Archive for month: May, 2019

Original Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/1stwebdesigner/~3/Uy9iRDKkbpU/

When we think of content management systems (CMS), we often think about popular offerings such as WordPress and Drupal. Both rely on a traditional MySQL database, where a website’s content and settings are stored. However, not all systems work this way.

A flat file CMS, for example, eschews the need for a database server. They store site data in a simple text file. This cuts down on latency and can vastly improve site performance. It also opens the door for more customized data structures, easier portability and the ability to scale.

Today, we’ll introduce you to some of the more popular and intriguing flat file systems. They vary in feature sets and range anywhere from free to a few hundred dollars. Read on to find an option that fits your needs.

Statamic

One of the most well-known flat file systems, Statamic is based on the popular Laravel PHP framework. It offers a full suite of features, from built in forms, powerful media management and version control via git.

Manage your site through a well-thought-out dashboard (you can even access updates and maintenance features via the command line). There is also a library of third-party themes and addons that allow you to extend site functionality.

We should note that Statamic is commercial software, with a single site license running $199 USD. This entitles you to unlimited support and updates, however. And the software will run on virtually any server that can handle PHP. If you want to try it out first on a local environment, a free trial is available.

Kirby

Kirby is all about customization. For example, while an installation includes a templating engine based on PHP and HTML, you also have the ability to replace it with just about anything you want. But it doesn’t stop with your standard design and development. The CMS also allows developers to customize the admin panel to reflect the needs of the site itself. Things like the admin layout, permissions and fields can be added via files called Blueprints.

You’ll also find some unique features, such as the ability to use Markdown (extended via KirbyText), version control and a built-in REST API. True to form, Kirby will also work with other data sources – including databases.

Note that Kirby is also commercial software, with licenses running €99 per site. But you can try it for free on your local server.

October CMS

Like Statamic above, October CMS is based on Laravel. It features unobtrusive templating and utilizes the Twig template engine. This makes theming a fairly straightforward experience. Included support for Partials and Components allow for building modular sites, where code can be used and re-used. Extend things even further by installing (or creating your own) plugins.

Assets such as media files can be easily managed through the UI. Plus, you can integrate files from AWS or other cloud-based services. Files are sortable by type (images, video, documents, etc.) and can be stored in folders. This is somewhat similar to what you’d expect to find in an operating system.

October CMS is free and open source.

Grav

Grav separates itself from some other flat file systems in a few ways. First, the admin panel is optional. The CMS can be administered directly via the command line by default, but a full-featured dashboard is available via a free plugin. Second, like WordPress, it’s capable of a multisite installation – meaning you can run multiple websites from one instance of the CMS.

Like others in this roundup, you’ll also find lots of flexibility. Grav includes the ability to write content in Markdown or HTML, add custom fields, posts types or taxonomies, and works with the Twig templating engine. You can also extend functionality via plugins.

Free and open source, Grav boasts an enthusiastic community of developers.

Bolt

Featuring a back end built with a focus on content creation, Bolt offers a plethora of options for online publishers. A user management feature allows administrators to assign user levels to specific types of content, while a developer level allows for settings and template tweaks.

Theming is handled via Twig, and built-in form capabilities allow you to correspond with users without the use of a plugin. On the back end, Bolt is built on top of the Silex PHP framework and uses Symfony components. One unique feature is the ability to completely white-label the CMS – allowing developers to fully brand the admin area.

Bolt is open source available for free. Plus, all of its core code is available on GitHub.

Fast and Full of Features

Just hearing the term “flat file” can give the impression that you’re missing out on something. If it doesn’t use a traditional database, it can’t be very good, right?

A deeper look shows that a flat file CMS can be very competitive. The features available in the systems above are on par with their database-driven counterparts. And there are even some pretty compelling advantages to choosing flat file.

Among the biggest is that you can run a full-featured CMS quite efficiently on just about any level of web hosting. You don’t need a ton of horsepower to run a fairly large, high-performance website.

