The embarassment of the splash screens...

For several version now, I've been lamenting - even loathing - the Resolve splash screens. The models with their clear lack of command of the tools they're depicted with, the overtness of the marketing team's desperation to appeal to a lowest common denominator, and maybe most obnoxious, the incompetence of the composites (especially with 19's Ursa on the desk). I feel deeply embarrassed whenever I have a client in my suite and I have to launch/relaunch Resolve. For a tool this elegant and sophisticated to launch with such a low-brow marketing pitch is a very bad look, especially in the Studio version that those of us who work professionally are using.

Maybe I'm the only one who feels this way? I'd love to see a show of hands who else thinks this is a grave mistake that BMD needs to correct. Perhaps if BMD heard from us, their customers, they'd consider making a change? Please throw in your two cents in this thread.

Thanks,
Frazer Bradshaw
Oakland, CA USA

In the old days, the splash screen, an abstraction with vivid color, was actually beautiful, in an illustrative kind of way. At least, I thought so. And now this misfortune.....

But there's no mystery behind this marketing. It's not intended for professionals.

It could be kept clean and simple.

Opening Splash Screen Idea.jpg (39.7 KiB) Viewed 6457 times

Similar for the Free version.

Opening Splash Screen Idea Free.jpg (38.35 KiB) Viewed 6433 times

Go look at the Avid Media Composer splash screens... I prefer the Resolve and Premiere splash screens over MC any day... they look like they were designed by a high schooler.

It would be great if Studio allowed no splash or even customizable splash, and free had two buttons: ‘buy now’ and ‘stay on free’. Would also clear up all the accidental installs of free.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I feel that I have to contribute to this conversation.

I think BMD should invest NO TIME AND RESOURCES WHATSOEVER in the splash screen and redirected that energies to the development.

I also have no issues at all with the current splash screen.

x1080.jpg (135.27 KiB) Viewed 6385 times

I wouldn't put the word Free on the splash screen as there may be users using it with clients.
I think changing the splash screen would take very little time or resources.

Charles,

Have you ever worked in a corporation?

Particularly on such a simple aspect, I can imagine the amount of people from management and marketing that need to be involved!

I think the low cost of Resolve Studio can be attributable to the splash screen being used as a Blackmagic advertising billboard. Just send your clients to the coffee and donuts table while Resolve loads.

The low cost of the Resolve Studio is entirely due to it being loss leader to get us into the BlackMagic ecosystem.

It "comes" free with nearly any camera purchase, basically anything above somewhere around $1,000.

Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk

For a tool this elegant and sophisticated to launch with such a low-brow marketing pitch is a very bad look, especially in the Studio version that those of us who work professionally are using.

How is this "marketing"? You already have the product.
What do you think that splash does - make you buy an other one?
That's not how marketing works.

Maybe I'm the only one who feels this way?

I don't know, but personally - I couldn't care less.
Also I think I haven't even wasted a second of my life, even thinking about splash screens, until I saw this post.

oh my god, yes, lol. +1 on whatever alternative.

Also I think I haven't even wasted a second of my life, even thinking about splash screens, until I saw this post.

I guess that's true if you boot up and then avert your eyes or go do something else. Otherwise, it's a compulsory commercial viewed day after day after day.... To your other point, marketing doesn't stop after you've made the purchase, for this or any other product.

The old days:

Capture.JPG (30.23 KiB) Viewed 6200 times

The old days: Resolve 12 cost $995.

I think BMD should invest NO TIME AND RESOURCES WHATSOEVER in the splash screen and redirected that energies to the development.

x1080.jpg

This 100% Until they squash every bug and make Resolve work with every conceivable configuration, there shall be no splash screen work on company time.

But there's no mystery behind this marketing. It's not intended for professionals.

Except that it's built around a project database for professionals. Except that professionals absolutely do not ever ever ever use Resolve (except color). Y'all, I don't know who this software is for.

For a tool this elegant and sophisticated to launch with such a low-brow marketing pitch is a very bad look, especially in the Studio version that those of us who work professionally are using.

How is this "marketing"? You already have the product.
What do you think that splash does - make you buy an other one?
That's not how marketing works.

