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To me Expression Engine is a great tool but I understand that many people never had the chance to realize this. I won’t say much. I only want to add that you can find in the Pro Network some of the most important design agencies such as Happy Cog, Blue Flavor, Erskine Design, Mark Boulton and many more.
If you dare, refresh some times the central page of the Pro Network and you maybe see this logo among the ones I just mentioned.
I love Expression Engine because it’s flexible and at the same time powerful and solid. Each time I needed it it was there for me and I never worried whether I could cope with a project thanks to it.
This is what I write at the relevant page where our studio is presented. It is the plain truth.
Before I say anything about the book let me remind you that Mark Boulton is a Web designer who begun as a graphic one. Many graphic designers who want to design for the Web don’t get the difference and they think all they need to do is to transform a static layout for a magazine into a design for the Web. Boulton doesn’t think so. So we ‘re very lucky he wants to share with us such an interesting load of knowledge.
His book, 5 simple things - A Practical Guide to Designing for the Web, was impressive because he not only shares his view as a professional, experienced designer but he does it so smoothly, almost magically. I admire writers who select to be simple and stay away from showing off. Boulton could show off anytime, but he doesn’t.
The chapters
Introduction
Research & Ideas
Typography
Colors
Layout
Introduction is the only chapter not so strongly connected to design. In this one Boulton shares his story and how he started as a designer of a small company, he moved on and became a Senior Art Director in a big agency and how in the end decided to leave all behind and start with his own tiny design studio. I love this part of the book but I feel it is not properly connected with the following chapters. I ‘d like to learn more about Boulton’s thoughts on this but not in this book.
The next chapter, Research & Ideas was the less important as long as it regards me. It is good to see how a famous Web designer approaches his work, but I think every designer has his very own way. However I liked a lot the Brief section of the chapter.
The rest chapters cover what Boulton does best. I won’t say much about the Typography chapter. If you visit this website you must know I adore typography. I believe Boulton is simply one of the best in this area. The chapter was great.
Regarding the Color chapter I thought I have learned everything I needed to during my studies as a physicist. This is only partially true, because this book helped me start over from a different point of view. I love Boulton’s analysis on Hue, Saturation and Brightness along with the examples. By showing us certain examples of websites where a specific color scheme works well for each one of them is valuable, because it proves that good design leaves our ego out of the story.
The last chapter Layout is the best one. Grid design, the Rule of Thirds, the Looking Room, the use of negative space and most of all putting it all together in a real website. What more could you ask? This chapter is really fascinating. Boulton writes and illustrates the way a great dancer performs on a stage in front of a difficult audience. In the end he deserves out applause.
-Should I buy this book -Yes!
5 simple things - A Practical Guide to Designing for the Web is a book that worths every single cent (or should I say penny) your going to spend for it. It costs £12. Don’t download this book from a torrent. Don’t get it from a friend. Just buy it.
A few days ago I was asked why I stopped following a specific member of Twitter. I felt I needed to provide some explanation, but do I really need to do so?
Twitter-land is a free land people. I would never impose any specific use of Twitter. I couldn’t anyway. People go there to chat, to share links, to boost their job, to show off, you name it. I would never judge them. I just don’t care.
Thinking a lot might harm you. No, really. You are not obliged to do anything you don’t like. Do you want to share jokes? Do it. Do you feel you follow too many? Un-follow them. Do you hate re-tweeting? Go away. The world will keep turning around.
Since you asked (you didn’t actually, but it’s fine with me), I visit the Twitter-land to meet my ultra geeks companions, to follow their links and to smile. I don’t care who’s following whom and I don’t care who’s following me. I can’t be anyone but myself in there.
At the same time I love some clever wallpapers and some witty e-cards.
Did I provide you a decent answer dear Twitter fellow?
Of course your social Internet life impacts your Internet profile as well. If you un-follow a lot of people they might think you show off. If you tweet a lot you might gain more followers. And so on. So be prepared for the anonymous foggy feedback.
I always wanted to write something about Twitter but this post meant to be fun. Shit. Fine.
Do you still find me interesting? Here is my profile in Twitter. Wanna follow?
My first website was a Flash one and there were no alternatives. You see, 10 years ago whatever non-Flash was of no use.
At that time I remember myself playing with Bryce, that software in which you could create 3D landscapes. Is Bryce alive? I have no idea. Well, Bryce was OK but I needed more. Such as software which could help you create websites.
