Christoph Niemann's first interactive picture book is a delightful menagerie of 21 illustrated, animated animals. Wipe and tap each unique creature and be surprised at how they react. This app combines the charm of handmade animations and Niemann's wry humour with state-of-the-art technology. What would an elephant in your bathroom do? Can a dog breakdance? Could you play a crocodile's teeth like a xylophone?
The app features thousands of hand-drawn animation frames, and playful, musical sounds for each animal, providing hours of fun for all ages! It's accessible to all languages – no English required (animals don't speak English!).
With programming by friend and developer Jon Huang and music by South African composer Markus Wormstorm, Niemann has created a lovable and entertaining pastime that is his first attempt at interactive illustration.
Petting Zoo by Christoph Niemann is available from the iTunes store.
The app was released in the iTunes Store in February 2013 and launched at Design Indaba Conference on 1 March. It has already been featured in Creative Review, Fast Company, Wired magazine, Dezeen, The New Yorker, PSFK and the Mail & Guardian.
"Possibly the loveliest app you'll download this week/month/year." — Creative Review
The author of The New York Times Magazine blog Abstract Sunday has also had work on the covers of The New Yorker, Time, Wired, The New York Times Magazine and American Illustration. After eleven years in New York, Niemann now lives in Berlin.
Credits
Concept and animations: Christoph Niemann
Developer: Jon Huang
Music and Sound Design: Markus Wormstorm
Executive Producer: Design Indaba
Requirements
Petting Zoo by Christoph Niemann is compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation) and iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later. The app is optimized for iPhone 5.