The splash screens advertise other BlackMagic products and the complaint was that they're not real people using those products, but models who don't know what they're doing but if produced well, the models could be made to look like professionals.

meh.

if that's what's keeping you up at night, you should go learn something new or work to pick up a new client.

I don't pay attention to splash screens, in this or any other software, nor do I care about them (unless displaying of a splash screen is adding delay to time it takes before I can start the work). I have much better things to do so only thing I care about is how actual software itself works.

And if client forms impressions about actual work being done based on splash screens (never mind the fact that 99.99% of the time they don't see it anyway) then IMHO client cares about wrong thing so I am wondering would there be any clients at all of serious reputation that would end up with negative impression because of the splash screen of all things. I honestly doubt it.

When I launch Resolve, I don't even pay attention to the splash screen. I turn the main monitor on, leave the room, get a coffee, check my email, and then come back 5 minutes later and it's all ready to go. Of all the things to worry about, I think the Splash Screen is probably about #789 on my list of worryful things.

At the risk of getting pilloried... I quite like them

When I launch Resolve, I don't even pay attention to the splash screen. I turn the main monitor on, leave the room, get a coffee, check my email, and then come back 5 minutes later and it's all ready to go. Of all the things to worry about, I think the Splash Screen is probably about #789 on my list of worryful things.

I'm with Marc on this one. Who really cares?

If you're worried about a client seeing it -- make sure you've loaded Resolve before they arrive.

I think the Splash Screen is probably about #789 on my list of worryful things.

so, what's #790?

How about a splash screen that displays some post-launch reminders (set by users), such as reminding to plug in an external hard drive, for those who don't drink coffee and therefore tend to forget?

Of all the things to worry about, I think the Splash Screen is probably about #789 on my list of worryful things.

789 out of 500

so, what's #790?

790 would be trying to find the time (and succeeding) to comment on 789?

It may also be 789 for the OP, and others who agreed, but for those who don't run out of the room every time they start up DR, these commercials *are* pretty irritating. Maybe give Studio users something more dignified, rather than trying to persuade them they're really cool movie-makers and will look like a model after using the product, albeit one who (to take another recent ad) doesn't realize he's staring into a viewfinder which doesn't exist.....

It's always good for a chuckle to see those models colour grading in a room with bright, open windows. Or mixing audio with their speakers pointing away from them.

Wim

Personally I'd rather be interested in what's #788

Personally I would like to be able to personalize the splash screen with my company images

Personally I think this thread is hilarious.

Personally I think this thread is hilarious.

Well, jeez. There's an old English Department joke that the Great American Novel is actually an instruction manual. But it's advertising which has eaten storytelling's lunch. And dinner. And apres-diner.

So I say, long live this thread! Get as much advertising out of your head and out of your life as possible. Hell, you could do a minor Masters thesis on the content of these splash-screens. Every regrettable fantasy of what used to animate the indie film racket -- now mostly youtube -- is there for the taking.

Hell, you could do a minor Masters thesis on the content of these splash-screens. Every regrettable fantasy of what used to animate the indie film racket -- now mostly youtube -- is there for the taking.

Here you go:

;D

Minor Master’s Thesis: An Analysis of the Content of Program Splash Screens
Abstract: This thesis explores the visual and informational content of program splash screens, focusing on their role as the first point of user interaction with software applications. Splash screens serve as introductory or loading screens that appear when a program is launched, typically containing key visual elements like logos, product names, and version information. This study aims to analyze how splash screens communicate essential information, build brand identity, and enhance user experience while waiting for the program to load. Through a comparative analysis of various splash screens from diverse industries, this research investigates common design patterns, psychological effects, and the evolving function of splash screens in modern software.


1. Introduction
1.1 Background

Splash screens are often a transient part of software applications, designed to bridge the gap between launching the software and reaching full functionality. While their purpose is primarily practical — to indicate that the program is loading — splash screens also perform several secondary functions. These include reinforcing brand identity, setting user expectations, and, in some cases, providing technical information or legal notices.