I turned to Flash. I learned the basics and when I felt ready I loaded in there my Bryce images. I added some texts I had already written as the editor of the university magazine and that was it.
Since I had the content ready I only needed some animation (because Flash *is* animation), a bookmarks area and a contact button. Ready, set, go.
Now that I look back to those years I feel overwhelmed of what’s gone. Not because I used to live the best best moments in my life, far from it, but because you always feel the nostalgia of something that doesn’t live anymore. I love my first, clumsy website and this may be a perfect opportunity to tell (and invent sometimes) stories to the next generation in the future.
Web design for one of the greatest web publishers in Greece
24 Media is one of the biggest and most well known Web agencies in Greece. It owns a series of web properties which produce every day huge amounts of new and well edited material.
24 Media approached us to redesign their official website. They wanted a fresh and modern approach which would focus on company's announcements and their network of properties. It was really good to meet people who knew exactly what they needed. The ability to communicate efficiently is a key factor to the success of a project and the people of 24 Media knew it.
For this project we created the user interface and we wrote code in XHTML 1.0 Strict, CSS2.1 and CSS3.
We designed the new website in the browser, which means that we never submitted static image files. Instead we started coding at once. This detail boosted our productivity and helped us stick with the time schedule. Our first design approached became much richer by time and after consulting the people of 24 Media. The final result satisfied both the client and us and this is the best part of the project.
We decided to work with Yiannis after looking into every option. We are happy we took this decision because our cooperation was ideal.
Yiannis is a great professional. He managed to stick to the strict plan of the project and come up to our expectations.
What you'll read below are not stories made up. Real, generous people shared some fantastic words with us, for us. Thank you all.
Yiannis is always a strong and considered voice when working in a project contributing his time and expertise with careful insight, passion and good humour. Yiannis always seemed to contribute more than was expected both in terms of good ideas, solutions and good old fashioned hard work.
I've really enjoyed working with Yiannis and seeing his projects flourish. Snap him up before someone else does!
I worked with Yiannis for Solar Energy, a very demanding project which keeps on going. And going. Yiannis never stops staying by you. He keeps listening to you and he never quits no matter how complicated is a new feature. You don't find such a partner easily.
Yiannis is someone I would like to have beside me in any professional or personal activity, because he's honest, sincere, a man with principles and great humor. He's not just a partner, he's a friend.
One more thing: Yiannis is one of the rare people who admits when he's wrong. He actually mentions it before you realize it. What's more to ask?
Working with Yiannis was a very pleasant surprise! He treated us professionally from the very first meeting and we soon realised he's someone who keeps his promises and does for us what we asked for and even more. He's consistent, methodical, sticks to the project and he strives for perfectness.
The particular project was very demanding in any aspect. After some meetings, Yiannis researched and designed a solution based on Expression Engine platform which works ideally. Of course, his approach has made our life easy too.
Beyond from an expert, he's a decent man who strives to become even better in what he does and he remains humble.
Working with Yiannis was great, because without him we wouldn't have achieved the particular look and feel of our website. Furthermore, he advised us on how to produce and present useful content for our visitors. Most of all I feel great because I met a very dedicated professional and an exceptional partner.
- Paschalis Korosoglou - Technical Coordinator - Scientific Computing Center, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Everybody knows that Yiannis is one of the best, if not the best, in what he does. The result of his work is perfect. But also he really listens to you and feels your needs. He takes your word into account and leads you to the desired outcome. He's a professional that makes you feel safe.
As a person he's kind and humorous, has a strong sense of ethics, solid thought and proves his words. He's gentle, very well educated with a deep interest for all people.
A web project is always a complicated process. There many ways to do the same thing, clients have no idea about it, so it's very important to find a professional who will detect your needs and guide you through every phase of the project.
Yiannis, can lead you in the right direction and he's eager to educate you. When you ask for an extraordinary feature, he's ready to dig it and make it happen. All in all he provides what you asked for and even more.
There are not many web professionals like you, Yiannis. Thank you very much.
Yiannis is friend of mine but he's also a great professional. Our project started and ended during a hot August and Yiannis produced an extraordinary result.
Working together was great and the final solution was exactly what we needed. I was impressed by the way our website looks like and I am equally impressed by the way it works.
I strongly recommend Yiannis and his team to anyone who wants a decent Web project.
