Research Highlights: A preliminary study combining a patent-applied, AI-powered algorithm with a high-speed, 5-to 30-second video of skin on the face and the palm of the hand detected if someone had high blood pressure as well as using a blood ...

I am honoured to be invited by Shih Chien University College of Design to give a keynote speech during their Lens International Design Conference 2022 on January 7th 2022.   In the conference The Lens, design is interpreted as a multi-perspective lens that transforms all elements...

The post Lens International Design Conference 2022 Keynote: Redesigning Design appeared first on Design Sojourn. Please click above if you cannot see this post.

Vector Arrow

Arrows originate from pointing with the human finger towards a direction. In todays graphic design arrows are widely used in all kinds of forms and shapes.

This collection of arrows are designed for environmental graphic design, signage and wayfinding. The arrows are designed from a legibility perspective and should instantly be recognized as showing a direction. The collection is designed by graphic designer Sander Baumann and now released for you to use in your designs.
When you start a design for wayfinding or signage it is important to choose a arrow that fits your overall design scheme. Use the arrow on a high contrast for maximum exposure and readability. This collection had 56 different arrow designs, experiment with the arrows in your artwork/design scheme. Below you will find a few examples of the arrows at work.

Download

The 56 free vector Arrow Symbols & Icons are created under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0, meaning the vector images can be used either for personal or commercial purposes and may be changed to your own ideas, if you will credit my work or the website it will be highly appreciated.

Arrow Pro Asset Toolkit

We have developed a professional paid arrow toolkit with over 448+ arrow symbol signs and a 44+ pages manual. Download at our tools section today.

Color contrast

The article will explore the meaning of color and how to differentiate color in information layers.

Contrast between the foreground and background is one of the most important factors for the ease of reading. If coloured text is used on a bright background the contrast will be weak, for optimal contrast results is white text against dark colored backgrounds. In signage & wayfinding design color is the combining factor to harmonize the sign with the environment. Color programs will distinguish signs from each other and can offer an indication of the message without having to be able to understand the language of the sign.

Basics of color groups: Color wheel

Swiss painter and designer Johannes Itten created a color wheel that is a organization of 12 color hues around in a circle showing relationships between the colors. The colors are presented in the following way:

• Primary colors: Blue, red & yellow
• Secondary colors: Green, orange & violet
• Complementary colors: Red–orange, red–violet, yellow–orange, yellow–green, blue–violet & blue–green.

Goethe’s Theory of Colours provided the first systematic study of the physiological effects of color (1810). His observations on the effect of opposed colors led him to a symmetric arrangement of his color wheel, “for the colours diametrically opposed to each other… are those which reciprocally evoke each other in the eye.” (Goethe, Theory of Colours, 1810)
Wikipedia

A Color Wheel is an abstract illustrative organization of color hues around a circle that shows relationships between primary colors, secondary colors and complementary colors. Knowing the relationship between colors is the first step in developing a color scheme for signage and wayfinding systems.

Color contrast by science

Arthur & Passini described in their book Wayfinding from 1992 a reliable calculating method to calculate the contrast difference between two colors. The formula is based on the light reflectancy (LR) readings in percentages for each of the two colors involved. By substracting the darker color from the lighter color, divided by the difference by the lighter, and multiplying by 100, we get brightness differential. When the brightness differential is 70 percent or higher the legibility is assured. When it is less, the legibility cannot be assured and those colors should not be using in that combination.

Color examples and meaning

Typography & color contrast

Not only is the contrast important also the chosen typeface will make the difference in a good or bad sign. When using too bold weighted typefaces the text will look like its expanding of the sign, when using too light weighted typefaces the text will fall back into its background. Medium or Regular weights are usually the best options to choose for a good and readable sign.

Opinion: Sander Baumann

Every design organization faces a similar issue in 2020/2021. Physical events and conferences are restricted due the corona pandemic. Basically every organization from small to large have transformed into virtual events.

Larger design conferences such as The Next Web did a 2-day live event on Hopin. Hopin is a virtual venue with multiple interactive areas that are optimized for connecting and engaging. You can join different rooms and stages depending on your interests. Other platforms such as Creative Mornings went all in on virtual events.

The events in our wayfinding community also transformed to virtual events. From podcasts, Zoom chats to full day virtual conferences.