So, if you’re in the market for a new CMS, don’t be afraid to check out a flat file system. You may be surprised at how much they can do.

Original Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/abduzeedo/~3/uWW5yUZnnJE/life-lesson-my-learnings-completing-30-ux-design-interviews

Life Lesson – My learnings from completing 30+ UX Design Interviews

AoiroStudioMay 16, 2019

François here from ABDZ. I would like to share a life lesson, it’s more than a lesson actually. I recently completed about 30+ UX design interviews during the course of the last 4-5 months, It’s not something I would pride myself about but I did learn numerous lessons that I would treasure to share on ABDZ. Wherever you are a long-time reader, new to the blog, professional or beginner; there are some actions in this article you can unquestionably learn from. Shall we give it a start?

Why? What? How?

First of all, why did I started this ambition? What were my goals? And how did I managed to tackle them. Right? Well it all started from a lack of accomplishment and unhappiness I was feeling from my previous gig. This lack of happiness became more of a real issue so I decided to part ways and tackle this “quest” to find me, the best design job I could possibly find and for my family. I was going to go all out on this “quest” because I have true confidence in my past work, my profile, and furthermore with my skill set. First and foremost I had my list of “requirements”:

Good salary
On-site anywhere in the World
Great challenges
Team ethics, design process
Benefits

A remote position would be a great addition to the list. For my case, I needed a change in the scenery. I have been living in the same city for 30+ years and cold winter days shouldn’t be part of our daily life anymore. *Cough Hello Montreal!

Some tools

During the course of these interviews, there were some weeks where I actually had more than 6 interviews all lined up in the path of two days, which is a lot to take in. So It was good to have Notion for example where I was able to create a “workspace” for all the places that I applied to and enter the individually updates. You should definitely check it out if you haven’t yet. Find the best tools that work the best for you and I find out that going “analog” helped a lot as well: the simple pencil/notebook was easily my choice for quick note-taking and later review everything into Notion.

Notion HQ

Before to begin

Remember job searching is not easy. Depending on your goals, your background, your experience and etc. During my search, I did get false hopes, got lied to, ghosted and it’s part of the game. It’s draining and not motivating at times, but again if you have the right balance and preparation. You should be able to balance it all, be warned still. There is nothing short of easy unless you have to give it your best. On the other side, I did meet and had conversation exchanges with some of the best in our industry. It’s always rewarding to know there are good people in our community. I will come back to that.

There is nothing short of easy unless you have to give it your best.

First, your resume

Be as transparent as possible. Look at your resume and if you were sharing a piece of you especially your work experience. I did manage to get my resume reviewed by several recruiters and collect their feedback so I can improve it. It helped a lot to justify several questions they might have got and I solved them through iterations on my own. I did collect small details that I just didn’t care but it was very important. Think of previous job dates! Recruiters and managers have little time to scan your resume so make sure you have a clear description of:

Company, your role, dates
What were your tasks for the role
What were your/or team design process
Skills, tools, “fields of design”
Be prepared to rework your portfolio many “many” times

Yes, you heard me! I think I have worked my portfolio 5-6 times and now I just can’t look at it anymore! Hah! It’s the best part of our job I think, reliving the past work and re-envision what worked well and what you would have done better under different circumstances.

Include the problem, process and solution
Include your contributions vs your team
If you wanna share a side-project? Please do!

Build your portfolio with 3-5 case studies, why case studies? It’s great to emphasize your past work through storytelling and share the pillars: problem, process, and solution. Try to visualize it this way, imagine yourself presenting your portfolio without you being there. Is it easy to navigate, does it answer to the pillars? We can totally continue this subject on the next on ABDZ…to be continued.

Understanding the hiring process

Hiring teams nowadays are doing a tremendous job to keep you in the loop during the entire process. Hat’s off to the recruiters for their work and taking the time to process it all. I am thankful for the many recruiters I have met and their work to make the entire process easier and less painful at times. Especially when “wait” becomes a great factor of “inquiétudes” which means worries. Some companies will even take the time to send proper documentation so you understand the entire hiring process which is a huge step from past years. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if you think they are dumb. They are no dumb questions.