1.2 Problem Statement

Despite their ubiquity, splash screens are often overlooked in software studies. Given that they represent the first interaction between the user and the software, it is important to understand their content and design principles. This study seeks to investigate how these screens are structured and the ways in which they impact the user's perception of the software.

1.3 Research Questions

What are the common visual and textual elements found in splash screens across different types of software?

How do splash screens affect user experience and perceptions of software quality?

To what extent do splash screens serve as marketing or branding tools for software developers?

1.4 Objectives

This study aims to:

Analyze the components and structure of program splash screens.

Explore the user’s emotional and cognitive response to splash screens.

Identify trends in the use of splash screens across different industries.


2. Literature Review
2.1 Splash Screens in User Interface (UI) Design

Splash screens are considered part of UI design and contribute to the first impressions users form about an application. Research into UI design principles highlights the importance of initial impressions in software, emphasizing how early interaction can shape user satisfaction and perception of performance.

2.2 Cognitive and Emotional Impact of Splash Screens

Several studies have focused on the psychology of waiting and user expectations in software loading times. Splash screens play a key role in managing the cognitive load during this waiting period, offering visual distractions, progress indicators, or even interactive elements to maintain user engagement.

2.3 Branding and Visual Identity

Splash screens are often used as an extension of a company’s brand. Logos, color schemes, and typography associated with a particular brand are typically present, aligning with the overall visual identity of the company or product. This aspect of splash screens can play a significant role in reinforcing brand recall.


3. Methodology
3.1 Sample Selection

For the purpose of this study, a purposive sampling approach will be used to select a diverse set of software programs from different industries, including:

Creative software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, AutoCAD)

Business and productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Slack)

Video games (e.g., Fortnite, The Sims)

Development tools (e.g., Visual Studio, IntelliJ IDEA)

3.2 Data Collection

Splash screens will be collected through the following means:

Screenshots captured upon software launch

Analysis of promotional material or software guides where splash screens are documented

3.3 Analytical Framework

The collected splash screens will be analyzed using a mixed-method approach:

Visual Content Analysis: Identifying common elements such as logos, version numbers, product names, progress indicators, and other visual design features.

Textual Content Analysis: Evaluating the presence of product names, developer information, copyright notices, and any legal disclaimers.

Psychological Analysis: Examining the emotional and cognitive response elicited from users through surveys and literature synthesis on user experience (UX).

3.4 Survey Design

To assess user reactions to splash screens, a survey will be conducted. Participants will be asked to rate the following factors:

Aesthetic appeal

Perceived professionalism

Level of frustration or satisfaction experienced during the loading time


4. Analysis and Findings
4.1 Common Elements in Splash Screens

Initial analysis suggests that most splash screens share a set of common elements:

Logo and Product Name: Present in nearly all splash screens, often prominently displayed.

Version Information: Common in professional and developer tools, less so in consumer applications.

Progress Indicators: Essential for programs with longer loading times, such as games or complex software suites.

Legal Notices or Copyright Information: Present in many, especially business software.

4.2 Differences Across Industries

The content and complexity of splash screens vary significantly depending on the industry. For example:

Creative Software: Typically feature visually rich, artistic splash screens, often including illustrations or animations related to the software’s function.

Business Tools: Tend to be more minimalistic, focusing on functionality and efficiency, with less visual flourish.

Games: Often employ highly detailed splash screens that showcase character art, world-building elements, or promotional material for upcoming updates.

4.3 User Experience and Perception

Survey results indicate that users generally appreciate splash screens with progress indicators, as they provide a sense of transparency about loading times. However, users also express frustration when splash screens remain static for extended periods or lack interactive elements (such as loading bars or animations).


5. Discussion
5.1 The Role of Splash Screens in Brand Reinforcement

Splash screens serve as a powerful tool for reinforcing brand identity. When done correctly, they can leave a lasting positive impression on the user. This effect is particularly strong in creative industries where the visual design of the splash screen often mirrors the creative capabilities of the software itself.

5.2 Psychological Impact on Users

The psychological impact of splash screens is closely tied to user expectations. Loading screens that include visual feedback, such as progress bars or engaging animations, significantly reduce user frustration, particularly for programs with longer load times. The lack of such feedback can lead to negative perceptions of the software's efficiency.

