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 [...]
"Techy Designer" Archive
Tips and tricks from our Techy Designer. Love gadgets and web DIY? Tired of reading about chocolate? This is your sweet spot.
Pictures Worth More Than a Thousand Words: Using Animated Video in Online Marketing Campaigns
Today’s online marketing campaigns are often forced into the small smartphone viewing area, where everything that can be “above the fold” must be “above the fold.” The name of the game is still the same, however: Getting consumers’ attention and holding it long enough to create an impression that leads to action. Animated videos can [...]
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 [...]
Why Infographics Work
Infographics are a powerful design tool. They soar into a realm where bar charts, pie charts, and raw data can never travel: instantaneous emotional connection. Let’s look at an example from USAID (below). At first glance, the poster’s strong symbols and clear typography lead us in and boldly declare the theme of the story. The [...]
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 [...]
My Smartphone Love Affair
Swept off her feet by a sexy smartphone, this Content Bureau designer wonders how long it will be until she’s replaced by a newer model …
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.
Keywords Can Help Your Designer Choose the Perfect Imagery
When a marketing manager works with a designer, great communication is essential. Many of your designer’s questions are automatically answered if your company has clear branding guidelines—including logo, templates, and color schemes. But there’s always room for design creativity, and that often involves choosing the right imagery to tell your story. Let your designer know: [...]
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.
