It’s time for my annual look at the year ahead. This satirical report is chock-full of useless facts and mindless predictions. That makes it just as good as any year-ahead article on the internet.

How do I do it? Like most internet companies, I use a proprietary algorithm. I prefer to keep it a secret. But it involves looking at the past and employing an overactive imagination. It can be yours for a small fee, by the way.

So, what does 2024 have in store for us? Here are some things that absolutely will (or probably won’t) happen.

WordPress.com to Offer Tweet Rebuttals

2023 was an eventful year for WordPress – and not all of it was positive. Then again, a little #WPDrama is a fine spectator sport.

The divide between co-founder Matt Mullenweg’s commercial venture (Automattic) and the open-source project once again raised some eyebrows. The (supposed) problem? Automattic’s WordPress.com replicated plugin listings from the WordPress.org repository on its site.

Plugin developers expressed concern that the commercial site’s listings showed up first in search results. Mullenweg was personally called out regarding the issue. The criticism was harsh and accusatory.

He responded aggressively – even banning a member of the open-source project’s marketing team on Twitter/X.

Right or wrong, these events got the WordPress community talking. The level of discourse was palpable.

It also got my predictive senses tingling. There must be a way to capitalize on this phenomenon – right?

Mullenweg responded to many critics – but certainly not all. Were you left out? Don’t worry! You’ll have a chance to get in on the action.

WordPress.com will soon unveil its “I Beg Your Pardon?” service. For a $20 fee, Mullenweg will personally respond to a critical tweet of your choice.

No worries if you’re short on cash. A free version from WordPress.org will get you an automated response from a bot.

Happy to take your listing down and redirect to another plugin page, which do you recommend as a good alternative?

— Matt Mullenweg (@photomatt) September 13, 2023

Apple Will Thrill Fans with AI

Rumors abound that Apple is working on an artificial intelligence platform. How might it work? What are its capabilities? I have a few predictions.

A Stiff Barrier to Entry

Apple loves to sell us premium products. And they also enjoy exercising tight control of them. Don’t expect their AI offering to be any different.

Thus, their platform will only be available to those using Apple devices. But that’s not all. Adding Apple’s AI to your workflow will also require a proprietary cable. No, not the one you already have.

We’re talking about a completely new connector type. The good news is that it’s currently hidden on your device. It will reveal itself upon sensing the cable’s presence.

The bad news? The dongle costs $500. And customers will have to wait at least six months for delivery. As usual, a large number of preorders will be the culprit.

An AI Powered Website Testing Suite

Web designers will be thrilled to see Apple’s AI testing suite. Enter your URL and watch the magic happen.

The tool emulates multiple devices. For example, you can troubleshoot your client’s buggy site on their 8-year-old Android phone. Or figure out why your responsive styles aren’t working on a brand of tablet no one has heard of.

You can also test your sites on classic Apple devices. How would an Apple IIe render your home page? What about a Newton handheld? You’re a dongle away from finding out.

It Will Be a Roller-Coaster Year for Elon Musk

Perhaps you don’t need a crystal ball to predict some things. Elon Musk and chaos are the perfect couple (sorry, Grimes). It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

I believe Mr. Musk will have a busy year. Seriously, there will be something wild happening every day. Here are just a few examples:

• Musk will reveal (unprompted) that he ingested dozens of “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” cartridges. You know, the ones that Atari buried back in the 1980s. He may still have a stash in his basement.
• Musk will invent an implantable microchip that allows chickens to speak. Ironically, he’ll call it “Twitter“.
• What about the service formerly known as Twitter? Musk hasn’t forgotten about it. He’ll continue to reinstate banned accounts. Next up: Napolean. Watch out for a rant hundreds of years in the making.
• We hear the Tesla Cybertruck will finally start deliveries in 2024. What’s the catch? It only includes models that come equipped with a Musk-approved flamethrower.
• Tesla’s Autopilot feature is having issues. Musk will replace it with an “Autonag” option. A virtual Elon will criticize your driving skills and shout them through the car’s audio system. Transport will never be the same.

Best Wishes for 2024!

Yes, the predictions above are silly. But they underscore that we’re in a time of change. AI is disrupting our industry. The tools we use are evolving. Somehow, we’ll need to adapt. For instance, I may have ChatGPT write this article for me next year.

None of this will be easy. Web designers have weathered plenty of shifts, though. I’m still here – and so are you!

So, take a deep breath. Find something to laugh about. And do your best to make 2024 a great year.

The post The Grumpy Designer’s Guide to 2024 appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

I’m particularly fond of the Doomsday scenarios. You know, the very darkest of sci-fi fantasies. The possibility of working for a machine sounds modern. I wonder how well it pays?

Then there’s the idea that we must “learn” AI. The term “prompt engineer” has been thrown around. This one sounds perfect for a grumpy designer! It also seems like a job with a short shelf life.

We used to write code to direct a computer. But now we tell it what to do. It’s less work for more money. Who wouldn’t want this job?

But seriously. What should web designers learn about AI? Do we need to learn anything at all? I have a few unscientific ideas. Just take them with a grain of salt. I haven’t run any of this by ChatGPT yet.

AI Prompts Test Your Communication Skills

The idea of a career in prompt engineering sounds strange. But I admit that the job requires some skill. You might have issues if you’re not a gifted communicator.

Generative code seems like an area of relevance. Large language models (LLMs) like ChatGTP and Bard can accept vague instructions. That will likely produce some basic code. It serves as a foundation to build upon.

