1. Computing

Get Started with HTML 5

HTML 5 is the latest specification of HTML. And it was just made into a working draft. So more browsers will begin supporting more parts of the specification. So now is a great time to start learning HTML 5.

HTML 5 Tutorials
Web Design / HTML Spotlight10

Can we have a constructive discussion about this?

Tuesday May 21, 2013

Today in my newsletter I said some things that may have seemed controversial to some people. If you haven't read it you can read it here. In brief, I believe that most designers are perfectionists, and they can often let that perfectionism get in the way of moving a site forward. I believe several things:

  • Web designers should strive for perfection, but relax and enjoy what happens to their creation when it is used.
  • Most web designers work on commercial sites or they create sites for commercial purposes (i.e. they are paid to build them), and they need to recognize that there are more factors involved in building a website than just aesthetics.
  • A pixel-perfect design that is delivered late can be worse than a less perfect design delivered on time.

These thoughts struck a nerve with at least one reader who responded to my newsletter with:

“YOU ARE AN IDIOT!!”

Is Roxana right? Am I an idiot for suggesting that there comes a point where worrying if a button is 2 pixels too far left or 3 pixels too far down is overkill? Am I an idiot for pointing out that sometimes the business needs take precedence over the aesthetics of one designer or an entire design team? Is it idiotic to assume that a site that functions correctly can be aesthetically pleasing, even if the designers still want to futz with it?

Share your thoughts in the comments below. I would like to talk more about this. I think it can open up an interesting discussion on where aesthetics and pragmatism collide. But if all you can do is call me names, please do that via email, as Roxana did. I would like to keep the public discussion civil. Thanks! :-)

Web pages need to load fast

Friday May 17, 2013

Speedy web pages is one of those things that seem to go in and out of fashion. But the reality is that good web designers are always conscious of how fast their pages load. Because customers will always notice when a page is slow. And sad to say, customers are not forgiving. If a page loads slowly most customers will leave even if the page has previously been fast.

Learn to speed up your pages: Speeding Up Your Web Pages

Learn More About Web Speed

Poll: Do you find it difficult to quote prices for design work?

Thursday May 16, 2013

Quoting prices is one of the things that many freelancers have trouble with. There's the fear that they aren't charging what they are worth. Then another fear that they are charging too much. Or just not knowing where to even start with prices. What do you think, is quoting prices hard?

More Help with Prices

Let’s Get Inspired — Minimal Monkey

Wednesday May 15, 2013

Website of Minimal Monkey
Website of Minimal Monkey

Here is an example of a minimalist design that could be used in a similar way on blogs or article directories. This is a simple site, but it's got a bunch of fun features hidden under the surface.

Read More: Minimal Monkey

What inspires you? Do you have a favorite site you visit for inspiration? Or are there just designs that you think are particularly good? Are there people you like to read on social media for inspiration?

Screen shot by J Kyrnin courtesy Minimal Monkey

Discuss in my forum

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