The purpose of conferences (pre-corona)

Over the years I had the pleasure of going places for design conferences. Either as participant or a speaker, I went to conferences about typography, technology, wayfinding or design in general.

Conferences bring together the curious like-minded designers in one place. The conferences usually have a mix of speakers, workshops and meetups on small and large stages. In my opinion a unique experience to meet people at conferences which let to business and friendships.

The psychology of going to conferences (pre-corona)

When looking at the experience when going to a conference you enter a mind-set focused on maximizing time and effort out of a conference. When you make the choice going to a physical conference this usually results in creating free time of enjoy a conference. Ranging from 1 to multiple days of physical conferences allows you to connect to peers, have time to reflect on things you heard or learned during these times.

In my opinion physical conferences offer the opportunity to really connect to like-minded people to get new insights or perspectives on the multidisciplinary fields of design.

The now: Virtual events and conferences

Over the last years I have attended anything from virtual meetups to online talks and one day virtual conferences. Also tried many of the available platforms, such as Zoom, Teams, Meetup, Hopin, etc.

Without leaving the house or studio I was able to enjoy the conferences in a virtual way. Although at the start of the pandemic this was a great way to connect to peers and to share thoughts, ideas and reconnect again. Over time I have noticed a lower attention span during the virtual conferences. Even with Hopin, I caught myself being distracted and started doing other things again.

Attention span

During the challenging covid times the (wayfinding) design industry also changed and shifted a bit more towards digital services. Regarding the time spend on physical conferences vs. the time spend on virtual conferences I noticed that virtual conferences does not really excite me in the same way as physical events.

The virtual events are squeezed into the tight schedule and I seem to jump from working with clients to conferences in an instance. This let me to think about how I perceive the information and what my key motivation would be for attending either virtual or physical events.

Main takeaway

Virtual events/conferences are here to stay. I believe a hybrid mix of physical and virtual events will push forward in our design community. On the one hand, virtual events are convenient to keep up with peers in the network. On the other hand meeting in person makes the memory.

The road to a physical conference and spending time with peers in a venue is in my opinion a great way to absorb information in a lively ambiance where you can be free to enjoy content and people.

For future physical conferences, I can imagine it to be more an experiential experience. A mix of meeting in person and connecting digitally would make the best out of both worlds. Physical conferences would take place lets say once a year and periodically supported with virtual events.

Support your design organization

If you want to learn more about wayfinding, information design, typography and design in general. Please take a look at the following design organizations as they have regularly virtual talks/events at the moment.

• SDS Sign Design Society, the have monthly virtual talks.
• IIID The International Institute for Information Design have virtual drinks and talks
• SEGD Society for Experiental Graphic Design organizes virtual talks, summits, conferences and more
• BNO Beroepsorganisatie Nederlandse Ontwerpers have virtual talks usually only in Dutch
• Creative Mornings have virtual breakfast meetups around the world
• Aiga American Institute of Graphic Arts have virtual talks and conferences

The future is bright and I look forward meeting you soon at an upcoming virtual or physical event.

What is the difference between pictograms and icons?

• Icons are used in a broader sense that can have a free artistic look and feel. For example UI Material Icons represent the various functionalities of an App.
• Pictograms are usually a more simplified version of an icon, which represents for instance a common sense such as toilets, airplane, arrows etc.

The book Piktogramme und Icons is written in German. Don’t let this stop you, because this book is a full on guide on how to design pictograms and icons. Filled with countless examples the book represents everything to learn about pictograms and icons.

Visual language

A single pictogram or icon could represent a single form of communication. A set of pictograms and icons could represent a cross-cultural form of communication. Pictograms and icons are increasingly taking the place of national language communication or supplementing it.

As seen during Covid-19 pandemic, the use of pictograms have been critical to quickly understand what is required and how to navigate.

Design

The book explains on how to get started in pictogram design. Every step of the proces is described:

• Sketching, the rough outline of the pictogram/icon
• What are the characteristics and intention
• How to use a grid design
• About reading distance, line-width
• Positive and negative lines and shapes
• How to design meaningful visual elements universally understood

Examples

The books is filled with countless examples and inspiration designs.

• Vehicle, transport and road pictograms
• Airport pictograms, icons
• Healthcare pictograms
• Olympic games icons
• Universal used pictograms and icons
• and many more

The clear explanation on how to design a pictogram, combined with the many examples makes this book a must-have for any pictogram designer.