But complex code needs clear, detailed instructions. Not everyone possesses this ability.

Just think of the clients who have trouble explaining a design feature. Do we expect these people to generate the next great WordPress plugin?

The results may suffer if a prompt is too light or wordy. LLMs will likely improve. But there will still be hurdles for those who struggle with clear communication.

Your primary language may also be a barrier. What if a model isn’t well-versed in your language? That’s going to make prompts more difficult.

Therefore, it’s wise to brush up on your written communication skills. They’ll come in handy.

Using APIs To Build AI Apps

Several AI tools either have or will release an application programming interface (API). The concept should be familiar to web designers. The likes of Google and social media providers have similar offerings.

You can tap into the power of ChatGPT to build an application. This is useful if your project needs one-off functionality. Or if you have a killer idea that will make billions. That may be far-fetched. It seems like most people are using it to generate text thus far.

Learning one of these APIs won’t apply to everybody. It’s more likely that we’ll use apps created by others. For instance, a WordPress plugin that adds a chatbot to your site.

Understanding how an API works is still valuable, though. And there’s a market for niche applications. Perhaps the real money will be in helping organizations implement AI.

When To Use AI Tools

It’s tempting to use AI for just about every task. Just like your mother told you, the machine knows best.

But the reality is that AI isn’t good at everything. It struggles with accuracy. It even hallucinates occasionally.

Learning a tool’s strengths and weaknesses is vital. The facts, figures, and code generated by AI may look great. But how do you know for sure?

Practicing blind faith in these tools is not recommended. If accuracy matters, take the time to double-check the results. You might want to regenerate a response as well. AI tools will often provide multiple answers for the same prompt.

Thus, treat AI like that shady friend you had in high school. Feel free to hang out together. But don’t rely on it for anything too important. It will only get you into trouble.

Learn How To Get What You Want From AI

Like any tool, AI has a learning curve. But there’s no need to study every aspect. It’s more important to learn how to produce the desired results.

Your communication skills are vital. And tools that understand your instructions also play a role. Your success depends on both items.

What if you struggle to write AI prompts? There are a lot of guides popping up that can help.

And you can do more than follow their examples. Pay close attention to the way each prompt is worded. Experiment with similar language in your virtual conversations.

It also helps to be a bit grumpy skeptical. This will help you better understand the limitations of these tools. They don’t “know” everything. And, like the people they are supposedly replacing, they make mistakes.

The machines aren’t taking over yet. But it’s worth learning how to take advantage of them. You may end up as the more powerful being.

The post The Grumpy Designer Ponders What It Means To ‘Learn’ AI appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

But it has affected me outside the office. I haven’t been to an in-person industry event in a few years. And I suspect many of you have faced a similar fate.

That’s going to change. I’m scheduled to attend WordCamp US this summer. It looks to be an exciting event. But it’s also going to be a bit scary for this grumpy and introverted designer.

I wonder how I’ll cope with the crowds and inevitable small talk. Will my brain turn to mush? Will I be able to find my way home afterward? These are the questions that run through my mind.

I need a plan. And there’s no better way to formulate one than by writing it out. But it’s not only for my benefit. Perhaps it can help those of you with similar feelings. Yes, maybe we can reenter society together!

Coming Together After Being Pulled Apart

I don’t attend a lot of events. That was true even before the pandemic. My lifestyle isn’t conducive to hitting the road several times a year. And I have to pay my way as a freelancer.

Still, I usually made it to one or two WordCamp events per year. They got me out of this chair and into the company of fellow geeks. It was just enough socialization to balance out the isolation.

The pandemic took that balance away. The ability to connect in person was sorely missed. As was the chance to learn in a laid-back setting.

Besides, I’ve found it hard to get excited about virtual events. I’m still stuck in my office, watching while I work. This isn’t the escape I need.

Thus, the return of occasional road trips is welcomed. They serve as a healthy distraction from my everyday routine.

A Tale of Two Extremes

WordCamp US will be my first “flagship” event. I previously stuck to a few local and regional gatherings.

The best aspect of smaller events is familiarity. You get to know your way around the venue. And you also start to see the same faces each year. That’s a big bonus for us introverts.

Sadly, these events haven’t returned to my area. The pandemic seems to have a particularly negative impact on them. And I do wonder if they’ll ever come back.

But this year’s WordCamp US is within a few hours’ drive. Therefore, I decided to jump in head first. “Why not make a long weekend of it?” I thought.

It sounds fun! But this ups the social ante quite a bit. The number of attendees will be significantly larger than I’m used to. And there will be dozens of online friends that I’ll be meeting in person for the first time.

It’s akin to a science experiment. You keep a web designer in relative captivity for a few years. Then release them into the unknown. Who knows what hilarity will follow?

Preparing for the Onslaught of Socialization

So, how does one prepare for a return to in-person events? Maybe I need to treat it like the Olympics and train. Some advanced preparation couldn’t hurt.

There’s a real possibility of becoming overwhelmed. With that in mind, here are a few ideas to deal with those feelings:

Don’t Try To Plan Every Moment

Perhaps the best plan is not to plan at all. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have specific goals. But it’s also important to remain flexible.

Creating a rigid plan is bound to fail. For instance, you might end up in a nice conversation with someone. You don’t want to spend it worrying that you’re missing something.

Having a general outline may be more effective. Make note of the conference sessions you want to attend and the people you want to see. But don’t be afraid to go with the flow, either.

Take each moment as it comes. Give yourself time to enjoy what’s in front of you.

