Overview
Josh Karlin’s Launchy application is a favorite among PC power users and frequently mentioned on the popular Lifehacker productivity blog. Launchy allows users to open any application with a few simple keystrokes. For years now it has remained an essential part of my Windows setup.
I originally talked to Josh about giving Launchy a refreshed icon, which soon expanded to a new default skin to coincide with the release of version 2.0. The application had been rewritten from the ground up to prepare for cross-platform compatibility, meaning that users might use it on Windows, Linux or Mac OS X desktops. Thusly, my primary objective in designing the new interface was to create something that was largely platform-agnostic. I accomplished this by designing against a rotating series of desktop screenshots of various color schemes, forcing my eye to design something acceptable in most situations. I also took inspiration from Peter Wooley‘s “black glass” skin; it’s popularity seemed indicative of the aesthetics the user would enjoy.
The icon started as a rocket, but changed to a more distinctive UFO shape to stand apart from competitors. It utilizes a glassy style similar to the default skin, but without appearing photorealistic and out-of-place on Windows XP and Ubuntu desktops.
Download.com featured Launchy 2.0 as one of the 10 best downloads of 2007 alongside Flock, OpenOffice.org and Audacity.