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Re:OpenRocket by _moof on Wednesday March 18, 2026 @05:47PM (#47431833)
Software developers: I am begging you to put representative screenshots on the home page. This has become a real widespread problem.

I know you want to tell us all about the amazing (sincerely!) stuff under the hood, but to users, the interface is the product.

Re:OpenRocket by andai on Wednesday March 18, 2026 @06:50PM (#47432392)
I also like it when there's a short video that shows how the thing works and what it can do.
Re:OpenRocket by sibovg on Wednesday March 18, 2026 @07:55PM (#47432892)
Thanks for the suggestion, I've added it to our home page.
Re:OpenRocket by drewbuschhorn on Wednesday March 18, 2026 @07:59PM (#47432928)
Nice, it's much more clear to a layman like me! (Not the gp)
Re:OpenRocket by chillfox on Wednesday March 18, 2026 @08:53PM (#47433378)
Nice, that actually looks really good. I was not expecting that.

Usually when there's no screenshot or video for GUI apps I assume it's because the creator is not proud of it, so a sign that the UI will be shit.

Re:OpenRocket by sibovg on Wednesday March 18, 2026 @09:08PM (#47433507)
We spend a lot of effort on our UI and UX. I dare to say it's one of OpenRocket's defining features. There's still much work to be done though.
Re:OpenRocket by jaredhansen on Thursday March 19, 2026 @12:58AM (#47435141)
This is one of my favorite things about HN.

I'm into rockets, and clicked the link earlier today. I shared the suggestor's view, but didn't bother to post. I came back now, saw the comment thread had updated significantly, noticed that OP had addressed the suggestion, clicked again -- and noticed, hey wow, there are cool screenshots now, these are a lot more interesting, this is better than I thought!

Re:OpenRocket by hermitcrab on Thursday March 19, 2026 @09:47AM (#47439377)
That is a big improvement.

A short looping video of the software in action might also be good. But a lot more effort.

Re:OpenRocket by sitagosan on Thursday March 19, 2026 @09:49AM (#47439410)
The screenshots looks great, definitely helps someone unfamiliar like me get a feel for what to expect.
Re:OpenRocket by DetroitThrow on Thursday March 19, 2026 @03:42PM (#47444811)
The product is much cooler than I thought. Great update.
Re:OpenRocket by deadbunny on Wednesday March 18, 2026 @05:55PM (#47431919)
Re:OpenRocket by andai on Wednesday March 18, 2026 @06:48PM (#47432371)
Here's how this page looks on my phone:

https://files.catbox.moe/2idw98.jpg

Re:OpenRocket by _moof on Wednesday March 18, 2026 @06:09PM (#47432022)
I said

> on the home page

and I meant it

Re:OpenRocket by p0u4a on Wednesday March 18, 2026 @06:57PM (#47432455)
Sadly they don't teach Show Don't Tell in the lectures
Re:OpenRocket by jdjdjdjdjd on Wednesday March 18, 2026 @05:55PM (#47431917)
Yes!!
Re:OpenRocket by jofzar on Wednesday March 18, 2026 @09:16PM (#47433564)
I can't believe how common this is now, if you dont have screenshots AND a video you are shooting yourself in the foot.

If anyone is curious of what I expect (in page order top to bottom)

Screenshot of complete product ui with description (showing complete UI)

Button to the download/buy product.

Header/tagline description of feature below:

Screenshot of individual parts of the UI (These are more often then not videos these days/gifs). Description of these screenshots

Buttons to expand to another page to learn more.

Bluntly, Just copy what other companies are doing. They are doing it because it works.

Example

https://www.todoist.com/ https://discord.com/