Have an Escape Route

Socializing can be exhausting for introverts. We expend a lot of energy when engaged in conversation. That’s not to say we’re having a bad time – quite the opposite. But the act doesn’t come naturally to us.

Finding solitude is one way to combat fatigue. Stake out a quiet spot where you can recuperate. That might be your hotel room. Or it could be a quick walk out to a parking lot.

It’s a great way to relieve some pressure and collect yourself. After a few minutes of rest, you can get back to the crowds.

Realize That You’re Not Alone

It’s easy to experience sensory overload during these events. Especially when you’re used to a more subdued environment. All the noise and people moving about can be unnerving.

You might feel alone in those moments. But chances are that others feel the same.

Just knowing this can be comforting. However, you can also seek out the support of others. Try striking up a conversation with a friend or acquaintance. Even talking to a stranger might do the trick.

Making connections can be difficult. But it’s likely one of the reasons you came in the first place. Take advantage of the opportunity.

Just a Designer Stepping Out Into the World

When it comes to attending events, I’ve noticed a pattern in my behavior:

1. Get excited about the event;
2. Register for the event;
3. Panic and regret registering for the event;
4. Show up anyway;
5. Be better for the experience of attending;

Moving past the fear in Step 3 is always a challenge. But things tend to improve once I make peace with it.

The truth is that getting out of the office is healthy – even if the thought of doing so is frightening. Sometimes that feeling is a great motivator.

If you’re in a similar situation, it’s OK. Don’t be too hard on yourself. If this grumpy designer can get back out there, so can you!

The post The Grumpy Designer Meets the Outside World (Again) appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

As ever, the reality is more nuanced. For every potential good thing to come from the tech, it seems there are as many drawbacks. And finding balanced expertise on the subject has been a challenge.

I’m personally on the fence. From what I’ve seen so far, AI can do some very useful things. And I think it can be incredibly helpful to web designers.

Yet some aspects give me great concern. In part because I feel like I’ve seen this movie before. An innovation that is predicted to change the world. Only it’s not necessarily the Utopian dream some are selling (see Zuckerberg, Musk, et al.).

With that, maybe we should take the hype regarding AI with a grain of salt. And, to keep up with that sassy Bing chatbot, add in a dash of grumpiness.

AI Solves Problems and Creates New Ones

It’s no surprise that some of the biggest proponents of AI are those that stand to gain the most. And it’s hard to blame them. The job of a salesperson is to accentuate the positives – not dwell on the negatives.

And tools like ChatGPT have several positive aspects. They’re capable of increasing efficiency and knocking down technical barriers. This benefits everyone from writers, and medical researchers, to auto mechanics.

Even better is that these tools don’t have to do everything for us. Something as small as a gentle nudge in the right direction can save us precious time.

Using web design as an example, a few brave souls (and me) have used ChatGPT to generate a WordPress plugin. But it could just as well help write CSS or JavaScript. You might even use it to help explain a complex concept to a client. Imagine the burden this could lift off our shoulders.

On the other side of the coin, several potential negatives could also come into play:

Inaccurate Content and Built-in Biases

AI tools are built by humans. Therefore, they’re imperfect. They’re also subject to the inherent feelings, biases, and motivations of their creators.

In practice, each tool is only as good as the people who created it. The quality of the content they feed into the app makes all the difference.

So, what are the downsides? One example seems to demonstrate the possibilities: a social media company’s algorithm.

Let’s imagine a social media network that tilts its algorithm towards showing inflammatory or inaccurate information. That’s what users are going to see most often in their timelines.

Similarly, there’s no guarantee that an AI tool will provide the correct answers. And even if its creator is reputable, there still might be biased information being returned.

Large companies may use the opportunity to share their point of view, in addition to facts. Or it may have inadvertently been fed content that perpetuates stereotypes.

Thus, AI isn’t immune to human fallibility.

Humans May Put Too Much Trust in AI

If an AI app produces an inaccurate response, there’s no guarantee that a user will catch on. Like so much of what’s written on the internet, some may simply believe what they read.

And this doesn’t just affect fact-based content like news or medical information. It could also find its way into the code these tools produce.

Take an AI-generated WordPress plugin, for example. You might test the results and find that it indeed works. That’s awesome! But how do you know that best practices were followed?

The code could contain a gaping security hole. Even worse, it might be hiding something malicious. Once deployed, this generated plugin could cause a whole lot of trouble.

Sure, a human coder might do the same thing. But that’s the point. Quality and accuracy aren’t assured in either case.

Creative Works Could Be Used Without Permission

It wasn’t so long ago that we saw a wave of legal threats from stock photography services. When an (allegedly) unlicensed version of a copyrighted image was found, the provider came down hard on the offending website owners.

AI is already providing those same lawyers with plenty of work. Getty Images, for example, filed a lawsuit against a tool that generates artwork.

At first glance, this may appear to be a battle between corporations. But the impact could trickle down to end users as well. It’s fair to wonder about the risk of using AI-generated images on your website. Will it leave you open to legal threats?

Code is also a potential trap. Perhaps open-source materials are fine to use. But what if a tool indexes a snippet from a private repository? And how can an end user tell the difference?

Without processes in place that allow creators to opt-in to feeding AI tools, we’ll never know where content comes from. That’s a risk.

There’s Always More Than Meets the Eye

Those touting the game-changing potential of AI aren’t necessarily wrong. There’s every reason to believe that this technology can reshape entire industries – if not the world.