Availability

Rayan Abdullah and Roger Hübner lay the foundations for designing unambiguous and simple but not banal sign languages ​​with their standard work, which competently illuminates and consequently explores theory and practice, development and commercialization, the multifaceted nature and future of a language without words: from the toilet sign to the escape route, Prohibition sign to the guidance system, from waste separation to the Olympics. 2D, 3D and on the web.

Unfortunately the book is mostly out of stock. You can search Amazon and the secondary market to get your hands on this amazing book.

Do you remember a time when there was only text on the internet? Or when the first images popped up in their glorious blocky low resolution? It seems like a lifetime ago.   Streaming services, social media, shops… Images and videos are all around the web today. It’s no wonder we see more and more imagery used for online advertisement as well.   There are always aspects to consider to decide the best fit for your project. When choosing your advertising strategy, it’s essential to know the good and the not-so-good about photography and videography for marketing. Advantages Look Sharp

The post Pros and Cons of Photography and Videography in Visual Marketing appeared first on Photoshop Lady.

Patrick Razo, also known as Nino, is a Los Angeles-based concept designer and visual development artist. His diverse career spans entertainment design, fashion, and motorcycle design. Before transitioning to entertainment design, Razo spent over 15 years in the fashion industry, where he honed his skills in brand building and product design. More: Artstation, Instagram In […]

Filipe Pagliuso is a Brazilian digital artist known for his captivating character designs and fantasy illustrations. He graduated in Graphic Design from UNESP and has a strong foundation in digital art techniques. He has contributed to the Magic: The Gathering (MTG) universe, creating artwork for several cards. Notable examples include “Kibo, Uktabi Prince” from Jumpstart […]

Sylvain Sarrailh is a French illustrator and concept artist with over a decade of experience in the video game and film industries. He has collaborated with prominent companies such as Ubisoft, Rocksteady, Amplitude, Psyop, Oculus, Insomniac Games, Sony Pictures, and DreamWorks. Sarrailh’s portfolio showcases a diverse range of vibrant and detailed artworks, reflecting his versatility […]

As a creator, you know that you’ve got to be consistent to make it in the content game. But consistency isn’t enough on its own. In order to stand out from the crowd, your consistently produced content has to be quality. You’ve got to make stuff that your target audience will genuinely enjoy, find helpful,...

The post How to Make Your Content Marketing Pieces Work Harder appeared first on noupe.

Thanks to generative AI, content creation has become one of the most important trends in today’s world, with a completely new approach. It is revolutionizing the creative field in many different ways, from advertising to marketing to automated newspapers and magazines. Users of this technology must note its opportunities and problems. This blog discusses generative...

The post The Impact of Generative AI on Content Creation appeared first on noupe.

Content marketing is crucial for SaaS firms. It helps attract and retain customers by creating content that resonates with the audience using traditional marketing strategies like advertisements or promotions. Sharing articles and videos and engaging social media posts showcasing expertise in the industry sector can help gain trust and establish credibility for the brand, leading […]

The post What SaaS Companies Didn’t  Want You to Know About Content Marketing appeared first on Designer Daily: graphic and web design blog.

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Experiencing three or more concussions is linked with worsened brain function in later life, according to major new research. The study – the largest of its kind - also found having just one moderate-to-severe concussion, or traumatic brain injury (TBI), can have a long-term impact on brain function, including memory.

A study involving more than 1,500 found that an earlier return to school benefited children ages 8 to 18, who had less severe symptoms two weeks after their concussion compared with kids who stayed home longer.

Female athletes are more susceptible to sport-related concussions (SRCs) and experience worse outcomes compared with male athletes. Although numerous studies on SRC have compared the outcomes of concussions in male and female athletes after injury, research pertaining to why female athletes have worse outcomes is limited.

IT WAS GETTING late the night of Sept. 12, and Dr. Julian Bailes had settled in to watch a little football. The renowned neurosurgeon and concussions expert tuned in just as Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sustained yet another head injury. There was Tagovailoa, lying on the ground with his arms outstretched and his fingers curled into the fencing response, an involuntary position that occurs after a brain injury. To Bailes, it looked almost like a replay from a previous Thursday night game, Sept. 29, 2022, with Tagovailoa on his back, his fingers splayed in front of his face in another automatic response to a concussion.

