展示HN：体验2005年的iPhone“Blob键盘”原型
嗨，HN，
我教授科技设计历史，其中一个关键故事是关于Ken Kocienda开发原始iPhone键盘的过程。在他的书《Creative Selection》中阅读相关内容非常棒，但我希望我的学生（现在也包括你们！）能够真正“感受”这个过程中的一步。
因此，我构建了一个“Blob键盘”的网络模拟器，这是Kocienda在2005年9月首次尝试的可触控键盘，实际上是可用的：
尝试Blob键盘： [https://juliendorra.github.io/blob-keyboard-simulator/blob-keyboard-simulator.html](https://juliendorra.github.io/blob-keyboard-simulator/blob-keyboard-simulator.html)
- 点击中间字母
- 左右滑动选择侧边字母
更多信息请查看GitHub仓库：[https://github.com/juliendorra/blob-keyboard-simulator](https://github.com/juliendorra/blob-keyboard-simulator)
Blob键盘原型是在iPhone团队面临用户体验危机时出现的（他们的软件键盘根本无法使用，手指太大，加上Newton的失败阴影笼罩着他们），这突显了创新往往不是一条直路。它是在一个代号为“Wallaby”的有线触摸屏上开发的。
为了使这个模拟器尽可能真实，我参考了Kocienda书中的图片，甚至在Bluesky上得到了Ken Kocienda本人的直接反馈和指导。
你可以期待什么（或者……不期待什么）：
这是一个非常早期原型的重建，局限性反映了那个特定时刻。目标是首先测试准确输入是否可能，因为如果失败了，其他一切都是无关紧要的！
- 它不是QWERTY：他们仍然希望能摆脱QWERTY，但最终熟悉感胜出。
- 没有退格键：你无法删除。
- 没有光标移动：文本框只是一个简单的显示。
- 没有大写或数字：仅支持小写字母。
- 没有平滑动画：按下时，按键会立即“弹出”。Kocienda指出，你的眼睛会填补空白，给人一种运动的感觉。
最佳体验：
虽然在桌面上使用鼠标/触控板也能工作，但它是为触摸屏设计的，以更好地模拟原始Wallaby硬件的交互。请在你的手机上使用它！
这个项目旨在提供一个关于iPhone开发转折点的具体视角，以及设计的迭代性质。就像是回到过去，尝试Kocienda桌子上的早期演示一样。
我很想听听你们对体验这段用户界面历史的反应和想法！你希望体验其他哪些重要的原型？
查看原文
Hi HN,<p>I teach tech design history, and one of the key stories I cover is the development of the original iPhone keyboard by Ken Kocienda. Reading about it in his book "Creative Selection" is great, but I wanted my students (and now you!) to actually <i>feel</i> this step in the process.<p>So, I built a web simulator of the "Blob Keyboard", Kocienda's very first attempt at a touchscreen keyboard that actually works, from September 2005:<p>Try the Blob Keyboard: <a href="https://juliendorra.github.io/blob-keyboard-simulator/blob-keyboard-simulator.html" rel="nofollow">https://juliendorra.github.io/blob-keyboard-simulator/blob-k...</a><p>- Tap for the middle letter<p>- Swipe left or right for the side letters<p>More on the github repo: <a href="https://github.com/juliendorra/blob-keyboard-simulator">https://github.com/juliendorra/blob-keyboard-simulator</a><p>The Blob Keyboard prototype emerged during a UX crisis for iPhone team (their software keyboard just didn't work at all, fingers being too big, and the Newton failure loomed over them), highlighting how innovation is rarely a straight path. It was developed on a tethered touchscreen display codenamed "Wallaby".<p>To make this simulator as authentic as possible, I referenced images from Kocienda's book and even got direct feedback and guidance from Ken Kocienda himself on Bluesky.<p>What to expect (or… what not to expect):<p>This is a reconstruction of a very early prototype with limitations reflecting that specific moment. The goal was to test first if typing with accuracy was even possible, as all the rest was moot if it failed!<p>It's NOT QWERTY: They were still hoping to get us out of QWERTY, but then familiarity won.<p>No Backspace: You can't delete.<p>No Cursor Movement: The text field is just a simple display.<p>No Caps or Numbers: Only lowercase letters.<p>No Smooth Animations: Keys just "pop" instantly when pressed. Kocienda noted that your eye fills in the gaps, giving a sense of movement.<p>Best Experience:<p>While it works with a mouse/trackpad on desktop, it's designed for touchscreens to better replicate the original Wallaby hardware interaction. Use it on your phone!<p>This project aims to provide a tangible glimpse into a turning point moment in iPhone development and the iterative nature of design. It's like stepping back in time and trying out that early demo on Kocienda's desk.<p>I would love to hear your reactions and thoughts on experiencing this piece of UI history! What other significant prototype do you wish you could experience?