Search by category: design

Anything related to web design, but not usability (that’s another category) unless there’s overlap.

Instagram’s new look

Fans of the gram will have noticed something different recently. Instagram got a new look, including a modernised logo and simplified user interface (UI).

The digital pattern library is platform agnostic

At the University of St Andrews we have a digital framework called the digital pattern library (DPL), which is used to make the University digital presence consistent across the website. We primarily build in…

Why are we making the website responsive?

What is a responsive website? A responsive website is a flexible one that works across all platforms, screen sizes and orientations, and responds to the user’s behaviour (e.g. screen tilting). Fluid, proportion-based…

Why is consistency important in web design?

Consistency is a golden-rule in design. To provide a quality experience to your users it is essential that you are consistent in both design and content of your websites. Consistency is the biggest factor that…

7 essential steps for editing professional videos

So, you’ve managed to professionally record video footage and now you’re ready to put your shots together to make your video. But, where do you start? Video editing is a daunting task for beginners. Let’s explore the…

Why is Eastern Asian web design so busy?

In 2014, I spent some time in Japan. The country is remarkably efficient, from transportation services right down to their second hand books. However, from a Westerner’s perspective, one area that is lacking this level…

How do we decide what goes on the homepage?

The University homepage is, for many users, the front door to the University website. For some, it’s the first impression that they’ll have of the University; for others, it’s a frequently visited signpost to other…

Flaws in UX design standards: Gesture based navigation

When Apple introduced the iPhone in 2007, multi-touch technology got mainstream attention and users learned that they could not only point and tap on the interface but also zoom, pinch and swipe it. Gestures became…

Flaws in UX design standards: Empty states

An empty state is something that is easily overlooked by inexperienced designers, however, they can be an important factor when it comes to an app’s overall user experience. Sometimes designers see error messages and…