We Learn From Our Friends: Becky Murphy

Becky Murphy is a wonder. Every time I talk to her, I learn something valuable and am encouraged. Life is meant to be built around loving others well and Becky is giving the world a high five through her life. I am deeply grateful for her. Here are some ways she has blessed me in thought and action

Technology: Becky just shared her one year documented through video under 3 minutes today on her blog. How? The app, 1 second Everyday, allows users to construct a year long storyline of their life in short 1 second snips. Cool right?! If people are viglant to document, over the years they could have a look back at their decade. I am pumped to start using it. The possibilities are endless. 

You can download it for .99 cents through the App Store.

“This spellbinding app stitches second-long snippets from your life into a compelling, personal movie. With built in reminders, a simple editing tool, and a gorgeous design, 1 Second Everyday is everything you need to put together your own thought-provoking narrative.” - Apple

Sport:  Becky tweeted at the beginning of the month. "I wonder how much every mile run saves us in health care?" She is dead on. Small steps, done individually and collectively change the healthcare landscape. 

I have been making small steps with my bike riding. The big story of the year is challenging myself to the 10 day ride with Love Does. Becky has supported my efforts by hand lettering Bob Goff quotes to support the ride. Read her write up on her blog here. 

Cause: While it is not officially a "cause", her book, I'd Rather Be Short is an extension of her life and heart for this world. This fantstic manifesto celebrates the beauties in our life who happen to be short. I love that she was BRAVE and did something personal and encouraged others along the way. 

You can order online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound and Books-A-Million. 

Links: Design

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?