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.

If you look closely, you’ll find decades-old technology. And it’s not limited to outdated websites. The fingerprints of the past are all over cutting-edge sites as well.

Sure, many of these technologies have evolved. Others have faded into the background. But we still rely on them. Perhaps more than we think.

With that, here’s a look at the old-school tech that continues to shape the web development industry.

Apache HTTP Server

Apache is no longer the top dog in web servers. However, the platform still holds a significant market share. W3Techs reports that it runs on over 30% of servers. That’s a close second to competitor Nginx.

Equally impressive is Apache’s longevity. Its initial release came way back in 1995.

The web was a much different place in those days. Most websites of that era consisted of static HTML. Let’s not forget about the low-powered hardware and limited bandwidth as well.

Apache has managed to keep up with the times. It’s a highly scalable platform that can handle large amounts of traffic. It also supports next-gen tech like HTTP/2 and IPv6.

Plus, Apache is responsible for many familiar technologies of its own. Development staples like .htaccess, gzip compression, and URL rewriting are supported.

jQuery

People continue to write off jQuery. But it’s hard to find evidence of a slowdown. The JavaScript library is used on over 77% of all websites.

Compare that number with its supposed heyday of 2012. Its usage was a mere 49% back then.

Being bundled with WordPress is one factor in jQuery’s growth. The world’s most widely used content management system (CMS) boosts those numbers. But that’s not the only reason.

Many of us are familiar with jQuery. And we know how to use it. That level of comfort continues to make it a go-to library.

Plus, it’s still in active development. jQuery continues to be refined and optimized for performance.

Yes, there are other worthy frameworks. And vanilla JavaScript has come a long way. But we bury jQuery at our own risk.

JPEG Images

We’ve been attempting to replace JPEG images for some time. Newer formats like SVG, WebP, and AVIF promise lossless compression. But this old-school file type from 1992 still bests them.

Both SVG and WebP are gaining ground. Yet JPEG carries on with a nearly 78% usage rate. Why is that?

For one, JPEG has the advantage of being a long-established format. Just about every image editing app supports it. And many of us have become used to saving images this way.

It’s also universally compatible with web browsers. WebP, for instance, doesn’t work with some legacy apps. That’s becoming less of a concern, however. Many of these browsers are vanishing from the landscape.

But after all these years, JPEG still works well for photographs. And its file size outperforms WebP in certain situations. It may not be the best option in every instance. But the format is still a viable choice.

The Command Line

The command line harkens back to a time before the graphical user interface (GUI). You may remember typing commands into MS-DOS if you’re of a certain age. And early systems like Unix were also command-based.

It almost seems ironic that the command line interface (CLI) is still a part of web development. The lineage is there, though. Linux powers many web servers, after all. But it’s also the “Throwback Thursday” of the industry.

Web hosting companies have attempted to replace or supplement the CLI. Visual control panels can replicate some functionality.

But the CLI also brings speed and efficiency to the party. Tools like WordPress have their own CLI flavors. And they can accomplish tasks without the overhead of a GUI.

It also offers fine-grain control over commands. You can target specific database tables or folders with relative ease.

The CLI survives because it’s still incredibly useful. And it beats using punch cards any day.

HTML

Maybe it’s a bit obvious. But no talk of old-school web technologies is complete without HTML. It’s still the basis of what we do.

Conceptualized in 1989, HTML saw its first release in 1991. It has since seen numerous iterations. And it is still evolving to meet the needs of the modern web.

HTML is capable of powering a website by itself. But it no longer stands alone. We can combine it with other languages to get the desired result. That could be CSS, PHP, Java, JavaScript, Ruby, or anything else that comes along.

These additional tools allow us to style and manipulate elements. We can tie in with a database to conditionally produce output. That has paved the way for the complex web applications we see today.

At 30+ years old, HTML is still as relevant as ever. And perhaps more flexible to boot.

Older Tech Continues to Find New Purpose

Longevity isn’t very common on the web. Or not on the front end, at least. Design trends come and go quickly. As do the tools and services we rely on.

But beneath all of that lies a bedrock of foundational technologies. Each of the items above qualifies. They’ve been a part of our job for decades.