I find it quite easy to talk about Yiannis' work. By the beginning of the project I used to be anxious about the result, but now I am truly fulfilled. Yiannis not only did what he promised to me, but the results of his work are really stunning.
Our website is usable and beautiful no matter how difficult it is to design for wooden pallets. Yiannis is a true professional and a decent man.
Redesigning our website was not a simple project, on the contrary, it was quite complicated. Working with Yiannis was great, because of his professionalism and his decency. What's even better? We've found a new friend!
Yiannis, the least we can say to you is a big "thank you". We wish you the best. You deserve it.-
Putting aside the inherent professionalism and technical expertise with which Yiannis conducts business, what has made the experience of working together exceptional is that
all challenges, however inevitably complicated and time sensitive, are effectively resolved with humour and ease.
We worked with Yiannis for a compelling project. Yiannis brought excellent solutions regarding design along with comprehensive documentation which helped us a lot.
If you are looking for a designer who feels the real essence of Web design, then Yiannis is for you. He has a deep knowledge of design, he's on time and he's original too.
I "met" Yiannis on the Web and we since then we "talked" several times via e-mail. What struck me most was his knowledge around the Web and his ethos. When we met I saw that my initial impression was true.
Yiannis has a deep knowledge of design, he's familiar with the Web and most of all he's a great person. He's someone I can trust both professionally and personally. When we worked on the redesign of my personal blog I was sure that the result would be optimal. And so it was! Yiannis puts in his work this little extra that makes the difference.
A professional with impeccable non-negotiable character. What more could you want?
All begun when a policeman shot a 16 years old in order to kill him. Unfortunately he made it.
This was the spark which helped start a huge explosion. An explosion which is burning and hurting us for 4 days now and it is not going to stop soon. People left their home and got out on the streets in order to mourn for the loss of the boy and to protest for their own lives. It is the first time I see so much anger and so much desperation in the eyes of people like you and me.
We all feel that the Greek government doesn’t care about its country and its people. The recent crisis in economy worldwide made things worse. We all see our lives becoming inferior and less important for the people who decide for us.
Now all the major cities of Greece are on fire. We see stores, public property and most of all libraries and books turning into dust. Among the crowds there are certain groups of people who certainly don’t care about anything. They call them anarchists or anti-authoritarians or plainly idiots. They just want to be heard and burn without respecting even human lives. We ‘ll live with that the way we used to do so for so many years now.
I feel very sorry and equally angry for what is happening. Our worthless government can’t be trust at all. The same goes for almost the political partys in Greece. I personally can’t trust anyone but a few cold blooded authors and professors, such as Nikos Dimou.
It is difficult to hope for anything these days. But we must stand on our feet, keep our voice loud and respect our dignity or what’s left of it.
PS. If you want to know more about what’s happening here in Greece use the term “griots” while searching via the Twitter search service.
First of all I need to say that this products deserves every cent I paid for it. It’s a phone, a tool and a gadget. It’s a product designed the typical Apple way but it goes beyond this. It must be the best Apple thing ever made.
What I like in iPhone
It is so easy to use it. I couldn’t imagine it could be used by a child. But recently I tempted to give it to a child of 3 years old (!) to see what she could do with it. She immediately loaded the Photos application and she started navigating from photo to photo. After a few seconds she had discovered how to zoom in and out a photo. That was amazing!
This iPhone stood by me when I needed most. Thanks to its perfect synchronization with my email accounts it helped me be prepared for a tough call I was about to receive. I don’t know how I would have reacted if I hadn’t seen a relevant email first.
It helps me stay informed to what’s happening in my virtual life when I am not there. During trips I can stop worrying if I don’t have my computer with me. Simple as that. I have heard millions of stupid arguments against technology. People complain that technology has made our life more complicated. Nonsense. What I know is that thanks to this device I remain calm.
I play chess. Again! One game per day. I love Caissa Chess app. It must be one of the best apps for iPhone. I missed chess all these years. I still miss a real opponent. Anyway, this app is the best alternative.
I like the camera of my iPhone. People interpret digital cameras as megapixels only. Wrong. The resolution is only a feature. iPhone has a decent camera even though it is not the best in the world. I tooksomephotos of which I can be proud of.
Google maps work perfectly well regarding the two major cities, Athens and Thessaloniki. You can count on these maps. I do.