Prep, prep and prep!

Recruiters might help you a chunk with the hiring process but you still have to do the heavy lifting. Preparations! Take the time to learn about the company you are applying for:

their story, product and services (if it does apply)
hiring process (on-site interviews), design process, company’s ethics
be passionate on learning more about them

About the on-site interviews, I beautifully “failed” one last year and I wrote my experience on ABDZ. There are a tons of great references out there but my piece of advice. Practice! The more you practice, the more you will be comfortable when you will be in this situation.

Build a network

You think the community is big but it is actually small. So keep it alive! My biggest job facilitator for me has been Twitter. I love Twitter and it’s an incredible platform to meet and interact with some of the best in the industry. If you are not on Twitter yet, please do NOW. Like NOW. If things don’t work out, don’t burn bridges with people because you never know when you will cross their path again. This is a lesson for me, I did burn bridges in the past and it’s not a great feeling. I learned my lesson though. Now, I rather take a neutral approach with everybody and keep it leveled even if things don’t go the way you would expect.

by YaroFlasher

Don’t be an a**hole. Period.

It’s kind of related to my previous paragraph, we navigate through a small but powerful community. Let me share this story that will totally make you see how our community is amazing and filled with incredible people. I went inside someone’s DMs on Twitter and poked that person for a job opportunity (That company was looking for their next designer). That person went to ask for my resume and portfolio so I sent it. And that person came back with very good critique feedback on my portfolio. It mentioned that my portfolio (at the time) was just “a detailed version of my resume.” I could have just flipped that person off and that would be it. But instead, I was so motivated by that critique so I spent the next four days redesigning my portfolio. That newer version of my portfolio opened even more doors that I could ever imagine. It totally pays off to listen for a change and learn to accept a critique of your work which is never easy. Thank you to this person for taking their time to critique my portfolio.

It totally pays off to listen for a change and learn to accept a critique of your work which is never easy.

Epicjobs by Dann Petty

One last thing but not least. I would like to share a shout to epicjobs.co, it’s a rad initiative by the mighty Dann Petty who is making this mission to help us find a job. You get to meet the people behind those job postings which is pretty wicked if you ask me. I wish this initiative existed before I started my search but wanted to take with you guys because it’s really great and helpful for our design community. Make sure to follow #epicjobs.

Last words

I hope this article helped you in some ways, again this experience helped me a lot understanding my goals and your dream job might be closer than you think. Again, be yourself. It’s the best advice I have ever got and if things don’t work out. Don’t let it go and work harder to achieve your goals. If you have any feedback, give me a shout on Twitter and if you have any inquiries for us at ABDZ. You find us through ABDZ Facebook.

Original Source: https://www.hongkiat.com/blog/childhood-technology/

Have you ever reminisced about the technology you used as a child or teenager? It’s amazing how excited we were back then with electronics like the Nintendo game console or a mobile phone the…

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Original Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CreativeBloq/~3/TCM1z29T7tg/business-card-designs-5132829

In the design world, a business card acts as a mini creative resume. Your business card should leave people with a powerful impression of your identity as a design professional, the best business cards are a brilliant marketing tool that help showcase your unique style and help you stand out.

A standard business card based on one of the business card templates is a wasted opportunity to reflect a piece of your personality, and will leave you instantly forgettable to potential new clients.

If all this talk of new clients has reminded you that your portfolio is looking a little tired, don't fret as we've rounded up the best portfolio examples as inspiration for a refresh.

01. Iris Compiet

Artist and illustrator Iris Compiet has made something truly special for her business card design. Inside the simple envelope lies an intricate concertina booklet depicting examples of her vibrant illustrations. To literally give out a portfolio as a business card is a fantastic bit of PR and shows real attention to detail.

