When people first started interacting with computers, software designers chose visual metaphors to help users acclimate to the new environment. The folder icon is a good early example. It immediately made sense that this was a place to store documents. The idea that one could organize documents in folders was perfectly intuitive because it was [...]
Author Archive: Todd
New Year’s Resolution: Be More Responsive
You may have heard 2012 referred to as the “year of the tablet.” Indeed, tablet sales are booming, and on pace to eclipse PC sales by 2015. Impressive, but let’s not forget that smartphone sales surpassed PC sales last year. And in 2013, it’s expected that mobile web search will surpass desktop web search. That [...]
I Beach Ball NY?
Milton Glaser created the iconic “I Love NY” logo in 1977—pro bono and in just two weeks. Glaser recently noted that even he “had no idea how durable and symbolic of New York it would turn out to be.” One of the most successful logos ever created, Glaser’s masterful design is recognized (and often co-opted) the [...]
A Gold Medal for … Finishing Last?
When you consider an event with the scale and reach of the Olympic Games, you can be sure the branding stakes are high. Every host city strives to forge a distinctive identity, while honoring and respecting more than a century of modern games. Easier said than done? You got that right. The London [...]
You Know When You’ve Been Tango’d
Who can forget my bullish prediction that purple would be a design trend in 2010? Well, as it happened, Pantone—the self-appointed “global authority on color”—respectfully disagreed, giving their nod to Turquoise instead. To be fair, Pantone’s picks tend to lean toward fashion, home, and cosmetics. (This year’s shade—Honeysuckle—is likely a bit too pretty-in-pink for that [...]
Typography Tenets: More Design Tips for Non-designers
You’ve worked hard to create a singular voice; visual focus is just as important. Here are some quick guidelines to avoid common font mistakes and help keep your docs looking pro.
On The Importance Of Font Selection
Cleveland Cavaliers’ coach Dan Gilbert was understandably upset when Lebron James snubbed his hometown. He pulled no punches in his very public letter to Cavs fans, posted front and center on the team page on nba.com. Except when he chose to typeset his post in the most mocked font of all time: Comic Sans.
Context Between Content: The Importance Of White Space
You may have heard the proverb: “Do not speak unless you can improve the silence.” When it comes to design, silence is the empty—or negative—space in your layout.
Living on the grid: Design tips for non-designers
When it comes to design, there are a few simple principles you can follow to vastly improve the results. One such guideline is the grid-based layout.
