A rich blog and newsletter of web design commentary and resources.
Type of Material:
Reference Material
Recommended Uses:
Though not intended for education, this resource could be used by educators and advanced students of web design practices or the web design industry. It would be useful as a tutorial, supplemental resource, or for homework.
Technical Requirements:
An internet connection
Identify Major Learning Goals:
The site's goal is to deliver the best insights on design, user experience, and freelancing, built by real designers, working with real clients, bringing real world experience to your inbox every morning.
They focus on standards, accessibility, clean code, and responsible design, and they aim is to continue to grow a creative, supportive, inspiring community.
Target Student Population:
Middle School, High School, College General Ed, College Lower Division, College Upper Division, Graduate School, Professional, Grade School
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
A basic understanding of web design is helpful to contextualize and assess many of the tools provided on the site
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
A combination of time saving apps, effective practices for coding and programming, and whimsical design resources, this site serves as a curated collection of tools with the power to elevate your design chops, regardless of your role or work.
The design is pleasing. There are a variety of authors/voices.
It has existed since 2008 and claims to have over 1 million subscribers, suggesting the content is of value.
Concerns:
Some of the material is incredibly specific to freelance web designers - the content would reach more audiences if the articles were labeled as to who they are best for.
It does not have a particular educational focus. Therefore its usability would depend on educators to make connections to the material.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
The objectives of the site are clearly stated, and the articles and content all support this mission. Designers of all kinds can leverage the tools presented both within and beyond classes. Many of the individual tools do not contain strict and prescriptive learning goals, but the materials can easily be offered to students to support constructive, project-based learning. The news and opinions presented could be the basis for analysis and debate.
Concerns:
It is a resource for practicing webdesigners, thus limited in its focus.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The design of the site and the email newsletter are both colorful, engaging and broken into categories covering topics that anyone working with screen designs will find readily useful.
The blog is visually pleasing, has clear menus, and a variety of ways to search articles (title, author, tag).
Concerns:
The newsletters, though distilling the best of the website, are sometimes too broad in terms of the resources offer. There should be a way to focus the email content to your specific preferences similar to the website categories.
The top banner and far right panel contain ads. This could be initially confusing.
Like many blogs it requires a signin to participate in the discussion (though many options are provided).
Creative Commons:
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