02. Lush

For the best results, spread seeds then add lush. Genius

This brilliant business card design by Struck Creative cleverly doubles as a seed pouch for lawn and property management company Lush. Not only does it provide all the relevant information in a clear and concise way, it hold precious cargo, meaning it's much less likely to be discarded. 

03. Gong Kantapon

Kantapon covered a poster of a woman in mini cards that passers-by could peel off

New York City-based illustrator Gong Kantapon went all out when it came to getting his business card noticed. Kantapon covered a poster of a woman in mini cards, that passers-by could peel off and take away. It got everyone's full attention by leaving people wondering just what would be revealed when the cards were removed.

04. Lego business card

These Lego minifig business cards are customised to match their owner

Not only do the guys who work at Lego have a super-cool job, they also get these awesome Lego minifigure business cards. It's been reported that the company does its best to match each employee's features, even down to their hair and accessories. The individual's name, email and contact number are then printed on the figure's clothes. Best business card ever!

05. Bon Vivant

Ad agency JWT designed this awesome cheese grater business card design for Bon Vivant

We love this business card, which doubles as a tiny cheese grater, for Brazilian cheese store Bon Vivant. Created by ad agency JWT, the clever networking tool had proved extremely popular, with the owner having to tell customers to wait a few days before returning to take another. The awesome design also comes complete with a protective sleeve. All in all, a simply grate idea! (See what we did there? OK, we'll get our coats…)

06. Cotton business cards

These business cards have a hidden secret

These business cards from MOO may not look anything out of the ordinary, but they’re in fact made entirely out of offcuts from cotton T-shirts (the fabric left over once the pattern has been cut out). The company worked with Mohawk Fine Papers to reinvent one of the oldest methods of paper-making. 

The T-shirt offcuts are collected, turned into a pulp then dried and pressed into strong, flexible, naturally bright white paper, ready to be turned into premium business cards. Watch the video to see how it’s done.

07. Engraved

John T. Kim created this design by laser cutting and etching basswood

The clue is in the title of these 'Engraved' unique business cards by New York-based designer John T. Kim. Created by laser cutting and etching basswood, the woodgrain pattern makes every card truly unique. Engraved started life as a kickstarted project with a funding goal of $1,500. It ran for 30 days, and during that time garnered enough attention to raise nearly $24,000.

08. MODHair

This cool musical comb business card plays a rock theme

When its owner runs their fingernail along the teeth of this musical comb, it plays a classic rock theme. The innovative concept was developed by Amsterdam-based designer Fabio Milito for MODhair, a rock'n'roll hair salon in Rome. A brilliant way to encapsulate the brand's identity in a single card.

09. Bentply

This ingenious business card can be folded into a miniature armchair

What you see here is a neat letterpress business card and mailer for furniture shop Bentply in London that can be made into a mini plywood chair. The ingenious card was created by designer Richard C Evans and produced by Elegante Press in Lithuania. Just follow the instructions and the kiss-cut card can be folded into a miniature of the iconic 1934 plywood armchair designed by Gerald Summers.

10. Greek

A brilliant design by Draft FCB for Greek restaurant

OK, so these probably aren't the most practical business cards in the world, but the idea is pretty cool. Developed by Cape Town-based creative agency FCB, these creative cards were crafted for a Greek restaurant, and play on the traditional Greek custom of smashing plates. Made from broken pieces of pottery, the unique design is decorated simply with the restaurant's name and telephone number.

11. Yuka Suzuki

Hair and make-up artist Yuka Suzuki sells her creative skills with these brilliant business cards

The hair and make-up industry is a competitive one, so Yuka Suzuki decided to develop a business card that would make her stand out from the crowd. The clever design uses different coloured hair grips to create colourful hair styles, and the owner gets some free hair accessories to boot. Cool huh?

12. Choko La

Clients get two treats with this design; a delicious chocolate and a brilliantly creative business card

This candy wrapper business card is, unsurprisingly, a popular design. Another entry by ad agency FCB, this time to promote a range of delicious chocolates. This design incorporates two treats; a chocolate and a brilliantly creative business card. Genius.