And they’re far from the only ones. We didn’t delve into CSS or FTP, for instance. But they, along with dozens of other tools, are vital pieces of the jigsaw for developers.

Their continued presence brings comfort. That’s a good thing in an industry that changes so quickly.

The post How Old-School Technologies Still Shape Web Development appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

WordPress websites consist of a theme and plugins. And they rely on a database. That makes diagnosing slow page loads difficult. There are so many places to look.

What’s more, poor performance can appear out of the blue. A software update or a change by your web host could be the culprit. But how can you be sure?

We’re here to help! Here are a few tips for diagnosing a slow WordPress website. They’ll help you spot common (and not-so-common) performance issues.

Start With What You Can See

The first step is to assess what you see when your website loads. What you find could help you determine the next step.

Observe your website and think about the following:

Where Is the Slowness Occurring?

Poor performance can come in many forms. For example, it could be a sitewide issue. But it could be localized to a single page. Or maybe you’re only noticing sluggish behavior in the dashboard.

Make note of where you are (and aren’t) experiencing problems. This can help you narrow down potential causes.

Are There Any Obvious Signs?

Sometimes the problem is right in front of you. Elements such as image sliders or videos can slow down a page. Or you might notice that third-party content (like a social media widget) is loading slowly.

There are no guarantees. But you might gain insight into the slowdown. If not, there are still plenty of things you can do.

Use Some Helpful Tools

Several tools are available to help you diagnose a slow website. Performance scanners like Google’s PageSpeed Insights will provide a laundry list of potential issues.

But the reports can be a bit dense. Thus, finding key factors in poor performance isn’t straightforward.

Here, we’ll focus on a few other tools worth checking out:

Web Browser Developer Tools

Your web browser’s developer tools include powerful features. They’re the place to catch page load errors. And they can display critical information about what’s happening behind the scenes.

Modern browsers come packed with advanced developer tools. For our purposes, we’ll concentrate on the console and network panels.

Console

Let’s start with the browser console. This tool provides a real-time view of errors and warnings. It’s a handy listing of any issues impacting a page.

Perhaps the biggest telltale sign is a 404 Not Found error. That indicates a specific resource couldn’t be loaded. This could be a script, image, stylesheet, or font. The web server is wasting precious time looking for something that can’t be found.

The console will also fill you in on JavaScript errors and security notices. These can also get in the way of a faster page load.

Network

The network tool provides a listing of each request made. It provides context about what’s happening while the page loads.

For instance, you can see the amount of data transferred and the time it took. This helps you see which resources are weighing down a page.

In addition, HTTP response codes will point out blocked or missing resources.

Query Monitor

Performance issues directly related to WordPress can be difficult to diagnose. That’s where Query Monitor comes in. This free plugin provides a glimpse of how the CMS works in both the front and back ends.

Query Monitor shows you things that browser developer tools can’t. And it does so with a well-organized user interface. It adds a menu within the WordPress admin bar.

Among the information you’ll find:

• Database queries (with the ability to point out slow queries);
• PHP errors and warnings;
• A list of all enqueued scripts and styles;
• HTTP API requests;
• Server version information;

It’s a great tool for finding problematic PHP code and slow database queries. Query Monitor’s ability to point to specific items makes troubleshooting easier.

And the available add-on plugins allow you to dig even further. They can help with WooCommerce shops, BuddyPress/bbPress installs, and more.

Query Monitor can help you find the proverbial needle in a haystack.

You’ve Found the Culprit – Now What?

Hopefully, the tips above helped you identify the problem. What to do next?

Making performance tweaks is a topic of its own. Much depends on the source of your issue. However, there are a few universal steps to take.

First, be sure to repair any errors. Patch up any problematic PHP. Replace or remove references to missing resources. Remove third-party content that is taking too long to load. Consider this the low-hanging fruit in the process.

Next, look at how your theme and plugins are impacting performance. If you have outdated items installed, it may be time to replace them. The good news is that there are usually plenty of options within the WordPress ecosystem.

Finally, take a look at your web hosting arrangement. A slow file or database server is a drag on any website. Implementing tools like object caching or content delivery networks (CDN) can be difference-makers.

