01.
Goal
This was my first iPhone app design – a passion project born in my free time. I wanted to build a puzzle game rooted in a simple but addictive concept: connecting lighting bulbs in a network. The goal was to combine that classic puzzle mechanic with a strong visual identity, making something both immediately approachable and increasingly challenging.
02.
Gameplay
The core gameplay is straightforward: a central lit bulb sits in the middle of a field, surrounded by other bulbs that need to be connected to it. Each surrounding bulb has wires linking to its neighbors and must be rotated (by tapping) in discrete 60° steps to align connections. The game is won when all bulbs are properly connected and lit. Difficulty ramps up as levels progress.
03.
Visual details
The visual language leans into warmth and texture: incandescent bulbs glowing with yellow light, realistic details, and tactile elements. The interface inspired by retro amplifiers and steampunk – I added a flipping timer, a toggle switch, and a slider reminiscent of an old mixer, alongside subtle animations and sound effects to enhance immersion.
04.
Results
Bulbs and Wires launched in 2012 and reached thousands of iPhones. Over the years, it became the longest-running project I’ve developed. Still available for free on the App Store, the game continues to challenge players more than a decade later.