But the skeptic in me feels like we’re only getting a partial story. After all, any tool that can be used to do good can also be used to harm. And the final judgment is truly in the eye of the beholder.

The bottom line is that individuals, organizations, and governments will use AI in ways that benefit them. Their interests won’t always align with everyone else’s. We must be smart enough to gauge their motives and determine whether they’re acceptable.

That’s worth keeping in mind as we’re inundated with grand proclamations about this nascent technology.

The post Why the Grumpy Designer Isn’t Sold on the AI Hype Machine appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

But rather than wallow in what was, this grumpy designer prefers to look forward. Taking the time to think about what will happen in the next year is a great opportunity – for some lighthearted satire, that is. Making outrageous predictions is both fun and an escape from everyday life. That’s something we can all use.

As with years past, my focus will be on things that matter to web designers. It’s all about the notable tools, people, and technology that keep our industry interesting.

If you’re a newcomer, I should also mention that there will be quite a bit of snark as well. Laughs are the primary goal, after all.

Without further ado, let’s take a peek at what will definitely happen in 2023!

Twitter Introduces Features to Please New Ownership

Twitter has been a great resource for the web design community. It’s been a vehicle for sharing information and connecting with others. Thus, it was no surprise that some members were concerned by Elon Musk’s acquisition of the platform. Would the famously impulsive billionaire be too disruptive?

In a word: Yes. Musk has been the proverbial bull in a crystal shop, laying off employees (only to rehire some shortly thereafter), conducting “code reviews,” and making all manner of odd proclamations.

The bottom line is that Twitter now exists to excite and entertain its new owner. As such, new features will be implemented exclusively for this purpose. 2023 will see a few major releases, including:

Randomly Edited Tweets
While the ability to edit tweets requires a paid Twitter Blue account, free users are in luck. A new algorithm will randomly change “unsatisfactory” tweets to better align with Musk’s worldview.

I know what you’re thinking – it’s a ploy to enforce the new guy’s take on free speech. But this feature goes well beyond mere lobbying efforts. Things can get a bit personal.

For instance, a tweet declaring that sloths are your favorite animal could be edited to match Musk’s fictional preference. Or a photo of you drinking a cup of coffee might be swapped out with a can of Diet Coke.

While it may be a minor inconvenience for users, it does mean that the boss won’t have to read anything the least bit unpleasant. That’s better for everyone.

“Troll Me” Button
The new sheriff in town has decided to cut back on content moderation. Some may see this as a bad thing, but the idea behind this decision is rather altruistic. The goal is to make it even easier to connect with others.

That’s why a new “Troll Me” button will appear on every user’s profile. Click it, and you’ll be presented with a list of pre-approved insults and condemnations. Simply choose the message that suits your needs and be on your merry way!

If beta testing proves successful, watch for the feature to also be added to the Reply options.

*Per Twitter’s new verification system, I’d like to specify that everything above is a parody. No Tesla vehicles were harmed.

New WordPress Plugins Will Adopt the Trends

WordPress has been around long enough that we’ve seen several trends come and go. From the way plugins approach specific functionality to a total rewrite of how themes are built, change is always on the menu.

2023 will be no exception. In fact, plugin developers are going to take things to an entirely new level. Look for the following WordPress plugins to find their way onto the market:

Admin Notifications Pro Extended
It seems like plugins litter the dashboard with notifications a little more each year. Not only are they greater in numbers, but they’re also harder to dismiss. That is if you can dismiss them at all.

Admin Notifications Pro Extended doesn’t want this trend to end. In contrast, it seeks to join in the fun!

The plugin ($29.99 per month for a single-site license) will display random, nonsensical notifications throughout the dashboard. To maintain the element of surprise, some will intentionally break the WordPress block editor – meaning you won’t be able to save that 1,000-word blog post. Such is life.

Level up with the User Experience Add-on ($100 per 500 page views) to make notices appear on the front end as well.

#WPDrama Generator
There’s nothing like a controversial discussion to stir up a little #WPDrama. But what happens during those quiet moments when no one is arguing?

That’s where the new #WPDrama Generator plugin comes in. It features a choose-your-own-adventure interface for creating hot takes, takedowns, and other hijinks. Publish your creation and use the built-in social sharing tool to stir the virtual pot.

If you’ve taken things too far, use the available WP Apology Generator add-on ($50 per use) to craft a mea culpa that’s reviewed by a professional crisis management bot.

Artificial Intelligence Will Be a Web Designer’s Best Friend

Worried that artificial intelligence (AI) will take your job? I very much doubt it, as algorithms can’t fully replace human creativity and sensibility (yet).

If anything, AI will be there to guide web designers where we need it most. It will turn our weaknesses into strengths. But that’s not all.

I predict that sometime in 2023, we’ll see an app that leverages AI to tackle our biggest struggle: dealing with clients.

Among its core features:

• Automatically connects to the client’s website to make the logo bigger;
• Adjusts color contrast ratios to add some “pop” to the look;
• Responds to vague emails by asking for clarification;
• Detects scope creep and lets clients know when a request will cost more money;
• Infiltrates your client’s devices and clears their cache;
• Blocks client access to defunct web browsers;

Now that’s what I call useful technology. If only it could do something about those clients who don’t pay their bills…

Start the New Year with a Laugh

As we prepare for another year, I think it’s important to do so with a sense of humor. Laughter is critical for surviving in chaotic times. That’s as relevant in web design as it is in life.

Hopefully, these predictions help in that quest. By roasting what’s to come, perhaps we can handle the inevitable bumps in the road more easily. If not, at least we can say that we had a few chuckles first.