13. Techkeys

This business card design certainly ticks the ‘innovative’ box

We've come across what might be the world's geekiest offering; it's a business card that also doubles up as a computer keyboard, created by Techkeys. "This PCB with on-board re-programmable ATMEGA16U2 allows for full flexibility for hackers, tinkerers, and makers," says the company. "Take home one of these as a project, keycap display, switch tester, or a shortcut to yours truly, TechKeys.us."

14. Martyna Wędzicka

A personal and handmade approach makes these business cards unique

Polish designer Martyna Wędzicka has created these gorgeous business cards to highlight her hands-on approach to projects and design in general. The clear canvas allows Wędzicka to add a personal touch with some brilliant doodle art.

15. Elfriede-Lilly Friedeberg

The letterpress business cards capture Friedeberg’s aesthetic

Elfriede-Lilly Friedeberg is a Berlin-based illustrator and graphic design student who creates inspiring, colourful and cute characters and patterns that are guaranteed to raise a smile. Packed full of pastel tones and handmade style, these brilliant business cards sum Friedeberg up perfectly.

16. Cerovski

London-based agency Bunch was responsible for the business cards

These business cards were created for Cerovski – a Croatian print production studio that revels in the challenge of “nebulous finishing, microscopic editions, absurd materials and crazy deadlines”. London design agency Bunch was responsible for developing its entire brand – which included a custom logotype and typeface – but it's the business cards that we've fallen in love with.

17. Doctor Zamenhof

These business card designs will make you drop your jaw in awe

Spain-based design studio Doctor Zamenhof aims to 'diagnose' design problems and prescribe remedies and solutions. Continuing this medical theme, the team has designed this rather brilliant set of business cards that mimic tongue depressors. The stick shape features all of the design studio's contact information and will certainly stand out from other business card offerings.

18. Vitor Bonates

Vitor Bonates combines work and play with these creative business cards

How cool is this personal buisness card for designer Vitor Bonates? A self-confessed lover of music and vinyl, Bonates based his card on classic vinyl records, replacing track name and details with his own and finishing off the design with a sleeve that holds the replica record. A simple but brilliant idea.

19. BDH Millwork

Leftover wood from BDH Millwork provides the material for its innovative business card

Canadian advertising studio WAX are the team behind these sophisticated buisness cards for cabinet-maker Brad Haniak of BDH Millwork. On a tiny budget, the WAX team came up with the idea of rubber-stamping Haniak's business card information onto pieces of leftover wood, available in abundance at his carpentry workshop.

20. Powell Peralta

We love the design and attention to detail in these skateboard business cards

We're a little in love with these miniature skateboard business cards for American skateboard company Powell-Peralta. The design follows true skateboard style, made of thin wood and featuring grip tape on one side surrounding a skull design. Created by the talented bunch over at Jukebox, all it needs now is a set of wheels!

21. Ritornell

This is one of the coolest business cards we've come across to date. As an integral part of its set list, Austrian duo Ritornell invites the audience to bring along their private music boxes. Katharina Hölzl designed the very special business cards, with the aid of laser-assisted milling. They feature nine micro compositions consisting of circles, triangles and Ritornell's contact information applied to a long music box paper stripe.

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Original Source: https://www.sitepoint.com/web-design-agencies-are-you-using-these-life-saving-tools-resources/?utm_source=rss

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Digital design technology is forever changing. Design trends come, and design trends go. Some design tools keep pace with the latest trends, and some don't.

An effective way to keep a competitive edge is to maintain an awareness of the best tools and resources. You need to know where you might be able to use them to your advantage.

There's a problem with that approach. It's that you'll find yourself having to sort among an embarrassment of riches. Not all tools and resources can qualify as being top-of-the-line of course. To find the best of the best can involve quite a bit of searching.

We've pulled together a nice little collection of top site, tools, apps, and resources. All of them are designed to make your work easier, and keep you up with the times. They can help you maintain that competitive edge.

Starting with:

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