A place for my ideas, writing, and design
A design pattern is not a user interface component. Instead, a design pattern is a set of instructions, like a recipe, used to solve common interaction flows. For example, Search is more than a form field, a label, and a button. It’s the experience and flow of searching and all that comes with it.
Design Principles! They ensure we create digital experiences that are not only visually appealing but also user-centric, intuitive, and engaging. Think of them as first principles in that everything we deploy must adhere to these guidelines.
The Aesthetic-Usability Effect describes a phenomenon in which people perceive aesthetically pleasing designs as easier to use than less-pleasing designs.
In this month’s Free Digital Art, I started to create a matchbook cover inspired image with a flying fish because, come on, flying fish are amazing.
Imagine if there was a simple yet powerful psychological principle that could supercharge engagement and that has a proven track record of higher usage rate for satisfaction and retention. Enter the goal-gradient effect, a fascinating phenomenon rooted in human psychology.
In this article, we will define a design system, explain why they are important, and explore how design systems reduce the time, effort, and costs of moving designs through development, ultimately boosting productivity.
In the visual vocabulary of abstraction, I love to look for meaning or narrative. It’s when you put together random associations that you find creativity.
The Aesthetic-Usability Effect describes a phenomenon in which people perceive aesthetically pleasing designs as easier to use than less-pleasing designs.
I think we finally left the icy cold claw of Winter. Well, let’s just assume so I want to add some warmth and pop-fizzle to your walls! Free Wall Art!
One of the amazing things about this time of year is hearing all the bird songs. I find the sparrows inspiring for their tail feathers and ability to soar.
I took my daughter to a drawing class in January. She loves art. Before we began drawing, the instructor asked Lila: Do you know what commitment means?
Adam Robinson was on the Tim Ferriss show. I listened in not by choice but by fate. What a great episode. Have a listen and read his advice for graduates.
I didn’t always rise early. Then again I didn’t always go to bed early either. That was until my beautiful kids came along. However, we adapt.
When working on this project we explored options based on a few key principals: ethos, pathos, and appeal. See what developed.
This month’s free wall art is called Breathe. It’s a daily reminder that I need to recalibrate and either go for a walk or meditate. Need a reminder?
This month’s free wall art is called Your Best Bet. I love playing cards and nature. Together they make a very nice visual.
This month’s free wall art is called “Yeah, I think we’re pretty amazing.” Every family is less than perfect but that doesn’t mean we can’t embrace it.
This month’s free wall art is called “Rehumanize Yourself”. Inspired by the Police song and a daily reminder that we need to discover our better nature.
Finding your business online doesn’t happen by chance. It starts with a business strategy, values, a mission and content. Let me help you get started.
To get the most out of your investment, you need a solid process and a talented brand designer. Brand design is more than just a logo.
Knowing when to pivot and to cut sunk costs were two incredibly hard decisions for 2017. But I did it and in fact, I am excited for the change.
Juventus rebrands. As someone who admires bold moves in rebranding, I had to write about it. Is it a great mark? Was it a great launch? Read my thoughts.
After 10 successful speeches, I graduated Toastmasters Competitent Communicator track. I learned a few things and highly recommend the experience.
Eight small business owners across several disciplines gathered around a conference table to talk entrepreneurship in Grand Rapids, MI.
Mail Order Beef! Schaendorf Cattle Co. from Hopkins, MI is going to market with sustainable beef and we delivered the goods.
The run is over. On October 22, 2016 at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, I finished in a respectable third place in Toastmasters Table Topic competition.
On September 22, local the Toastmasters Fall Humor and Table Topic Contest went into round 2. I finished first in District 12’s Table Topic competition.
I posted a 2nd place finish in a local Grand Rapids Toastmaster’s Contest and winning a spot to compete in the area Table Topics contest on Sept. 22, 2016.
When I played soccer, I occasionally wore the captains armband. I no longer play team soccer, but metaphorically I wear the arm band as an independent design director.
After several years of planning, it’s official. Myself and two partners opened a coworking space in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Our 975 sq ft corner of the city is called the Left Right Boom Collaborative.
Together, they are the philanthropic group that helps veterans in their assimilation back home. Back in 2015, I had the great opportunity to sit with Eric Ensley and hear his story.