It is a beauty. Enough with the politically correct comments. Enough with what is beautiful and what is not.
What I ‘d like to be different
Greek interface. It’s pathetic not to be able to send emails in my mother language. I live in Greece, I am Greek and I demand a greek interface. Apple, what are you gonna do about it? How about you Vodafone?
Vodafone. Vodafone has exploited us badly. We pay a lot of money per month and Vodafone give us practically a lot of SMS and a few MB bandwidth in return. Many Vodafone employes still don’t know what this thing is about.
OK, iPhone is an extremely successful product. Obviously. I see, sometimes clumsy, efforts of other brands which try to implement some of the features iPhone provides. When it comes to user interface Apple knows better than anyone out there. That’s why we love it.
Sara - Fleetwood Mac
I had forgotten this song and I have no idea what happened and it came back to the stage of my mind. I guess this is music anyway. The voice of Stevie Nicks is a crystal made to shutter crystals. Listen to Sara a Saturday morning while the rain falls silently outside. You 'll love it.
Over the hill - Monika
You may not know Monika if you live outside Greece. Monica is an extremely talented young performer and music writer and such a song, Over the hill, is a song many musicians would wish to write one day. Do search for it in YouTube and you 'll see why.
I believe she should go abroad and try not to belong here in Greece. She is too good for us.
Ultramarine - Michael Brook
Ultramarine is a storm, is a rhythm that makes your heart stop beating for a moment. I discovered this instrumental song in the Heat soundtrack (De Niro, Pacino - remember?) and since then there is not any single fall I don't stick to it. It requires a decent sound system because you won't want to miss a beat.
Wild horses - Mazzy Star
OK, I love Hope Sandoval's voice. Especially during falls. Wild horses, yes the song of Rolling Stones, performed by Mazzy Star is such a warm and beautiful song that you feel the band playing only for you. Even the darkest moments can be a bit sweeter because of Wild Horses.
If Obama becomes the next president of the USA, I think his website will have played a major part for his success. Obviously, he and his partners treat their website the way they should: as the most solid and valid vehicle to promote their ideas to all people around the globe, 24/7/365. This website is their virtual home, which is neat, tidy and welcomes a visitor and a future fan of their party.
Aesthetically, barackobama.com stands at higher level of a typical american website but at the same time the major colors of it are 100% american. However, it is simple and all the blue colors of it don’t make it look crowded or dull.
Thanks to the clear organization of the content, it becomes useful to a US voter. Furthermore, visitors can find a number of ways to promote their favorite candidate by following simple steps e.g. buying a t-shirt. I like this approach, it is another way to see how a website can bring money.
Why design makes the difference
Good design is not magic. And good websites are not being made by magicians. This website works so well because of some design rules have been followed. The rules are:
The excellent typography
The right use of negative spacing
An old good quote says: “many people can choose a good font but only a few will tae typography”. barackobama.com treats typography so well.
I won’t try to explain the details. I only want to mention that the previously shown text has been perfectly designed. Despite the fact there is no image in there it welcomes a visitor and it invites him to read it.
Similarly, the designers of this website know how to treat the negative (or white) space. Each text flows, there are clear messages and there is no rush to put all the content above the fold. Each banner has been wisely designed and each call to action is clear and intuitive.
Combining such characteristics with the beautiful icons and the rest of the colors, the website becomes engaging, beautiful and easy to be used.
barackobama.com is great because all the design issues mentioned above serve the real king, which is of corse the specific content of the website. Text, images, videos and generally each content item has been placed at the right place. The same design would be of no use for an. e.g. website for world travelers.
A designer votes…
If a was a US resident and if my vote was determined only by what I see in a browser I would vote for Obama.
I am not claiming that baracobama.com is perfect. If you take a look at the code behind it you will notice a bunch of mistakes. All I am trying to say is that design can make the difference and websites for political parties rarely look so well.
Before I say anything about the book let me remind you that Mark Boulton is a Web designer who begun as a graphic one. Many graphic designers who want to design for the Web don’t get the difference and they think all they need to do is to transform a static layout for a magazine into a design for the Web. Boulton doesn’t think so. So we ‘re very lucky he wants to share with us such an interesting load of knowledge.
Similarly, the designers of this website know how to treat the negative (or white) space. Each text flows, there are clear messages and there is no rush to put all the content above the fold. Each banner has been wisely designed and each call to action is clear and intuitive.