Gloss - Build a dynamic site by assigning content areas to your static HTML theme

What if you could make a static HTML page into a living breathing dynamic site simply by "tagging" sections of your page as dynamic? Gloss aims to be just that, simply "tag" or "assign" sections of your static page with special gl- css classes and it will magically transform into a dynamic site. Currently we built Gloss as an extension of the Plone CMS and it has changed the way we look at the design/prototype/build workflow.

Here's a short video explaining Gloss.

For more information about Gloss visit the documentation page at http://the-gloss-project.readthedocs.org

How to identify files that have been cached by the browser (Note to self)

On a recent project I needed a way to quickly see all files that were being loaded from the browser cache rather than from the webserver. Here's how I did it in using Google Chrome.

In the Chrome Inspector select "Network" then load the target page. Under the "Size" section you'll see the phrase (from cache) for all files loaded from the cache. 

What Designers Need to Know about Web (Presentation at Feb 2013 Jamaica Design Association)

Yesterday I presented at the February meeting of the Jamaica Design Association. I'm thankful to +Roger Davis for allowing me the privilege. I was pleased to realize how many persons there had a background or interest in web/programming. At least one third of the room self-identified as web developers/designers.

I sat near +Gebre Wallace who identified himself as an entrepreneur (I know him to be a talented programmer), his company name is "Artuvic Solutions", the company will focus on delivering solutions through problem solving (especially programming) (my words).

Neil A. Buckle, (http://neilabuckle.daportfolio.com) Graphic Designer/Illustrator showcased some of his work. He really has a knack for integrating his illustration skills into his logo designs, and it was clear that he does significant background research around his designs. I've included some of his work below.



He discussed how he deals with clients the most quotable moment was when he spoke about the cliche client that wants a quick logo or letterhead (usually for free): "It's only going to take you five minutes", response "It don't tek me any time because I've been working on this for the past 20 years".

+Howard Forte (http://facebook.com/howard.forte) shared some of his web design work, persons were very vocal about what they liked and didn't like about his work. If you plan to present at the JDA make sure that you have a strong constitution. It's likely that you will be critiqued, but it will be to your benefit. By the end of the presentation they had him on the backfoot. I spoke with him after the meeting, he actually expected harsher criticism :). During the presentation he shared his process which included the use of high fidelity mockups rather than rough wireframes, it feels to me like he's on the learning curve as far as design is concerned but has a good handle on the web technologies, I'm looking forward to seeing what he produces in the next few years.

My presentation focused on raising awareness of modern web concepts, I wanted to keep people in the loop about what are the current trends and practices.

Here's my presentation:

Nanook

The meeting was held at Nanook on Burlington Avenue. Joan Webley of Nanook shared with us about their business. Nanook is a co-working space, with many additional support services, aimed at creatives. It started out servicing music and film persons but is now opening up to designers. For at least the next 6 months Nanook will act as the virtual headquarters for the Jamaica Design Association. Their services include wifi, meeting rooms and physical office space. They also have a cafe and vegetarian restaurant. She also mentioned a potential arrangement that offer members of the JDA a huge discount for use of their facilities.

The Jamaica Design Association

You can find out more about the JDA at their facebook page.