A quick shake of the head after a hard hit could signal that a person has a concussion, a new study suggests, based on the experiences of young athletes. It’s an easily recognizable movement that could help significantly reduce the number of concussions that go undiagnosed if added to official evaluation guidelines, according to researchers from Mass General Brigham and the Concussion Legacy Foundation.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is rejecting calls to retire after the third official concussion of his NFL career. 

North Carolina State quarterback Grayson McCall is retiring from football, he announced Wednesday after sustaining a head injury during a game earlier this month. "Brain specialists, my family, and I have come to the conclusion that it is in my best interest to hang the cleats up," he continued. "I have done everything I can to continue, but this is where the good Lord has called me to serve in a different space."

A high school senior from Bangor, Maine, has decided that when the time comes, he will donate his brain to science. Fionn Parker-Cummings is the youngest person to donate his brain to the University of Pittsburgh National Sports Brain Bank. Researchers will check in with him every year for the rest of his life. Parker-Cummings said he hopes the contribution will advance traumatic brain injury research to protect players like NFL quarterbacks Drake Maye and Tua Tagovailoa, who have recently suffered concussions.

If professional athletes are meant to be real-life superheroes, Miami Dolphins star Tua Tagovailoa looked remarkably mortal on September 12. With his team down 31-10 in the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills, the quarterback spotted a gap at the line of scrimmage and decided to scramble for a first down. When he encountered Bills' defender Damar Hamlin, Tagovailoa lowered his head and ran straight into him. Tagovailoa stayed down injured after the play. He had suffered the third concussion of his NFL career, on top of the one he was diagnosed with during his time in the collegiate ranks.

A commentary, published in the Journal of Neurotrauma, calls for traumatic brain injury to be recognized as a chronic condition as are diabetes, asthma, depression and heart failure. To provide comprehensive care for traumatic brain injury throughout individuals' lifespans, the authors propose that coordinated care models they and others have developed, tested and applied to various populations—including older adults, individuals living with depression and post-intensive care unit survivors—be adapted to improve communication and integration between brain injury specialists—including physical medicine and rehabilitation clinicians—and primary care physicians, fostering better long-term patient care for traumatic brain injury survivors and more support for both patients and their families.

In a significant recognition of her pioneering role in documentary photography, Susan Meiselas has been awarded the 2025 Outstanding Contribution to Photography by the Sony...

The post Susan Meiselas awarded Sony World Photography Awards’ Outstanding Contribution to Photography 2025 appeared first on DIY Photography.

Responding to your feedback, we are now proud to present new separate parameters for noise, reverb, and breath reduction to give you more flexible control for your individual, best output results.
Find all the new parameters below and listen to the Audio Examples to get a closer impression of the upgrade.

What's the update about?

Before

Previously, you could only set the Denoising Method and one reduction amount, that was used for all elements.
Depending on the selected method, you were already able to decide whether music, static, or changing noises should be removed, but there was no setting to keep the typewriter sound effects while removing the reverb, for example.

Now

With our latest upgrade, you can now set the reduction amounts separately for noise, reverb, and breathing sounds.
For example, you could completely remove the background noise while reducing the reverb just a little to enhance speech intelligibility but keep the atmosphere. Like we did in Audio Example 1.
Many of you have also asked about the possibility of slightly reducing breath sounds rather than eliminating them completely. In Audio Example 2 we demonstrate how you can prevent your audio from sounding strange and unnatural by reducing instead of eliminating all breathing sounds.

To all of you who are happy with the results and don't want anything to change, relax:
If you don't change the default settings, the noise reduction algorithms work exactly the same as before.

Note: As the 'Static Denoiser' removes only stationary noise, there are no 'Remove Reverb' and 'Remove Breathings' parameters available for this denoising method.

New Parameters

Screenshot of the new Noise Reduction Parameters in the production form.