Be sure that your site has adequate storage, processing threads, and memory. A lack of resources is one of the most common performance issues you’ll face.

By addressing all three areas (code, theme/plugins, and server), you’ll be able to make significant performance gains.

Kick WordPress Performance up a Notch

There could be myriad reasons why your WordPress website isn’t performing well. Anything from a poorly-coded plugin to a buggy server could be to blame.

Sometimes you’ll get lucky and the root cause will be apparent. But you’ll more likely have to do some sleuthing to get to the bottom of it.

There are tools to help you pinpoint any problems. It starts with your browser’s developer tools. But you can also use WordPress-specific items like Query Monitor. Together, they’ll paint a clearer picture of what’s slowing down your site.

From there, you can take any necessary steps to boost speed. The process isn’t always easy. But it all starts with gathering the right information.

The post What’s Slowing Down Your WordPress Website? appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

One such experiment came from Sports Illustrated. The venerable publication has allegedly published AI-generated writers and content on its website. They went so far as to source AI author profile pictures as well.

They’re not the first to try this. CNET tested a similar strategy. There’s no doubt that other companies will follow.

The quest for cheap (or free) content is hitting writers. But it could impact all creative professionals in one way or another. Web designers, developers, and graphic artists are among them.

How far might companies go? And what sort of backlash could they face? I have a few thoughts on what might happen.

Let’s Go Hypothetical with Taylor Swift

Just humor me here. I’m trying to imagine the lengths a company might go to save money. And how they might replace a creative professional with AI. Thus, here’s a hypothetical scenario starring Miss Taylor Swift.

Swift is pulling in a massive amount of cash. Her Eras tour has raked in billions of dollars. She’s a media darling and has fans all over the world. She’s irreplaceable – right? Well, it wouldn’t be shocking if someone tried.

Let’s suppose a record label had all of her recorded music. Perhaps they feed these tracks into an AI model. The app “learns” her lyrical style and the tone of her voice.

Now, that record label has a big idea. Their AI model can generate new songs using Swift’s signature style.

They can replicate her voice. Perhaps they don’t want to go that far, though. It will likely have legal ramifications. But they can change things up just enough to sound similar. And that may be enough to produce a hit.

Would fans accept AI-generated music? The song uses a proven formula, after all. Therefore, let’s assume they do.

Playing this song on the radio may work well. But what about a concert tour? People will want to connect with this hot new artist – or a facsimile of one. It’s a key ingredient to a successful brand.

This fictional record label could hire an actor to lip-sync on stage. A modern-day Milli Vanilli, perhaps. But this doesn’t guarantee an Eras-like hit. The problem is in creating a personal connection.

Swift connects with her fans on an authentic level. She has built her reputation over many years. The idea of replacing her with an actor who “visualizes” an AI tune may be a bridge too far for fans. At least, that’s what I’m hoping.

The Question of Long-Term Success

The scenario above may seem ridiculous. But it’s significantly cheaper than paying an artist. And that’s the worry. Companies will be enticed by the possibilities. And they won’t need to work at the scale of a knockoff Taylor Swift.

A website owner may decide that they can get by without a developer. An ad agency might trust DALL·E to do the work of a graphic designer. Anyone capable of writing a prompt could do this work.

The quality of the work is another matter. After all, it was relatively easy for humans to pick apart the Sports Illustrated articles. Search engines will probably do the same. Why should Google reward such laziness?

Now, back to our industry. I’ve opined before about AI’s impact on web designers. I believe that people will try all manner of ways to save money. But a great website still requires a human touch.

We may see a cycle similar to that of DIY website builders. People will try them. Some will be dissatisfied with the results. That’s when they’ll seek out a professional. I think the same is possible with AI.

AI tools will surely improve. But are they reliable enough for long-term success? That may be the defining question of this era (see what I did there?)

The Acceptance and Expectations for AI

How or if AI replaces creative professionals may come down to our acceptance and expectations. That goes for both decision-makers and the public.

The latter may inform the former. If the public consumes AI-generated content without complaint, AI will spread like wildfire. Companies will continue to test the boundaries.