Here’s to 2023. May you find happiness, success, and something to laugh about!

The post The Grumpy Designer’s 2023 Preview appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

You see, after 25+ years in this industry, I’ve come to realize that this job doesn’t get any easier. If anything, more layers of complexity keep being added. And the expectations from both clients and myself are higher than ever.

Then there’s the unhealthy mix of a constant stream of emails, Slack notifications, and tweets. Taken together, it’s enough to wear you out mentally and physically. Surveying the web design community helped me to see that I’m not alone in this feeling.

But it’s not only work-related stressors. There’s been a pandemic in our faces for years now. And each of us has stories of personal struggles to tell. For example, I’ve got a chronic disease (Type 1 Diabetes) along with a few years filled with family emergencies fresh in my mind. And I know that some of you have much bigger issues on your plate as well.

It’s enough to turn anyone into a grouch. But instead of complaining, let’s talk about the pressures we face. And maybe we’ll find some healthy ways to cope with them.

All of the Things inside a Web Designer’s Head

Twitter tends to be my outlet for self-expression and finding out what the web design community is thinking. When I joked that web designers are now required to be the human equivalent of a wiki, a few others concurred.

Some even quipped that perhaps all we need is to be skilled at searching Google. That’s a fair point, as so much knowledge is only a few keywords away.

Still – there are a lot of details we need to retain. And the more websites you build and manage, the harder it is to keep track of it all. How specific features work, what customizations were made, and other site-specific items may need to be recalled at any moment.

For instance, you might need that information when there’s an issue. And if you don’t have such things documented, it’s easy to overlook a key detail. That could make the situation worse.

A busy week could include several scenarios where you have to dig into a site’s code or otherwise troubleshoot a problem. If each site is unique, that makes these little details all the more important.

The web moves so quickly. Software updates such as those related to WordPress core and plugins, are a constant. Security issues can rear their head at any moment. The result is a whole lot of brain strain.

Freelancers Face a Growth Challenge

Being a solo freelancer often means trying to be a jack of all trades. It’s the idea that you can reasonably take care of all aspects of a website. We design it, write the code, and keep up with any maintenance needs that arise.

This is something I’ve prided myself on. Partly because I strive to be well-rounded, and also because I prefer to do things myself. It worked pretty well for the first couple of decades.

But this becomes much harder as a business grows. You book more clients and work on bigger, more complex projects. Eventually, you hit a proverbial brick wall while trying to scale those processes.

Growth is something many of us dream of. Yet it can also become a heavy burden. You start to feel it when you have multiple projects going on and unexpected life events that pop up.

On that last point, separating work from the rest of your life is always a challenge. But freelancing makes it nearly impossible – particularly if you work from home. It can be isolating. And it’s not as if the stress just melts away the moment you walk into the next room.

The result is that work becomes more like a wild goose chase rather than an exercise in productivity. It also sucks the fun out of being a web designer. And maybe this leads to becoming a bit grumpy…

How Do We Recapture Our Energy?

Much like the fatigue we face, the remedies are complex. The “easy” solution is to scale back the number of projects we take on. Or go back to the days of building relatively simple brochure-style websites.

It sounds nice, if a bit unrealistic. Doing so would likely mean a reduction in revenue. That’s not a scenario most of us can afford.

On the other hand, there may be several ways to simplify your business. That includes discontinuing or outsourcing some services while increasing efficiency where possible.

Those steps can help. But, by themselves, they can’t fix everything. There’s also a mental aspect that requires attention.

In all honesty, I’m still searching for answers in that area. Perhaps it starts with pacing ourselves and setting more forgiving expectations. And jettisoning the idea that we must do everything solo could also be beneficial.

And maybe the answers will be different for each of us. Our personalities and personal histories make us unique. In that way, it’s about trying to find what works best for you.

It’s Ok Not to Be Ok (And a Little Grumpy)

One might think that experience makes both our jobs and lives easier. But that’s not necessarily the case. We’re often striving to be “bigger and better.” Thus, things can become more complicated over time.

Perhaps the real benefit of experience is gaining perspective. You learn more about yourself – including your strengths and weaknesses. That allows you to identify your struggles and develop solutions.

It’s not all that different from web design. We’re used to analyzing a situation and charting the best path forward.

The bottom line is that many of us will become tired from time to time. It comes with the territory of balancing life while working in a constantly-changing industry. There’s no shame in admitting it.

Getting to the other side of it takes time. Hopefully, this little conversation can provide the spark we need to get moving.

The post The Grumpy Designer Asks: Are You Tired? appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

Website security is a prime example. It has always been a concern – even when I started on this path back in the mid-1990s. Back then, the primary concern was a hacked FTP password or an angry ex-colleague defacing/wiping out files. These days, it’s so much more. Kind of like a pesky bug that has morphed into a massive sea monster.

And that monster has fully wrapped its tentacles around this grumpy designer. Work has become a vicious cycle of malware infection, cleansing, and reinfection. Then repeat.

The main target of the monster’s malevolence is WordPress. That shouldn’t come as a surprise, as the content management system (CMS) is constantly under attack. It comes with the territory of powering over 40% of the web.

Sadly, I know I’m not the only one facing this sort of debacle. With that, I wanted to share a few rants, thoughts, and suggestions for putting that monster back in its place.

Being Careful Isn’t Good Enough

The cold reality of website security is that there are no guarantees. Virtually every site can be compromised by malware. It happens to even the most careful among us.

