. It's that those particular strokes are not always recognized by the system. It's not a big deal though.

Yep. My stroke order is sound, but with 口 (for example) it'll frequently think I've written the second stroke incorrectly. Maybe the engine wants me to stop and change direction sharply, I don't know.

It's worse on my iPhone 4 than on my iPad 3, so perhaps it's just a performance thing.

I've got it on my list to tune those recognizers--I see similar problems. It seems worse in the app for a few of those than on the website, so it's possible I introduced a bug in the recognition code that's just manifesting there. When I get some time, I'll track it down.

We'll continue to work on the onboarding flow. Really, the demo is supposed to be 80% of it, but there's a lot more we need to do with the initial list selection, too.

Thanks, Nick.

As for point 1, how about just adding a default list such as Skritter 101 for new users? Might make the progress of starting the first time a little easier...

@alanmd yeah, that could help beginners (being able to study immediately and experience Skritter without worrying about the technicalities of lists) but some Skritter users start fairly experienced and may view that as a hindrance. I wonder if they can know the abilities of their users and can judge if the vast majority would benefit from this.