In order to use the new noise reduction features, you may separately set the following parameters:

• Denoising Method: (unchanged) Select what kind of noise you want to remove.
  [Dynamic Denoiser (default), Speech Isolation, Static Denoiser]
  Note that the parameters 'Remove Reverb' and 'Remove Breathings' are NOT available for Static Denoiser!
• Remove Noise: Select the amount of noise you want to remove.
  [100 dB (default), Disable Denoise, 3 dB, 6 dB, ..., 100 dB (full)]
• Remove Reverb: Select the amount of reverb you want to remove.
  [100 dB (default), Disable Deverb, 3 dB, 6 dB, ..., 100 dB (full)]
• Remove Breathings: Select the amount of breathings you want to remove.
  [Off (default), 3 dB, 6 dB, ..., 100 dB (full)]

Feel free to experiment with all the options to find your preferred parameter settings! Editing and reprocessing existing productions does not cost any additional credits as long as you don't change the input file.

Listen to the results:

1. Reverb reduction with full noise elimination

For the first audio example by conduitministries.com we set the 'Remove Noise' amount to 100 dB (full) and varied the 'Remove Reverb' amount starting from 0 dB (Off) to 12 dB (medium) and to 100 dB (full). Listen to how first the noise is gone and then step by step the reverb is lower:

2. Breathing sound reduction

In the breathing reduction audio example by LibriVox.org we used the 'Remove Breathing' amounts increasing from the original audio with 0 dB (Off) to 12 dB (medium) and to 100 dB (full) reduction.
In the result files you can hear, that the 100 dB (full) elimination leads to weird, unnatural-sounding pauses, that can be prevented by just reducing the breathing sounds:

Try it now on auphonic.com!

Feedback

We hope you like our upgraded version of the Noise Reduction Algorithms with new parameters for more control.
If you have more feature requests or feedback for us, please let us know! You can also leave a comment in the feedback section on the status page of your specific production. We're looking forward to hearing from you!

In this episode, New York Times bestselling author, A.J. Jacobs shares his fascinating approach to interpreting America’s foundational document in his latest book, “The Year of Living Constitutionally: One Man’s Humble Quest to Follow the Constitution’s Original Meaning”. An acclaimed journalist known for his unorthodox social experiments, A.J.’s work blends memoir, science, humor and a dash of self-help. In our conversation, A.J. takes us on a hilarious yet insightful journey into his attempt to understand the Constitution by living as closely as possible to its original meaning. We delve into his personal experiences, the larger debate about how the Constitution should be interpreted, and the Constitution’s relevance in today’s world. Some highlights we explore: Learn more about A.J. Jacobs’ unique experiments Tips on how to generate creative ideas and how to choose the right ones Learn more about what living 18th-century life is like in modern times How to apply the constitution, two-party system, and founding fathers into this experimental life What A.J. learned from leading this experimental life and his thoughts post-experiment And more… Enjoy! FOLLOW A.J. JACOBS: Facebook | twitter | website Listen to the Podcast Subscribe  

The post AJ Jacobs: Can You Live Fully by the Constitution in 2024? first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post AJ Jacobs: Can You Live Fully by the Constitution in 2024? appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

We often think of creativity and meditation as separate practices – one active and expressive, the other quiet and introspective. But what if these two seemingly different pursuits are actually deeply interconnected, each enhancing and amplifying the other? This fascinating relationship between creativity and meditation was at the heart of my recent conversation with Henry Shukman, an award-winning poet, author, and Zen master. Henry’s unique background bridges the worlds of artistic expression and contemplative practice, giving him profound insights into how meditation can unlock our creative potential. The Creative Benefits of a Quiet Mind One of the core benefits of meditation is learning to quiet the constant chatter of our minds. As Henry explained, this mental stillness creates space for new ideas and inspirations to emerge: “When we meditate regularly, we’re training our minds to be less caught up in the constant stream of thoughts and worries. And in that spaciousness, creativity has room to flourish. Novel connections and insights can bubble up from our subconscious.” This aligns with what many great artists and innovators have reported – that their best ideas often come during moments of mental quiet and relaxation. By cultivating a meditation practice, we’re essentially preparing fertile...

