FireplaceGo

Overview

FireplaceGo is a virtual fireplaces and scenes website created to provide endless options of cozy fireplaces and relaxing scenes. With over 40 fireplaces to choose from, each fireplace can have the crackling sound turned on or off, a text overlay, and background music. Users can also display a clock with weather, date, and time information to complete the perfect ambiance. FireplaceGo was designed with large text and elements to make menu options easily viewed on screens at a distance, creating a comfortable lean-back experience. The site includes a Christmas countdown scene with more scenes coming soon.

Challenges

There were several challenges in creating FireplaceGo. The first challenge was using YouTube to host the videos and displaying them in fullscreen without YouTube branding and recommended videos. Another challenge was creating a continuous seamless loop of videos and sourcing free fireplace videos to use. The user interface and UX design had to be created so that the site's 'television experience' or 'lean back experience' would occur at a distance of at least ten feet away without overscanning on TVs and large screens. Additionally, we had to find a way to copy sharing links directly to the clipboard without the user having to copy them and share the fireplace exactly as it appears to the user. Finally, creating an artificial fireplace that runs purely with JavaScript and the Christmas countdown scene were challenging tasks.

Solutions

We found a solution for each challenge we encountered while creating FireplaceGo. We created custom controls for the YouTube videos to display them in fullscreen without YouTube branding and recommended videos. We also used a video player that allowed seamless loop and sourced free fireplace videos. The user interface and UX design were carefully planned with large text and elements to create a comfortable lean-back experience at a distance of at least ten feet away, without overscanning on TVs and large screens. We implemented a feature that allows users to copy sharing links directly to the clipboard, sharing the fireplace exactly as it appears to the user. Finally, we developed an artificial fireplace that runs purely with JavaScript and created the Christmas countdown scene.

The Results

FireplaceGo has been a success, providing users with endless virtual fireplaces and scenes to create the perfect ambiance. Users can choose from over 40 fireplaces with customizable features, including a clock with weather, date, and time information, text overlays, and background music. The site's 'television experience' or 'lean back experience' can be enjoyed at a distance of at least ten feet away without overscanning on TVs and large screens. The artificial fireplace runs purely with JavaScript, providing an additional cozy option for users. The Christmas countdown scene has been a popular feature with more scenes coming soon.