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
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.
Other musings…
Discoverability and Findability
The Aesthetic-Usability Effect describes a phenomenon in which people perceive aesthetically pleasing designs as easier to use than less-pleasing designs.
March’s Free Digital: Mettle
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.
Convert Shoppers into Loyal Consumers
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.
Why We Need a Design System
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.
June’s Free Digital: Hello
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
The Aesthetic-Usability Effect describes a phenomenon in which people perceive aesthetically pleasing designs as easier to use than less-pleasing designs.
May’s Free Digital: Pop-Fizzle
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!
April’s Free Digital: Soar
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.
February’s Free Digital: A Commitment to Creativity
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’s Advice to New Graduates
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.
January’s Free Digital: Get Up Early & Go!
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.
New Brand Launch: Kroon and Mitchell
When working on this project we explored options based on a few key principals: ethos, pathos, and appeal. See what developed.
December’s Free Digital: Just Breathe…
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?
November’s Free Digital: Your Best Bet
This month’s free wall art is called Your Best Bet. I love playing cards and nature. Together they make a very nice visual.
October’s Free Digital: Narwhals!
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.
September’s Free Art: Re-Humanize Yourself
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.
Building a Website: Getting Started
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.
Working With a Brand Designer to Create a Branding System
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.
Left Right Boom Closes the Office
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 FC Rebrands
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.
Speech No. 10: Competent Communicator
After 10 successful speeches, I graduated Toastmasters Competitent Communicator track. I learned a few things and highly recommend the experience.
The Independents Menu
Eight small business owners across several disciplines gathered around a conference table to talk entrepreneurship in Grand Rapids, MI.
New Schaendorf Cattle Co Logo and Brand
Mail Order Beef! Schaendorf Cattle Co. from Hopkins, MI is going to market with sustainable beef and we delivered the goods.
Toastmaster Competition: Finishing Third
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.
Joe Morris Places First in District 12 Toastmasters Contest
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.
Placed Second in Chapter’s Toastmasters Contest
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.
Captaining a Team: A Mental Model for Managing the Design Process
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.
We are Left Right Boom
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.
Veteran’s Day 2015 & [Has Heart]
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.