New Apple Products!

Have you guys seen the new apple products?
I can't believe how incredible the new iMacs look, but I'm most excited by the iPad mini.

I've always felt like the iPad was a bit too big and heavy. I had problems controlling the device because the hand I was using to hold it up would stray too far onto the screen causing interference while browsing. Apple actually solved that problem without even decreasing the size! The new devices can detect when a stray finger is resting on the screen– How cool is that?!

The new tablets will also have a cell phone functionality- which I find very funny. Cell phones got smaller and smaller, and now they're growing again!

Favorites: Cut the Rope and Nike+

I've always thought Cut the Rope graphics were completely charming. I love that little monster.

I also really like Nike+. Its incredibly easy to use and highly functional. Unfortunately, it doesn't make me enjoy running any more.

Balsamiq Mock-up

This is another amazing tool. Balsamiq Mock-up has a catalog of icons and interface elements ready to drop on to the device of your choice. You can export your interface designs in various formats for presentation if need be.

Definitely try this if you're new to application/web design.

Lucidchart

Hi everyone,
Lucidchart is a nice tool for process flows I've used in the past. Give it a shot!

Call to Action: Wounded Warrior

The Wounded Warrior Project works to raise public awareness and funds for wounded service members, help wounded service members aid each other, and provide direct programs and services for injured service men and women.

Their call to action includes opportunities for donation, sponsored products, fitness events and hiring opportunities for employers interested in offering employment to Wounded Warriors.

In supporting their call to action, they explain how advancements in medical care, battle techniques and body armor have increased the survival rates of soldiers. They state, for every solider who died in two of the major operations following 911, 7 were wounded. Over 48,000 have been physically wounded and another 400,000 live with combat-related stress, major depression, and post-traumatic stress disorders.

Texture!

Textures are my favorite thing to incorporate into a layout (for print or for web). Adding a subtle texture to a background rather than a solid color makes your design look more thoughtful and professional in a matter of seconds. Usually, I'll save my chosen texture as a grayscale .tif so that I can change the color in indesign and create an overlay with whatever opacity/effect looks best.

I found this cool site with free textures if you're interesting in trying it out!

Process: Beginner's Guide to Patchwork Quilting

I wanted to share some images of my process since I failed to upload them in the correct spot for the critique... I'm excited to print and fold this for the last time. It's amazing how easy it sounds to write out instructions and how difficult it actually is! I'd love any last-minute feedback if anyone has the time.

Show & Tell: Favorite Words

stupefy
spatula
conundrum
tactile
umbrella
parabola
niche

Project 1 Phase 4

I thought I would share the revised version of Project 1 since you guys were kind enough to give me some feedback. I think the writing is quite a bit better, hopefully our instructors agree. I also made a few small design tweaks to reflect those changes.