But what if conversions and SEO rankings start to plummet? We’ll likely see a change in course.

Much may depend on where AI shows up. Consumers may not blink at “disposable” content like Sports Illustrated generated. But they may demand higher quality from journalistic content.

Expectations also play a role for companies. Will they consider an AI-generated website good enough? Or will they prefer the attention to detail of human designers?

We’re still early in the game. The answers will determine the impact on how creative professionals are valued.

Where Is This All Headed?

I’m betting that AI will become a foundation for many types of projects. Perhaps it seizes the low end of the market. For example, it could spell trouble for those building fast and cheap websites.

But it doesn’t signal the end for skilled humans. Talented people will continue to thrive.

It does feel like a period of adjustment, though. Thus, any feelings of unease are understandable.

I don’t have all the answers. But I hope that continuing to learn and grow will help. In the end, maybe that’s all we can do. Prove our worth time and again.

Meanwhile, we can watch as AI evolves and brings chaos to multiple industries.

The post Will Replacing Creative Professionals with AI Backfire? appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

The possibilities have never been greater. Modern CSS and JavaScript allow us to do more than mimic print design. We can use them to add movement and interactivity to the mix. But it goes deeper.

Gradients are no longer limited to container backgrounds. They can also style text content. It’s an opportunity to enhance headlines and calls to action.

So, what kinds of things can you do with gradients? We scanned the archives of CodePen to find eight great examples.

Grainy & Gradients Text Using color-mix by LukyVJ

This snippet uses the recent CSS color-mix property. The property simplifies the process of darkening, lightening, and desaturating colors. The result is a beautiful text gradient that allows the page background to come through. We don’t often associate gradients with graininess. But it works to perfection here.

See the Pen Grainy & Gradients text by LukyVJ

Single Element Gradient Background Patterns by Ana Tudor

Conic gradients add a unique twist to the element. The color transitions rotate around a center point. You can see it on display in this example. Each card sports a unique and intricate pattern.

See the Pen 1 element card background patterns (see description) by Ana Tudor

Animated Radial Gradient Pattern by Loktar

Gradients still make great backgrounds. And this animated presentation demonstrates how far they’ve come. It looks amazing. The relatively few lines of code that powers it are equally impressive.

See the Pen Moving Radial Gradient Pattern by Loktar

Single DIV Radial Gradient Swirl by Adam Argyle

How can a single div element contain so many colors? The magic is in multiple radial gradients. Four gradients start at the edges and meet in the middle. The result is a colorful delight.

See the Pen 4 Corner Radial Gradient Swirl by Adam Argyle

AI Prompt UI with Subtle Gradient by Vincent Durand

Check out the subtle gradient on this artificial intelligence (AI) interface. It cleverly mixes with glassmorphism to produce a unique aesthetic. The effect brings life to the page.

See the Pen Imagica – AI prompt UI by Vincent Durand

Radial Gradient Cursor Trailer by Uzo Awili

Here’s an example of gradients shining a light on a background image. Move your cursor and watch as it casts a bright pink hue. A tiny bit of CSS and JavaScript makes it work.

See the Pen Radial Gradient Cursor Trailer – Using Gradient Positioning by Uzo Awili

Magical CSS Blossoming Flowers at Night Md Usman Ansari

Gradients play a sizeable role in this “magical” snippet. They add dimension and allow the virtual plant life to fade into black. The CSS repeating-linear-gradient function simplifies the effect’s usage.

See the Pen CSS Blossoming Flowers at Magical Night by Md Usman Ansari

Complex Gradient Examples by Drew McConville

Combining multiple gradients into a CSS background can produce compelling results. Scroll through this snippet to see four such examples. You’ll find a mix of colors and gradient types. It may even convince you to do some experimentation.

See the Pen Complex Gradient Examples by Drew McConville

A Fresh Look at a Design Staple

There was a time when designers shied away from gradients. The era of flat design encouraged the use of solid colors. But we rightfully came back to them.

The examples above show that gradients are still a valuable tool. They add flavor to all sorts of design elements. And it seems like designers are constantly finding creative uses.

