Labels: Managing User Expectations
By Patrick Cox on
An article about how to manage user expectations by properly labeling UI components. The better users are able to predict what an interaction will do, the more trust
best practices
A Great UI is Invisible
By Patrick Cox on
A user interface that is invisible and that provides seamless interaction possibilities will help the user focus on their goals and direct them to what they need.
HexaFlip: A Flexible 3D Cube Plugin
By Dan Motzenbecker on
HexaFlip is a JavaScript UI plugin that let's you use 3D cubes as interface elements. Dive into the process of creating the plugin and learn some best practices rega
Designing with Motion
By Henry Modisett on
Animations in a website or app should be subtle, complex, and natural. The right combination of these can make a UI feel responsive and alive.
Defending Presentational Class Names
By Philip Walton on
Should presentational class names always be avoided or is that too dogmatic? As web development changes, perhaps it's time to reexamine the issue.
Learning Principles for Improving Your CSS
By Hugo “Kitty” Giraudel on
This article will cover some basic principles and tips on how to learn and become better at CSS, based on personal experience.
Creating Off-Center Balance: Using Asymmetry in Web Design
By Carrie Cousins on
Asymmetrical design techniques can be visually intriguing and create distinct focal points. Here are a couple of inspirational examples and tips on how to employ asy
The Unwritten Rules of a Great Design Critique
By Patrick Cox on
Design critiques are not only the way to an improved design, they are also a great educational opportunity for all parties involved. If held properly by following so
Stop, Look, Click: Attention-Grabbing Elements in Web Design
By Carrie Cousins on
There have been many studies on attention with very significant results coming from the area of cognitive neuroscience and psychology. It is an interesting challenge
Make a Statement with Type
By Carrie Cousins on
Font choices can have an impact on how your message is communicated and how people feel about the words on the page.
Dashboard Design Elements for the Win
By Patrick Cox on
Proper admin panel or dashboard design is an often neglected part in a web app. Designing and building dashboards is not an easy task and it's good to know what the
Build a Color Scheme: The Fundamentals
By Patrick Cox on
Let's dig into the very fundamentals of building a color scheme for your web design: what colors fit to which context, how do combinations work and what color scheme
Do I Really Need A Style Guide?
By Patrick Cox on
What is a style guide and when should you use one? We'll summarize the main properties of a style guide, what it should contain and how you can determine if you shou
Perfectly Paired: Using Symmetry in Web Design
By Carrie Cousins on
Create a sense of balance and harmony by using symmetry elements design scheme.
We Are Architects
By Patrick Cox on
We all have a vision of what architects do, right? They sit in front of CAD all day drawing walls, doors and toilets on floor plans, right? But after realizing the d
Creative Background Styles and Trends in Web Design
By Carrie Cousins on
The right background style can really set the tone for your website. We'll explore some great examples and current trends in website backgrounds that include large i
Inject Energy Into Your Mobile Design with Light Effects
By Patrick Cox on
Light effects have been spicing up graphic designs for years. It's a great way to add interest, realism, abstractionism, or even energy to a bland experience. Used p
Designing the Dreaded Form: Getting Creative
By Patrick Cox on
In this follow-up article about designing forms we'll dig into how to actually become creative and apply some interesting design concepts to spice up your form.