As it applies to WordPress, being careful means keeping a few basics in mind:

• Vetting the theme and plugins we install;
• Routinely applying updates;
• Using secure and complex passwords;
• Hosting the site on a service that takes security seriously;
• Ensuring that file permissions are in line with WordPress recommendations;
• Adding extra layers of defense such as security plugins and firewalls;

While there’s more to it than that, the above actions provide a solid foundation. The idea is to protect against the most basic kinds of attacks. Hopefully it also deters some more complex attempts as well.

The frustrating aspect of this approach is that you’re only as strong as the weakest link in your security. Even reputable plugins can contain security holes. And there is a multitude of vectors an attacker can use to cause trouble – including some that we have no direct control over.

Therefore, being careful isn’t good enough to ward off every attack.

Cleaning up a Hack Is a Drain on Resources

Despite taking steps to avoid security issues, hacks still happen. And when they do, cleaning up the aftermath can be an arduous task.

The process involves identifying any malicious files – including legitimate WordPress core files that could have been modified. Security scanners like those found in the Wordfence plugin can help to identify files, but there are caveats.

If a site’s administrator account has been compromised, or an attacker used a security hole to gain access to the WordPress dashboard – all bets are off. They’d have the ability to deactivate a security plugin. From there, they could wreak all sorts of havoc while staying undetected.

Plus, determining how malware found its way onto your site is rarely simple. I can’t count the number of times I thought I had found the culprit, only to be proven wrong after subsequent infections. It often takes combing through files and studying security blogs to get an answer. Yet some issues can remain a mystery.

Not only is this stressful for everyone involved, but it also hampers your ability to work on other projects. A security breach is an all-hands-on-deck type of situation. If you happen to be a freelancer, then your hands are inevitably tied up with fixing a hacked site.

What Else Can Web Designers Do?

As I previously mentioned, there’s only so much within our control. Web designers can make informed decisions, but our projects can still fall prey to malware. In some ways, it seems like a hopeless situation.

However, security threats aren’t going away. If anything, they’ll continue to grow exponentially. That means we have to keep on trying.

Here are a few strategies that could help:

Become a Plugin Minimalist

While it’s never a good idea to keep unnecessary WordPress plugins installed, it can also be dangerous. That’s why it’s worth removing anything you don’t need.

In some cases, it may be worth creating a barebones custom plugin when possible. Malicious bots attempt to sniff out known vulnerabilities within WordPress core and specific plugins. This may be a way to reduce risk while still maintaining functionality.

Regardless, it’s also a good idea to keep up with what’s happening with the plugins you do install. Make sure they are regularly updated and try to avoid any that are no longer maintained.

Ask Clients to Invest in Security

Security can become a significant part of a web designer’s job. A lot of work goes into strengthening a website and mitigating any issues that arise. But our pricing doesn’t always reflect that reality.

Thus, it makes sense to ask clients to invest in this area. By recommending security-related tools and services, you’re proactively adding extra layers of protection. And by including regular security checks in your maintenance packages, you’ll be keeping a watchful eye on what’s happening.

Another benefit of this strategy is that you’re raising awareness of security. When clients have a better grasp of the subject, they’ll be more likely to take preventative measures.

Make a Plan for Cleanup

It’s safe to say that none of us want to deal with a hacked site. We do everything we can to try and prevent it from happening. And…it happens anyway.

As such, it’s better to prepare for this scenario rather than bury your head in the sand. Develop a process that helps you efficiently clean up a compromised site.

It may not always work the first (or second) time. But each failure is a good learning experience. Eventually, you’ll refine the process and increase your odds of success.

Get Some Professional Help

Managing website security is messy and frustrating – enough to put any of us into therapy. That kind of professional help is always welcome. But it’s not the kind I’m talking about here.

Rather, I’m talking about working with security professionals. For example, services that help to lock down your client’s websites and rid them of any infections.

There’s a cost involved – one that you can pass along to your clients. And it may just save your sanity in the long run.

Malware Chaos Is the New Normal

In some ways, securing a website is like a game of cat-and-mouse. For every gap you close off, another one appears. Malicious actors are constantly evolving their methods for penetrating WordPress and other platforms. And none of us are immune.

This makes our job more difficult and time-consuming. And it also makes website maintenance more expensive for our clients.

Certainly, this is not what I envisioned when I started as a web designer. It’s unlikely that many of us got into this industry because we enjoy cleaning up malware. But like it or not, this is the new normal. And we’re the last line of defense against this proverbial sea monster. We can’t afford to go down without a fight.

The post The Grumpy Designer Takes on WordPress Malware appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

It’s a monumental challenge. The chaotic noise of social media, the bidding wars of advertising networks. These obstacles stand in the way of getting noticed. Thus, some entrepreneurs turn to more innovative (if you can call it that) ways to draw our attention.

The idea is to drive sales. But to put it kindly, some of these tactics end up having the opposite effect. Personally, that means it’ll be a cold day in you-know-where before I would even consider making a purchase.

If you’re looking to win this grumpy designer over, you’d better avoid the following shady practices.

Littering Your Freemium Product with Obnoxious Ads

Freemiums are a big deal in web design. You get a certain amount of product for free, then upgrade to a paid version to unlock more goodies. It’s especially prevalent in the WordPress theme and plugin ecosystems.

This model seems to work fairly well for both users and developers. The product gets some much-needed publicity, while everyone else benefits from its functionality. It would be a clear win-win situation if only certain companies didn’t overstep boundaries.

