Design exploration / Retro / Y2K

Static FM

An early-web radio desktop with a persistent player, draggable windows, and a modern accessible shell.

Static FM retro desktop with bevelled application windows and a radio player
Screenshot of the deployed concept project. Select the image to view it full size.

The idea behind the interface.

A fictional independent radio station presented as a playful early-2000s desktop. Bevelled windows, pixel details, and a Winamp-inspired player hide a responsive application with shareable routes, persistent playback, and a conventional simple mode.

Inside the build

  1. One audio player persists across navigation and supports Media Session metadata, archive playback, and a Web Audio visualiser.
  2. URL-driven windows can be opened, focused, dragged, minimized, and maximized; tablet and phone layouts use dedicated shells.
  3. A time-zone-aware programme supports calendar export and offline access, alongside switchable skins and reduced-motion controls.

Scope & context

Concept project. The default stream is a synthesized demo loop, listener counts are simulated, and guestbook moderation is local. Real membership needs a backend.