That speaks to their flexibility. You can tweak gradients in endless ways. Make them as simple or complex as you like.

Want to see even more CSS and JavaScript gradient ideas? Be sure to check out our CodePen collection!

The post 8 CSS & JavaScript Snippets for Creating Complex Gradients appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

But maintenance is a unique niche. It typically doesn’t provide the large payouts that new builds offer. Plus, a client’s needs can vary quite a bit.

Some websites require constant attention. Others may only need a periodic software update. That means some maintenance clients are more profitable than others.

With that, you’ll want to target clients who fit your goals. Not everyone will be a match, however.

Much depends on how busy you want to be and how much you want to charge. Then there’s the matter of who built the website. Some designers won’t touch a site built by someone else.

Are you looking for maintenance-only web design clients? Here are some things to consider, along with how to determine your business goals.

Does The Website Fit Your Niche?

The first factor involves how a client’s website fits your niche. For instance, let’s say that you specialize in websites built with Webflow. Ideally, you’d like to book clients that work with the content management system (CMS).

Maintenance clients can provide a path to expanding your horizons, however. Picking up a WordPress client could better familiarize you with the software.

Still, you’ll want to consider the consequences. A site that’s unlike the others on your roster requires special attention. You may spend significant time researching tasks. And it could cut into your profit margin.

That may be fine if you’re planning to expand your services. The experience of learning another CMS can prove valuable in the long term.

Otherwise, staying within your niche is usually the way to go. That is unless you want to invest the time to learn something new.

How Much Work Is Expected?

Maintenance clients can run the gamut in terms of need. Those using WordPress will have a baseline of work. The core software, theme, and plugins will need routine updates. But things can scale quickly.

eCommerce websites require a lot of attention, for instance. You’ll want to test software updates on a staging environment. And troubleshooting problems are often more complex.

News and membership-based sites also fit this category. They tend to be frequently updated. And clients may be looking to roll out new features regularly.

These types of clients can be a boon for revenue. You might charge a significant monthly or yearly fee. The right opportunity could transform your business.

But you’ll also need to balance that against your time limitations. How many large-scale clients can you manage? A solo freelancer or small agency may have difficulty here.

It may be that you work with clients across the spectrum. Or you could focus solely on one type of website. The key is becoming comfortable with your workload.

Is the Website Worth Your Time?

A lot of web designers work with small organizations. These clients offer valuable learning experiences. And their maintenance needs tend to be minimal.

This arrangement is beneficial if your core focus is on building new websites. You can earn a little extra money along the way. Meanwhile, your expected workload will be minimal.

It doesn’t always work out this way, though. The prevalence of malware means that a security issue can happen at any time. And cleaning up a hacked website can be arduous and time-consuming.

Compatibility issues can also come into play. Websites built with PHP may have to be tweaked as new versions are released. And keeping up with the latest version of a CMS can also be tricky.

Therefore, it’s not wise to consider these clients as “easy money.” You may not touch their site daily. But they could still require significant work down the road. Keep this in mind as you weigh the pros and cons of working with them.

Who Built the Website?

There’s no accounting for quality when inheriting a website. You can’t know every step the original designer took. Did they follow best practices?

You may not find out until a problem arises. That can lead to a wild goose chase of sorts. You’re stuck digging through code, trying to identify what went wrong.

Some designers are understandably uncomfortable with these situations. No one wants to be on the hook for fixing someone else’s mistakes. Thus, they avoid these websites at all costs.

It’s something to think about. If you’re comfortable with the risks, sign on. Explain the situation to your client. Conduct a thorough review to try and catch potential issues. You may not find everything. But the process could provide some peace of mind.

Also, be sure to charge accordingly. There’s no telling what’s going on beneath the surface.

Find the Right Website Maintenance Clients

Maintaining websites can be lucrative. But it still pays to be choosy. Picking the wrong clients to work with can negatively impact your business.

Think about your ideal website maintenance situation. How much work do you expect? How much revenue would you like to bring in? Most importantly – does the website fit within your niche?

The idea is to build a business that runs smoothly. Too much technical variety can send you scrambling. And you may not have enough time to handle multiple large websites.