While some level of advertising is to be expected, there are cases where it gets out of hand. Take, for example, a plugin that decided to include a non-functioning ad into the WordPress block editor. It was not easily dismissible and served no useful purpose.

Not a big deal? Consider the possibility of other plugins adopting this same practice. It could turn the “distraction-free” content creation process into a virtual Times Square.

Ads are fine. But the more intrusive they become, the more likely I am to go somewhere else.

Asking For Personal Information – Then Abusing It

Web designers know the deal: you give up a piece of your privacy in exchange for a product or service. Google and Facebook have made a killing on this model. Many of us willingly participate despite our concerns.

Once you’ve given up your data, it’s up to the provider to use it safely and responsibly. Perhaps that’s a naïve take – even laughable. Especially when you consider those that abuse this information.

It can take many forms. Sometimes it’s an incessant stream of emails or (gasp!) sales calls. Others simply sell your info to whoever is willing to pay. Worst of all are those who leave your data easily accessible to hackers.

Again, there are boundaries. And the line between friendly communication and harassment is a bit different for everybody. But the idea is to entice people to spend their money – not bully them into submission.

Being Evasive about Pricing, Features, and Updates

The details are kind of important. As such, we want to know exactly what we’re getting before spending our hard-earned money on a product.

On a personal level, nothing gets my goat quite like a product website that omits (or makes it hard to find) the following:

Pricing

How much does it cost? This should be an easy one. Some sites will provide an attractive pricing table, but leave out key information.

If it’s a yearly subscription, does it renew at full price? Is the process automated? What happens when the subscription expires? These are things potential customers need to know right from the start.

Then there are products with paid add-ons. A website should spell out what’s included for each pricing tier. If a particular item isn’t included, what are the additional costs?

Don’t hide the full pricing picture from view. No one enjoys a surprise in this area.

Features

While sales copy doesn’t have to go incredibly in-depth, it’s still good to get a picture of what the product does. And it’s also nice to learn what advantages come along with it.

For instance, it’s one thing to boast of a product’s slick UI. But is it more powerful or efficient? How does it compare to the competition?

The more technical the product, the more we need to know. Therefore, a quick list won’t get the job done here.

Updates

No matter the product, security and stability are paramount. And nothing inspires confidence more than knowing that it’s well-maintained by its author.

For downloadable products like themes, plugins, or apps, keeping a changelog is vital. This allows us to see how often updates are released and what changes have been made.

Without this information, it’s virtually impossible to tell if you’re investing in an actively-developed product. Maybe this only applies to tech-savvy buyers. But, by and large, that’s what web designers are.

What Sells? Honesty and Respectfulness.

It might seem counterintuitive, but there are instances when quality doesn’t matter. At least, not initially.

Because by engaging in the practices above, you’re ensuring that users never get to see how great your product is. These methods push people away before they ever get to experience what you have to offer. That’s the tragedy of it.

There are no shortcuts on the road to success. If you want your product to sell and make an impact, then respect people and their boundaries. Demonstrate what it can do and why it’s great. And be transparent when it comes to pricing and maintenance.

This way, you’re building relationships as opposed to imposing your will. That’s the only way to get web designers (especially grumpy ones) on your side.

The post How to Ensure that the Grumpy Designer Never Buys Your Product appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

The titles that organizations toss around appear to be an effort to differentiate themselves from competitors. Why trudge through life as a “Customer Support Representative” when you can be a “Happiness Engineer”? Even if the pay is lower, the prestige is much higher. It’s also undeniable proof that your new employer thinks outside the box.

There are some unintended side effects to this line of thinking. These gimmicky job descriptions tend to cause heated debate. Some within the web design community use titles as a means to exclude individuals. Tweets declaring “Don’t call yourself a Full Stack Developer unless you know x, y, and z” are an invitation to an unsavory argument.

For our mental health and well-being, I say it’s time to look past titles. The following are a few thoughts on how to focus on what matters.

Official-Sounding Titles with Arbitrary Thresholds

Part of the issue stems from the fact that there are few if any, universal certifications in web design. Fields like information technology have badges from large companies such as Google and Microsoft. But there’s no official way to become certified in say, WordPress (and you won’t receive a special graduation ceremony with Matt Mullenweg handing out diplomas).

In reality, anyone can call themselves a designer or developer. And anyone can question whether we’re “developer enough” to qualify for a job.

The term “full-stack” seems to be especially loaded. If I can design and build a website from start to finish, perhaps I fit the bill? But does that still apply if I rely on readymade scripts or plugins? It largely depends on who you ask. Feel free to pose the question on social media – just be prepared for the inevitable disagreements.

These arbitrary definitions move beyond the community and find their way into organizations as well. What one employer considers to be a “Senior Developer” could be quite different somewhere else.

And those of us who have been freelancing for several years are especially hard to quantify. Real-life project experience means something. But would it be valued in the job market the same as a formal education?

We Should Be Judged by Results, Not Buzzwords

The real test for any of us is in what we do – not how someone else would categorize us. In practice, that means demonstrated results. And there are many ways to do it.

Your portfolio can say a lot about what you have accomplished. Including case studies that detail the technologies you used and what you learned along the way are great reinforcements.

Then there is the act of being a part of something bigger than yourself. Contributing to an open-source project shows not only your skills but your ability to work as part of a team. Dependability is also part of the equation. These are things that every employer should value.

If you’re just starting in the industry, you may not have a lot of history to go on. But that doesn’t make you any less talented or dedicated. You can still demonstrate results through personal projects or educational achievements.