The post The Deep Connection Between Creativity and Meditation first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post The Deep Connection Between Creativity and Meditation appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

In this episode, Dr. Tony Nader drops some serious knowledge about the nature of consciousness and its impact on our daily lives. As a Harvard and MIT-trained neuroscientist, medical doctor, and global leader in Transcendental Meditation, Dr. Nader is uniquely qualified to dive deep into how understanding and connecting with the broader field of consciousness can unlock a limitless supply of creativity, intelligence, and personal fulfillment. Dr. Nader also blows our minds with the potential for collective meditation to create ripple effects throughout society, and how expanding our consciousness can actually enhance our freedom to create the lives we want. Some of the major highlights we cover: The concept of consciousness as a vast ocean with hidden depths of calm and clarity. How regular meditation can lead to inner peace, enhanced creativity, and societal impacts. The science behind meditation and its effects on the brain and society. The interplay of free will, determinism, and consciousness in shaping our lives. And more… Enjoy! FOLLOW DR. TONY NADER: instagram | facebook | twitter | website Listen to the Podcast Subscribe

The post How To Tap Into Infinite Creativity Through Consciousness first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post How To Tap Into Infinite Creativity Through Consciousness appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

In this episode, we unpack the concept of becoming a Supercommunicator. Charles Duhigg breaks down why effective communication isn’t about being naturally gifted—it’s a skill anyone can build through practice, self-awareness, and a few powerful techniques. We also share stories and insights that show how understanding different conversation types and adapting to digital communication can transform relationships and success. Some highlights we explore: The 3 conversation types and how to match them to avoid conflict Using “looping for understanding” to create deeper connections Why non-verbal cues are critical, especially in the digital age And more! Enjoy! FOLLOW CHARLES DUHIGG: instagram | facebook | twitter | linkedin | website Listen to the Podcast Subscribe

The post The #1 Mistake That Ruins Most Conversations first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post The #1 Mistake That Ruins Most Conversations appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

Digital trading services have transformed the investment landscape for stocks, commodities, and other financial instruments. But do you know what’s true and what’s not about these services? Let’s dive into the common misconceptions surrounding digital trading and distinguish between myth [...]

Read Article

The post What Are the Common Misconceptions about Digital Trading Services? first appeared on CSS Reset.

Welcome back to another icon dedicated tutorial, in which we’re going to learn how to quickly create a computer settings icon inside of Figma, using nothing more than a couple of basic geometric shapes. So, assuming you already have the software up and running let’s jump straight into it! Tutorial Details: Computer Settings Icon Program: […]

The post How to Create a Computer Settings Icon appeared first on Vectips.

In today’s tutorial, we’re going to take a quick look behind the process of creating a security icon, and see how we can take some simple shapes and turn them into a finished usable product. So, assuming you already have Figma running in the background, let’s jump straight into it! Tutorial Details: Security Icon Program: […]

The post How to Create a Security Icon appeared first on Vectips.

Welcome back to another Figma based tutorial, in which we’re going to take a quick look behind the process of creating a phone widget app icon, using nothing more than a couple of basic geometric shapes. So, assuming you already have the software up and running let’s jump straight into it! Tutorial Details: Phone Widget […]

The post How to Create a Phone Widget App Icon in Figma appeared first on Vectips.

Hey, welcome back to another icon tutorial, in which we’re going to explore how to create a messaging app icon in Figma, using nothing more than a couple of basic geometric shapes, that we’re going to adjust here and there. Tutorial Details: Messaging App Icon Program: Figma Difficulty: Beginner Topics Covered: Compositional Construction, Shape Alignment, […]

The post How to Create a Messaging App Icon in Figma appeared first on Vectips.

Create a quick and trendy office vector scene with simple line icons. We’ll go through each piece, step by step in no time flat! Tutorial Details: Illustrate an Office Vector in 15 Minutes! Program: Adobe Illustrator CS6 – CC Difficulty: Intermediate Topics Covered: Design Theory, Shape Building, Compositional Skills Estimated Completion Time: 15 Minutes Final Image: […]

The post Build a Trendy Line Icon Office Vector Scene in 15 Minutes! appeared first on Vectips.

As we near Citizenship Day on 17 September, Australians have an opportunity to reflect on the meaning and importance of Australian citizenship and the responsibilities and privileges we have as citizens. Australian Citizenship Day was first celebrated in 2001. Every year on this day, Australia welcomes thousands of new citizens in local communities across the […]

The post Becoming an Australian Citizen by Conferral appeared first on Australian Visa Experts.

Min Ming Lo analyzes the various designs of the share icon currently in use. He concludes:

The best icon is not the one that is the simplest, nor the one that makes the most sense. Instead, the best icon is one with which most users are already familiar. An effective icon is one that requires minimum effort for the user to translate that symbol to an action.

