What it does
(Not Boring) Calculator reimagines the basic calculator as a delightful, interactive experience. While performing standard arithmetic, the app provides rich visual, auditory, and haptic feedback for every tap. It's a utility designed not just for function, but for fun, offering extensive personalization through a variety of creative 'skins' that change the entire look and feel of the interface.
Where it shines
The app's strength is in its exceptional interaction design. Every calculation, like the simple addition at 00:38, feels satisfying. Numbers don't just appear; they bounce, morph, and settle with custom sounds and haptic responses. This turns a mundane task into a moment of play. The app also shines in its customization, offering a wide array of artistic skins (01:46) that fundamentally alter the app's appearance, from minimalist wireframes to colorful, cartoonish monsters.
UX highlights
- Tactile Feedback: The combination of sound, haptics, and animation on every button press makes the calculator feel physical and responsive.
- Playful Animations: Results fluidly animate into view (00:55), reinforcing the calculation with a touch of personality.
- Direct Error Correction: The "Tap to Fix Mistakes" prompt (00:39) allows users to edit previous inputs directly, a more intuitive flow than a standard backspace.
- Minimalist Interface: The primary interface is clean and uncluttered, focusing entirely on the numbers and core operators.
- Seamless Skin Previews: Browsing and applying new skins is a fluid experience, with smooth transitions that showcase the premium content effectively (01:48).
Monetization & growth
The app uses a 'soft paywall' strategy. The core calculator is functional from the start, but the first interaction triggers a paywall screen (00:16) for the "Plus" version. This paywall is rich with social proof, highlighting an Apple Design Award, positive press mentions, and high user ratings (00:24). It smartly presents a lifetime purchase option first, alongside monthly and yearly subscriptions, to appeal to users tired of recurring payments.
Who it’s for
This calculator is for people who appreciate high-quality design and are willing to pay for a superior user experience, even for a basic utility. Its target audience likely includes designers, developers, creatives, and tech enthusiasts who value polish and personality in their tools. It's for anyone who wants to replace a stock app with something that feels special.
Notes & opportunities
While the interactions are superb, the path to settings and skins is not immediately obvious, tucked behind a small icon at the top right. For an app whose monetization relies on selling these skins, making them more discoverable could be beneficial. Additionally, the flat list of skins could become hard to navigate as more are added; categorization or filtering might improve the browsing experience.