How we interact with information is crucial in our decision making. This weeks links converge around design. I have a feeling this will be a topic that I will revisit often, as our world continues to evolve and push the limits with new and innovative ideas.
Technology: Adobe continues to be the leader in the space of creating software for designers. This week they introduced their first piece of hardware "Adobe Ink and Slide" for $200.
The functionality of the tools only being available for mobile is key. With this introduction, people in workspaces can collaborate more freely throughout the design process. Freelance designers can now precisely sketch in coffee shops and on the fly with their mobile tablets.
As a piece of hardware, Adobe begins to step into the space of providing tangible tools to the designer. I believe this move connects our present day time of designing on computers back to the days of when the craft flowed from ones hand. No telling what is next or if top designers will integrate the tool into their everyday design workflow.
For more information, visit Tech Cruch's Fly Or Die: Adobe Ink & Slide
Sport: It does not get bigger than the World Cup when it comes to futbol/soccer. Before fans clinched, squirmed and screamed when watching their home team compete, web designers were fast at work making sure the design details were fresh and up to date. Nothing is more frustrating that not having the right info and facts surrounding the game. This article shares how the World Cup recieved a design makeover from time-clocks, to digital field layout.
Cause:
People are tackling some of the most pressing global issues. One way donors connect to the mission is through sharing their story beautifully through web and print design. In my opinion, Fifty and Fifty are top notch when it comes designing beautiful websites for humanitarian causes. They have helped shape World Vision, Invisible Children, the list goes on.
F&F shares valuable facts to think about if you are a cause and are designing your web presence.
1) 40% of people will abandon a web page if it takes more than three seconds to load.
2) 46% of mobile users report having difficulty interacting with a web page, and 44% complain that navigation was difficult.
3) A study of Fortune 500 websites showed that 63% have content above the fold, 50% feature a scrolling content window of some kind, 63% use high quality images that connect with their users, and the average loading time is 6.5 seconds.
4) 48% of users say that if they arrive on a business site that isn’t working well on mobile, they take it as an indication of the business simply not caring.
5) 62% of companies that designed a website specifically for mobile had increased sales.
6) 69% of North American marketers say dynamic, personalized content is important for their website. Only 5% say it’s of low importance.
7) Only 55% of companies are currently conducting any online user experience testing.
8) 90% of people use multiple screens sequentially.
Do you know of any design agency that is producing amazing material? What do you value in terms of design and functionality?