Write a list of what you’re looking for in a maintenance client. Next, develop a process for managing related tasks. Consider how much time and effort each site will take. And don’t forget to account for the occasional unexpected issue.

There’s no shortage of websites that require maintenance. Take time to ensure that you work with the ones that are a good fit for your business!

The post What to Look For in Maintenance-Only Clients appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

My web design career began in 1996. That was right about the time when the web was becoming mainstream. More people were coming online. Organizations began to see the value in having a website.

So much has changed. We’ve gone from static HTML to content management systems (CMS). The industry has adopted many standards and best practices. Most impressive is that we can take the web with us. Mobile devices have been a game changer.

Truthfully, I couldn’t foresee any of this when I started. Nor did I know that I’d still be working on the web. Things just turned out that way.

Or did they? There must be some secret formula for sticking around this long.

I’ve thought about what it takes to achieve longevity in web design. Here’s what I found.

You Need Enthusiasm for Your Work

Enthusiasm is a key to longevity. And it applies to every career path. Staying on course is difficult when you’re not having fun.

But sometimes we get the wrong impression. Enthusiasm isn’t a 24/7 feeling. It can leave us for days, weeks, or more.

And there are numerous causes. A particularly stressful project can sap your energy. A difficult client can make you dread going to work. Plus, this work is just plain hard. Things don’t always go according to plan.

So, where does enthusiasm come from? Some find it in the creative process. Others may find it in solving complex problems. Helping a client achieve their goals is also a goldmine of good vibes.

Being filled with endless joy isn’t the point. That’s not a realistic expectation for any of us. It’s about finding bits and pieces that excite and motivate you. And you can adjust your workflow to experience more of these moments.

These are the things you can hold onto during tough times. And they’ll give you the energy to take on the next challenge.

Be Willing to Adapt to New Tech

Very little stays the same in this industry. Fundamental technologies like HTML and CSS remain. But even they have evolved. As they say, change is the only constant.

Adapting to change is difficult. As is understanding when to make a change. There are no easy or universal answers.

New technologies arrive daily. But not all of them will be worth your time. How will you know when it’s time to adapt?

So much depends on your niche. Look for tools that will add value to your skill set. Find technologies that will help you better serve client needs. These are areas where change makes sense.

The benefits of something new aren’t always apparent. You may need to experiment to find them. Finding the right one can provide a boost for your career.

You don’t have to jump on every new thing that comes along. But a willingness to try can make a difference. You’re investing in yourself and your future.

Work for Something Bigger Than Yourself

Web design is just another job at the end of the day. There are positives and negatives. And not everyone has the desire to stay in the industry.

Those of us who stay seem to have a common thread. We want to become involved in the web design community.

This involvement takes many forms. It could be contributing to an open-source project like WordPress. Or you might advocate for important causes like security or accessibility.

But you don’t have to focus on making change at the highest level. It’s also possible to impact others on a one-to-one basis. Activities like mentorship help bring others into the industry. It may make someone else’s journey that much more rewarding.

Paying it forward gives you a reason to stay in web design. It doesn’t have to be anything time-consuming or difficult. Even small contributions provide a sense of purpose.

Stay around as Long as You Like

Being a web designer for 25+ years is hard to fathom. The job description has changed dramatically. And yet here I am.

I’m far from the only “old timer” out there. Other talented and dedicated folks have made it this long. Some have even come full circle and retired.

If you’re hoping for similar longevity, think about the items above. Find a niche that you’re enthusiastic about. Don’t be afraid to try new things. And give back in a way that suits you.

Each of these items will help you establish roots in web design. They’ll open you up to a world of opportunity and support. You’ll need them to survive the challenges and changes.

You may make it longer than me! And who knows what the web will look like then?

The post A Web Designer’s Secrets to Longevity appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

You’ll likely take notice of the issue as you try to do them at scale. The more clients you have, the more difficult it is to manage. Things that used to take a few minutes of your day can turn into hours.

Developing processes for these tasks can help. It’s all about finding ways to create efficiency in your workflow. You can cross items off your to-do list faster and without cutting corners.