5.3 The Evolution of Splash Screens

Over time, splash screens have evolved from simple loading indicators to sophisticated marketing tools. With the rise of high-quality visuals and animations, companies have increasingly used splash screens to showcase product features or advertise updates. In some cases, splash screens have become interactive, allowing users to explore new features while waiting for the software to load.


6. Conclusion
Splash screens are a small but significant part of the user’s interaction with software. Through this study, we have identified common design elements and explored the impact of splash screens on user experience, branding, and perception of software quality. While splash screens may be transient in nature, their design and content can have a lasting impact, shaping the overall user experience and influencing perceptions of the software and the brand behind it.

6.1 Implications for Designers

Designers should prioritize providing useful feedback to users during the loading process, whether through progress bars, animations, or interactive elements. Simultaneously, splash screens offer a key opportunity for brand reinforcement and should be integrated into the broader visual identity strategy of the software.

6.2 Recommendations for Future Research

Further research could focus on the role of animated and interactive splash screens, examining whether these features contribute to user satisfaction or distract from the user’s focus. Additionally, as technology progresses, the relevance of splash screens may diminish, and their evolution should be monitored.


References
Nielsen, J. (2000). Designing Web Usability: The Practice of Simplicity. New Riders Publishing.

Norman, D. A. (2004). Emotional Design: Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things. Basic Books.

Kuutti, K. (1996). Activity Theory as a Potential Framework for Human-Computer Interaction Research. In B. A. Nardi (Ed.), Context and Consciousness: Activity Theory and Human-Computer Interaction. MIT Press.

Saffer, D. (2009). Designing for Interaction: Creating Smart Applications and Clever Devices. New Riders.

https://sites.google.com/view/frankglen ... sh-screens

And while at it ...

Frank, can I hire you?????

I guess that's true if you boot up and then avert your eyes or go do something else. Otherwise, it's a compulsory commercial viewed day after day after day.... To your other point, marketing doesn't stop after you've made the purchase, for this or any other product.
The old days:

Capture.JPG

For those of us old enough to remember the daVinci 2K, the "opening screen" was basically a stick-figure cartoon of Pete Townshend (or somebody like him) doing a windmill guitar thing:



That was fun the first few thousand times you saw it. Again: I just don't pay attention to the splash screen and busy myself with getting the client coffee, grabbing a snack, checking email, and doing a lot of stuff in the room. On the long list of things I would love for the Dev Team to take a look at, improving the splash screen would not make a blip on my list.

Personally I would like to be able to personalize the splash screen with my company images

I would not have a problem with that at all. Have a User Prefs option "Load Custom JPG for Splash Screen," and you could say "COMPANY X DAVINCI RESOLVE 19" or whatever else you wanted.

You can make a simple launching app, I just made, and will work like this:

* Set a full-screen on-top form with the splash-screen you want,
* The app should launch DR then search and wait until "Project Manager" windows of DR is shown then the app closes itself.

the code for Lazarus (Windows):

Code: Select all

unit Unit1;

{$mode objfpc}{$H+}

interface

uses
  Classes, SysUtils, Forms, Controls, Graphics, Dialogs, ExtCtrls, StdCtrls,
  ShellAPI, Windows;

type

  { TForm1 }

  TForm1 = class(TForm)
    Image1: TImage;
    Label1: TLabel;
    Timer1: TTimer;
    procedure FormCreate(Sender: TObject);
    procedure FormShow(Sender: TObject);
    procedure Timer1Timer(Sender: TObject);
  private

  public

  end;

var
  Form1: TForm1;

implementation

{$R *.lfm}

{ TForm1 }


function GetFileVersion(const FileName: String; var ProductName, ProductVersion: String): Boolean;
var
  InfoSize, Wnd: DWORD;
  VerBuf: Pointer;
  VerSize: UINT;
  VerValue: Pointer;
  VerHandle: DWORD;
  Translation: ^DWORD;
  TranslationLength: UINT;
  SubBlock: String;
begin
  Result := False;
  ProductName := '';
  ProductVersion := '';

