I added some final sparkle to my vintage rotary dialler. Using various calculations I am able to predict which number has been dialled in a way this quite closely emulates the real thing. For example, a digit is only registered when the dial is turned fully to the catch.
I also added sound effects. Each digit has its own sound file to correspond with the length of time of the rotation which of course varies for each number. The sound effect also has to respond to when the dial is released too early and therefore has an irregular return rotation timespan.
Lastly, I added some texture to the background and some text using an style typewriter font which shows the participants name and their own tel number within the experience.
I had great fun putting this into the hands of my two childre, aged 9 and 12; they had no idea how to work a rotary dial phone. Who needs to invent enigmas and puzzles when we can just emulate the trials and tribulations of analog technology!
I also shared a demo with friends and colleagues as well as on social media and I was quite surprised by the number of people suggesting this could become an app in it’s own right. I haven’t researched what’s already in the app stores. But, certainly an interesting idea would be to make a standalone rotary dialler app which interacts with the phone’s call api to initiate real calls. I am already thinking about the fun that could be had creating different version; the 1970’s, 1890’s, 1950’s.
Anyway, here is a video I put together to demonstrate the feature in action.