skeuomorphism

I just read a great article on Slate about the debate at Apple over skeuomorphism (Steve Jobs was a big fan, so was Scott Forstall who was recently let go). 

Who knew there was a word for this - skeuomorphic design is interface design that references elements in an older device that were necessary for that device to work. There are many Apple designed apps that use this technique. Some more successfully than others. 

For example, I greatly prefer the calculator design by Apple (on the right is Microsoft's stripped-down version). Am I comforted by the illusion of 3D buttons? 

The problem with replicating older objects in modern UI design is that things can quickly get hokey. I'm not a big fan of the tape-deck imagery on the podcast app. It seems outdated and unnecessary. 

What I'm getting at is this... design is hard.

If you need a creative designer to improve your graphic identity, contact me for a consultation.

elegant pumpkin

Before I miss October all-together, I wanted to say Happy Halloween!

This image is (of course) from Martha Stewart. Like you even had to ask.

If you need a creative designer to improve your graphic identity, contact me for a consultation.

flash cards

For the design-nerd in your life. Enjoy!

I saw these on Design Mom.  They were illustrated by Emma Cook of Behance. So fun!

If you need a creative designer to improve your graphic identity, contact me for a consultation.

sweater weather

So I may or may not be currently homeless. Remember those posts about good and bad real estate photos? Well, we're still in the hunt. All this to say, I'm essentially living out of a suitcase and I can't find my sweatshirts. Also, it's September.

What is a typography nerd to do when it gets cold and she's hoodie-less? Design her own on cafe press of course!

If you need a creative designer to improve your graphic identity, contact me for a consultation.

travels

I know. It's been a month. What can I say? I'm busy. Like everyone else in the world. Happily, I was busy going on adventures! OK, one adventure. But still. Fun!

My husband and I went away for 4 days alone together to San Francisco and to a wedding in Cloverdale. California is awesome! I have developed such a crush on San Francisco in particular. I adore the cool weather, the environmental activism, the gay-friendliness, and did I mention the weather? If you're cool and you need to escape the fog just go 5 minutes out of the city and boom. Sunny, warm, and dry. It's almost unfair.

Anyway, here are some instagram photos from the trip. Enjoy!!

If you need a creative designer to improve your graphic identity, contact me for a consultation.