  // Get the size of the version information
  InfoSize := GetFileVersionInfoSize(PChar(FileName), VerHandle);
  if InfoSize = 0 then Exit;

  // Allocate memory to store version information
  GetMem(VerBuf, InfoSize);
  try
    // Get the version information from the executable
    if GetFileVersionInfo(PChar(FileName), VerHandle, InfoSize, VerBuf) then
    begin
      // Read the list of languages and code pages
      if VerQueryValue(VerBuf, '\VarFileInfo\Translation', Pointer(Translation), TranslationLength) then
      begin
        // Construct the block to query for product name
        SubBlock := Format('\StringFileInfo\%4.4x%4.4x\ProductName',
          [LoWord(Translation^), HiWord(Translation^)]);

        // Retrieve product name
        if VerQueryValue(VerBuf, PChar(SubBlock), VerValue, VerSize) then
          ProductName := PChar(VerValue);

        // Construct the block to query for product version
        SubBlock := Format('\StringFileInfo\%4.4x%4.4x\ProductVersion',
          [LoWord(Translation^), HiWord(Translation^)]);

        // Retrieve product version
        if VerQueryValue(VerBuf, PChar(SubBlock), VerValue, VerSize) then
          ProductVersion := PChar(VerValue);

        Result := True;
      end;
    end;
  finally
    FreeMem(VerBuf);
  end;
end;


function LaunchApplication(const AApplication: string; out AProcessInfo: TProcessInformation): Boolean;
var
  StartupInfo: TStartupInfo;
begin
  ZeroMemory(@StartupInfo, SizeOf(StartupInfo));
  ZeroMemory(@AProcessInfo, SizeOf(AProcessInfo));
  StartupInfo.cb := SizeOf(StartupInfo);
  Result := CreateProcess(nil, PChar(AApplication), nil, nil, False, 0, nil, nil, StartupInfo, AProcessInfo);
end;

procedure WaitForApplicationToRespond(const AProcessInfo: TProcessInformation);
begin
  // Wait for the application to become idle, indicating it's ready to respond
  WaitForInputIdle(AProcessInfo.hProcess, INFINITE);
end;

procedure TForm1.FormShow(Sender: TObject);
begin
  Timer1.Enabled:=true;
end;

procedure TForm1.FormCreate(Sender: TObject);
begin
  Form1.WindowState:=wsFullScreen;
end;

procedure TForm1.Timer1Timer(Sender: TObject);
function IsWindowWithCaptionVisible(const AWindowCaption: string): Boolean;
begin
  Result := FindWindow(nil, PChar(AWindowCaption)) <> 0;
end;

procedure WaitForWindowWithCaption(const AWindowCaption: string);
begin
  // Continuously check for the window until it's found
  while not IsWindowWithCaptionVisible(AWindowCaption) do
  begin
    Sleep(100); // Wait a little before checking again (adjust timing as needed)
    Application.ProcessMessages; // Keep the application responsive
  end;
end;

var
  ProcessInfo: TProcessInformation;
  Launched: Boolean;
  ProductName: String;
  ProductVersion: String;
  FileName: String;
begin

  Timer1.Enabled:=false;

  FileName := 'C:\Program Files\Blackmagic Design\DaVinci Resolve\Resolve.exe';
  if GetFileVersion(FileName, ProductName, ProductVersion) then
  begin
    Label1.Caption:=ProductName+' '+ProductVersion;
    Application.ProcessMessages;
  end
  else
    ShowMessage('Failed to retrieve version information.');

  // Launch the DaVinci Resolve application

  Launched := LaunchApplication('C:\Program Files\Blackmagic Design\DaVinci Resolve\Resolve.exe', ProcessInfo);
  if Launched then
  begin
    // Wait for the window with the Project Manager caption to become visible
    WaitForWindowWithCaption('Project Manager');
  end
  else
  begin
    // Handle the error if the application fails to start
    ShowMessage('Failed to launch the application.');
  end;
  // Clean up process handles

  CloseHandle(ProcessInfo.hProcess);
  CloseHandle(ProcessInfo.hThread);
  Sleep(1000);
  application.Terminate;
end;
end.



