So!

First up – Data Sets/ Variables.
Variables are pretty basic in their implemenation within photoshop. Define a layer, define the text, swap datasets to change images/text/visibility. Why is this important? Consider if you will, a generic homepage.

Most homepages share common elements. A news feed, a copyright, an about/welcome and various other pieces. For every design I (and likely many others) re-enter the content. Lorem ipsum or actual content. Now, this isnt a big deal, it doesnt take long to add some lorem ipsum or a copyright. But using variables, you can store that shared info in a dataset and load it in whenever you need it.

Or, imagine a generic template that will have varying content. For example, a mockup of a user profile page. Each profile will have a unique name, info and assets. Using variables makes it really easy to generate/swap a complete user profile on the fly. You can build countless mockups on the same template all at once.

But thats only a piece of the magic of variables. The best part is shared assets. If you use variables you can point to an external file instead and thus – you can effectively “share” a file across documents.

So, if you have a default photo frame – you can save that as a template file, load it into multiple files via variables – and voila. Change 1 – change them all. Its the exact same as a file link in illustrator. There may be other ways to do this, but it was new to me, and i likes it. I still havent figured out the best way to control versioning with this setup…but ill cross that bridge later.

The second is even less used (at least for me).

Selective Compression Masks
When I export a jpg, i do it at as high a quality as i can. With high speed connections, this really isnt a major issue anymore. However – when you start getting really into cramming every last bit/byte into a file, it can make a difference. For example – a banner ad that has to be 30kb but yours is 31. Where do you get that extra 1k from? Answer – compression mask. Create a mask of text/vector items, or photos and backgrounds – whatever you think is best and you can compress sections of the file instead of the whole thing. 1k has never been so easy to squeeze a few kb out of a file. This is not a new feature at all. Its been around for many versions of photoshop…i just never used it. Perhaps thats a reflection of me, but i suspect im not the only one unaware of this little gem.

And as an added “who knew?” moment – ever notice save for web creates a smaller file then a normal save command? I never knew why that was…but as it turns out – its because the general save maintains metadata which save for web does not.

Go read more about compression here

These arent big things – but im going to try and get them into my workflow and i suspect ill end up with a superior result completed more quickly.

This is not all that new…but i have to give huge kudos to attik for their fantastic site.

Even the nav – which functions slightly different then i am used to – felt completely natural, and seems like a far superior solution to the typical; one opens, the other closes approach.

If you haven’t seen it – go look.

But, since im leaving – that means 76 has a job opening. So, to those interested – go be the new (and better) version of me. Send Laura Mindorff an email with your qualifications and who knows..

Heres a little insider info to help you on your way,

• Never question the merits classic rock
• Sens fans are preferred (fools…fools i tell ya. Go Leafs Go)
• Laura likes pink…spice up the resume; you never know..
• 76design is a sucker for baked goods. Bring in snacks, you’ll improve your odds 10 fold
• Don’t make Jeff angry. You wouldn’t like him when he’s angry.

The rest is up to you.

Bring on the west coast!

I like Mcbess.

The only reason to have text is so that users can read it. It’s also important to note that there are many accessibility guidelines – each with unique – though similar ratios.

Now, when I design something, I rarely follow these guidelines. In fact, I’m often forced to make various text darker in order to fit this criteria. So, here’s the thing; the most painfully obvious thing. The contrast ratio is dictated by more then just the colours of the text/background. Size, proximity, spacing, surrounding colours, general tension (or lack thereof) of a design all influence how legible it is.

Yes, we can certainly make all text have a dramatic contrast ratio – but I much prefer to use other ways to accomplish the same thing. Simple things like letterspacing, leading, or even changing the case can make a huge difference.

Unfortunately, I’m finding it increasingly more difficult to prove that these alternative methods work just as effectively if done well. It’s difficult to compete against organizations built on accessibility. I like to think they are a guideline that assumes no knowledge colour theory or design principles before hand. Perhaps this is skewed logic and I should just shut my trap.

The point of low-contrast areas is differentiation, controlling tension, flow, as well as to draw the users eye; to guide them if you will. The more you bring to the front in a prominent fashion, the less distinction any single element has.

I recently managed to sneak a few “light” (40% black) elements through on a design…im waiting to hear the inevitable “can we make it darker?” Which of course will be preceeded by “can we make the logo bigger”