Description
OnCommand is a macOS game that teaches keyboard shortcuts in a fun and high-pressure way. The mechanic is simple: a command appears on screen (e.g., ⌘+B for bold), you press the correct combination before the timer runs out. If you get it right, you advance. If you fail, it’s game over. Every 3 correct answers, the timer decreases, making the game progressively more intense.
Collaborative project developed at the Apple Developer Academy in Naples. Published on the App Store.
Problem
Keyboard shortcuts save an enormous amount of time, but most people only know the basics (copy, paste). Learning new shortcuts is boring if you just read them from a list. OnCommand turns that learning into a time-pressured game that activates muscle memory.
My role
I contributed to the app’s development as part of the team. I worked on game logic, sprite animation integration per shortcut, and the app’s structure. The project was collaborative and each member contributed from their strengths, including pixel art, sound design, and programming.
Technical decisions
- Native macOS platform: built in SwiftUI, leveraging native system APIs to capture low-level keyboard events.
- Pixel art aesthetic: each shortcut has its own custom sprite animation designed by the team, giving the game a unique visual identity.
- Progressive difficulty: the timer starts generous and decreases by 0.5 seconds every 3 correct answers (minimum 3 seconds). Challenges are randomized each session.
- Scoring system: points are calculated proportionally to the remaining time, rewarding speed. The high score persists between sessions.
Key learnings
- Building for macOS presents different challenges than iOS: keyboard event capture, window management, and user expectations are fundamentally different.
- A simple but well-polished game can be more effective for teaching than a complex educational app.
- Pixel art and cohesive visual identity make an enormous difference in product perception.