Edited to show DR version number

Frank, can I hire you?????

Of course you can, here is how to apply

What annoys me the most about the splash screens is that Resolve doesn't show the full version number. I find that more important than removing a bunch of marketing images.

Personally I think this thread is hilarious.

One man's droll humor is another man's Lovecraftian horror.

I avoid the trauma of the splash screen by leaving the room. I have trained my dog to bark when the application is loaded and it is safe to return. The only downside to this is that Fido barks furiously any time I open the Project Manager.

Minor Master’s Thesis: An Analysis of the Content of Program Splash Screens
Abstract: This thesis explores the visual and informational content of program splash screens

Sorry, but as your thesis adviser, I'm going to have send it back and suggest you or Sam Altman take my course again. Your assignment was an analysis of the contextual properties and fantasy promotions of the Davinci Resolve Splash screens.

[quote="Frazer Bradshaw"]For several version now, I've been lamenting - even loathing - the Resolve splash screens. The models with their clear lack of command of the tools they're depicted with, .....


Whaaaat?

Those "Models" are my Best Personal Friends! We hang together at exclusive Coffee Bars, and discuss Taylor Swift and Boyonce's latest releases !!!

(And the Environment, of course!)

IB

I actually like the splash screens. It's just Uncanny enough that It's like a representation of what i hope people think of when I say I'm an editor.

What annoys me the most about the splash screens is that Resolve doesn't show the full version number. I find that more important than removing a bunch of marketing images.

YES! please, show the FULL VERSION NUMBER at least....

Frank, can I hire you?????

Haha - any time

And while at it ...

Lol! So awesome.. gonna check out some podcasts on your channel on my way to the office tomorrow

What annoys me the most about the splash screens is that Resolve doesn't show the full version number.

Amen! _THIS_, I believe, should be a must.

YES! please, show the FULL VERSION NUMBER at least....

100% agree -- it should say "version 19.0.1" instead of "version 19."

yup, +1, full version number please.

The embarrassment of this thread - - Seriously, who cares...

Personally, I think the splash screens look great, and honestly, I'd love to see even more of them! The program, the design aesthetic of BMD's presentation sets, all of it. It feels pretty cohesive to me, and I find it appealing.

They're clean, they look good, and the best part? They have ZERO impact on how the program runs. It's an artistic decision made by BMD and the person who designed them.

If you're bothered by them, have you considered that others might not be? What's the point of this thread anyway? It looks like it's implying that the people who created these screens have no taste or did the most horrible job ever, or whatever is behind the "feelings".

It's such a non-issue, and the way it's been presented makes it seem like these are the worst things you've ever seen in your life.

I feel deeply embarrassed

Maybe try to grow thicker skin. What is that... "I feel deeply embarrassed."
"Oh no please, "client" don't look at my screen, I'm ashamed of these splash screens"

If you "really" feel that way, and it's not just some troll post, I think there is a deeper problem here.

Maxwell, I remember reading a post where the original user (for deeply personal religion reasons), cannot show "uncovered women" to clients when the splash screen shows up, He asked kindly to give a chance to remove it.

not everybody in the world has identical values, so, flexibility is appreciated.

Maxwell, I remember reading a post where the original user (for deeply personal religion reasons), cannot show "uncovered women" to clients when the splash screen shows up, He asked kindly to give a chance to remove it.

I think somebody suggested they get a shroud for the monitor and leave it on for five minutes after the system was turned on, so nobody would be frightened or annoyed by a woman's face on the screen.

Again, I would have no problem with a "Customized Splash Screen" option. Guaranteed, Stefan would go for a CO3 Logo:

It's such a non-issue, and the way it's been presented makes it seem like these are the worst things you've ever seen in your life.

I agree, I think there are always bigger issues for the dev team to spend their time fixing, and I have no problem with the splash screens at all. But with at least 3 million Resolve users out there, it figures that some would obsess on little tiny issues like the splash screen.

BTW, anybody remember the Resolve splash screen with the drunken client on the left, getting sloshed on wine, during a color session? It almost doesn't matter, since all the lights are on in the room...