I think part of the problem with coming up with a good share icon is that the concept of sharing physical items doesn’t directly map onto the concept of sharing digital resources, which oftentimes simply involves posting a link on a public feed. The latter is closer to broadcasting a message rather than dividing up a resource or experiencing a thing simultaneously. Icons with more specificity – e.g. a tweet icon, a Facebook like icon – are unambiguous; they relate directly to a service and the kind of interaction that service allows. Trying to cover them all with an umbrella of “sharing” is difficult, if not impossible, to do clearly.

The problem doesn’t lie in the icon, but in the vagueness of what it represents. For this reason I think Apple’s icon resembling an upload action is probably the best choice because what it represents is not so much sharing but putting the content somewhere else. Whether the full file is uploaded or just the link is given doesn’t really matter, what matters is that the thing in question is transmitted somewhere. It’s also worth considering whether the fight for an icon-only button is worth it, and that it may not be easier and better to just use the words “share” to describe the action. There’s a reason why the stop sign just says “STOP” – you can represent it with something else, but the negative effect on clarity is just not worth it.

Curt Arledge ran a user test to find out whether hollow icons perform any different to solid icons. Hollow icons are an icon aesthetic popularized by iOS7 – icons that are composed of thin lines rather than filled in shapes. It was previously theorized that this icon style required more cognitive processing, and thus would perform worse than typical solid icons.

Arledge found no significant variation between the icon styles. One combination performed worse than others: white hollow icons on a black background. Others performed similarly, irrespective of whether the icon was on a white or black background. What seemed to matter most is not the style itself but how meaningful the design of the icon itself is. For example, a filled in speech bubble is less recognizable than a hollow one because a speech bubble is something that is often depicted as an outline. On the other hand, an outline doesn’t add anything to the icon of a cloud, so a solid shape performed better in that case. Arledge also found that the lock icon performed the worst. Looking at the lock icon used in the test one could guess why: the thing has no keyhole, and so looks just as much as a shopping bag as it does a lock. Adding a keyhole would likely provide enough of a clue to dispel the confusion. The takeaway here is that the style doesn’t really matter – at least not enough to make a significant difference. What matters is how well the icon represents its object. If the icon is good, then it will work whether or not it is implemented as a solid shape or as an outline.

Découverte du plus grand hôtel des Seychelles, situé dans un domaine immense pour un séjour avec des activités variés. Membre de la gamme des hôtels Constance avec une forte réputation, cet établissement est adapté pour les familles et les couples avec le luxe de choisir entre deux plages et cinq restaurants. Plus de détails en […]

I love a good quote. There’s just something about finding a sentence or phrase that speaks directly to the part of your brain that needed convincing. So when I see a good quote, something that speaks to me or illuminates a concept that I needed to see more clearly, I take notice and try to …

The post 12 thought provoking quotes to inspire gratitude and contentment appeared first on Nathan Rice.

Whether you're a project manager or a startup business owner, most of you lack the time or the in-house experts to help with product design. Product design ...

Tom and Jerry, the mischievous cat and clever mouse duo, have been captivating audiences for generations with their hilarious antics. As a child, I was capt ...

From a mere, individual concept idea discovered in a random online pic to an ordinary shot taken with a camera, there’s hardly anything that software like P ...

I will be speaking at Future of Web Design (FOWD) conference in New York City upcoming November 15 – 17, 2010. This will be my second time speaking at FOWD. I’ve been attending FOWD in the past several years and they get better and better. So, I’m very excited to have this opportunity to speak […]

I’m excited to announce that I’m invited to speak at Mad in Spain on June 3rd, 2011. Organized by Domestika, Mad in Spain is one of the largest design conferences in Spain. This year is going to be their 6th anniversary. I will presenting a talk on applying art in modern web design. After the […]

If you are interested to buy icons from IconDock or themes from Themify, I have a coupon code for you. Use ‘ndesign’ coupon code on IconDock to save 20% off any icon sets. The discount code on Themify is also the same ‘ndesign’. You can save 20% off any WordPress themes.

With a Canon 7D replacement more and more likely, and expected to be announced soon, is this the time to think about buying a Canon 7D?

With so many WooCommerce themes available in the WordPress marketplace, it can be difficult to choose just one among the […]

The post The 10 Best WooCommerce Themes for WordPress (2022): Pros and Cons appeared first on WPHacks.