While titles are meant to be a simpler means of assessing skills, they aren’t a more accurate representation than the things you’ve done. That should be the ultimate way to judge a web professional.

Avoid Falling into the Title Trap

One of the reasons I love the moniker “Grumpy Designer” is that it accurately describes who I am. To be sure, I’m friendly (I don’t bite). But it reflects a somewhat cynical view of trends and the “must-have” skills of the moment.

It’s also a jab at how the industry tries to box us in. If we listened to titles alone, none of us would dare to venture outside of our assigned lane. That could result in less innovation and a lot of individual boredom. People who aren’t allowed to grow and evolve won’t want to stick around.

And web design is one of the few career paths that have a seemingly endless array of possibilities. There is still an opportunity to learn every day. It’s something you can’t fully capture in a title.

With that, let’s stop chasing a particular title or letting ourselves be defined by one. Instead, focus on tangible results. The goals will be different for everyone – and that’s the point.

The post Why ‘Grumpy Designer’ Is the Only Title I Want appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

Now it’s time to straighten up and get ready for another go. 2022 promises to be an eventful year – particularly for web designers.

Do you know what that means? Predictions! But these aren’t the play-it-safe, incremental types of prognostications you’ll see elsewhere. If you’ve read my past columns, you know that I aim for the moon. And this year will be no different.

In fact, let’s see what I can get away with up the ante. The following are the boldest (notice the bold type) predictions for 2022 you’ll find anywhere.

Google’s AMP Fiasco Will Be Resolved

It turns out that Google’s vision for AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) didn’t pan out quite the way the omnipresent company had anticipated. Instead of becoming a fast-loading proponent of the “open web”, the framework generally frustrated both developers and publishers alike.

But the real kicker has been the antitrust allegations put forth. Unredacted documents seem to indicate that the real goal was to crush competing advertisers while providing very little benefit to participating websites. Even the perceived speed benefits have come under fire.

These are very serious assertions that will likely play out in a courtroom. But I predict that everyone involved will come to a reasonable solution. One that not only gives AMP’s users some peace of mind but will also result in some major concessions from Google.

How Will It End?
To make up for allegedly slowing down competitor’s ads, Google will introduce “dialup mode”, a universal 10-second delay when loading all of its web properties. Think those ads at the beginning of your favorite YouTube videos are annoying? Imagine waiting 10 seconds for search results to pop up. It’ll be like 1997 all over again.

As an extra measure, irrelevant (and potentially inappropriate) emoji will be interspersed throughout Google’s API documentation.

The Web and Metaverse Will Become BFFs

Facebook’s embrace of the metaverse was a shock to the system. It was so out of the blue that, for some reason, it felt as though they were trying to change the subject. Hmmm…🤔

But there’s certainly intrigue with this virtual world. Watching an early commercial from Meta (oh, that’s Facebook’s name now), one can’t help but want to become fully immersed.

As I see it, this is bigger than just a single social network. The metaverse belongs to all of us. And the web will be the perfect place to give people what they want.

Thus, web designers had better get ready. Our clients are going to start asking us to implement these “Meta®” features into their sites. And just think of the possibilities:

• A convenience store website where users can simulate the experience of paying for bottled water;
• A “virtual ATM” that allows banking customers to enter their secret PIN while friendly forest creatures look on;
• Online events that teleport attendees to the surface of Mars – complete with space dust;

This new MetaWeb (that’s what I’m calling it) will place users anywhere and everywhere at once. After the initial confusion wears off, we’ll be in for quite a ride.

Unintended Side-Effect
All avatars within the MetaWeb will be non-fungible tokens (NFTs). As such, losing your password will also mean a loss of identity. Oh well, it’s always nice to start fresh. Try doing that in the real world!

The Continued Gentrification of WordPress

Just like major cities around the world, WordPress has been dealing with gentrification. Out with the old way of doing things and in with the new. You can see it all around the community and ecosystem.

The shakeup started with the Gutenberg block editor, which is rapidly taking over various pieces of the content management system. It’s not just for editing posts. Indeed, it has now enveloped both the widgets screen and even the entire layout of a website via Full Site Editing (FSE).

Elsewhere, plugin and service provider acquisitions were everywhere. Many longtime community members sold off their products to larger firms, leaving users to wonder what it all means.

I don’t expect this to slow down in 2022. If anything, it’s going to ramp up to warp speed. Here are just a few major changes in store:

Competitor Site Editing (CSE)
Why stop at simply editing every aspect of your own website? That’s the idea behind CSE. The feature will provide site administrators access to the innards of a random competitor’s site. While any advantage you might gain is temporary, the ensuing game of tit-for-tat will be incredibly energizing.

The Plugin Acquisition Plugin
For those with a lot of cash or crypto in reserve, this will be a must-have plugin for 2022. And, unlike so many other areas of WordPress, the UI is dead simple.

First, connect your financial accounts via an API. Next, a checklist of WordPress plugins is displayed on the screen. Check off the plugins you want to own and…boom! They’re now in your portfolio.

It’s that easy. Just make sure to send out a reassuring press release to your new customers after each acquisition.

Final Prediction: Web Designers Will Adapt and Thrive

While the above predictions may be in jest, one thing is for certain. Web designers will continue to adapt to a changing landscape. That’s a safe bet in any year.

Thanks for reading. And here’s wishing you a happy, safe, and successful 2022!

The post The Grumpy Designer’s 2022 Preview appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.