How does it work? And what tasks can be streamlined? Here are a few examples to help you get the most out of your time.

Use Tools to Speed up Software Updates

The age of content management systems (CMS) has brought a constant stream of updates. Apps like WordPress require a lot of attention. The core software, plugins, and themes all need to be updated.

The process isn’t too bad if you manage a single website. But it can also get out of hand rather quickly. Keeping track of new versions across multiple sites is difficult. And it’s too easy to miss an important update.

The right tool can help, however. Some services allow you to manage multiple sites via a dashboard.

These tools are a game changer for busy web designers. You can perform maintenance tasks within a singular user interface. They list available updates and can even alert you to security issues.

Keeping your CMS up to date is critical. The right tool can streamline the process and save you time.

Bulk Browser and Device Testing

Modern web browsers are outstanding. But there are plenty of outdated apps still in use. And we can’t forget about the wide range of mobile devices.

Ensuring our websites work across all screens is tedious. A litany of tests is required to verify that everything looks good and works correctly.

Automation can make a positive difference in this area. Browser testing tools will run your site on multiple devices. They’ll then provide screenshots to help you spot any issues.

These tools don’t replace hands-on testing methods. But they will provide you with a heads-up regarding what to look for. Plus, you can use them to test on lesser-used browsers and devices.

The idea is to gauge how your site works across platforms. And do so without spending a lot of time.

Keep Track of Your To-Do List with a Task Management App

How do you keep track of your projects? You’re wasting time if you’re using email or handwritten notes. These methods require fumbling through mounds of content.

Sure, your inbox has search capabilities. But what if you have thousands of messages? And thumbing through a stack of paper isn’t exactly efficient.

A task management app may be what you need. This category has come a long way in recent years. And there’s one for just about every niche. Popular tools like Trello and Asana come to mind.

Even better is that many work across platforms. That means you can look things up on your phone or computer. You can stay in the loop regardless of where you are.

Collaborative features can help you communicate with stakeholders. For example, you can check in with a colleague directly – rather than creating an email chain. And multiple people can cross items off their to-do list.

But even solo freelancers can benefit. Simply having a single point of reference is helpful. You’ll be less likely to forget something.

Automate Client Invoicing and Payment

Billing-related tasks are often a pain. They take precious time away from your projects.

And speaking of which, invoices are time-sensitive. This clashes with other things you have going on. It’s not ideal when you’re working on a tight deadline.

Old-school accounting software can help you create invoices. However, it often lacks the polished automation features of specialized platforms. You still have to get those invoices to your clients somehow.

Several cloud-based providers will do the dirty work for you. They’ll take your input and automatically email an invoice to your clients. An integrated payment gateway will collect your hard-earned money.

But these services offer more than just time savings. They also make it easier for clients to pay on the spot. Thus, your invoice is less likely to sit on their desk collecting dust.

Tax time is also simplified. Earnings and expense reports can be generated and shared with your accountant.

Make Your Web Design Business More Manageable

Every aspect of your web design business can benefit from repeatable processes. That covers technical areas like CMS updates. And it also applies to more mundane tasks like billing.

The ideas above are only a starting point. Think about other tasks that could use some attention. You can then identify ways to streamline them.

It may be easier than you think. Sometimes, it’s a matter of finding the right tool. Several apps cater to web designers and freelancers. And they can transform your workflow.

Don’t panic if you’re feeling stuck and falling behind on projects. Refining a process or two can make all the difference.

The post Develop Processes for These Web Design Tasks appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

That last part can be tricky. And it’s not just financial resources that are in short supply. Clients may lack brand assets as well.

The issue often occurs with smaller organizations. They might not have the budget for custom photography or print materials. Thus, you could receive a low-resolution logo and not much else.

Is a logo enough to build a design around? You may be surprised at what a logo can inspire. Even basic images can tell us a lot about our client.

With that, let’s see what we can learn from a client’s logo.

Their Preferred Colors and Typography

Here’s hoping your client’s logo features a few colors. It’s a big help in determining the website’s color scheme.

However, even a single color will provide clues. You can create a palette based on a primary color. Several online tools will do the job for you. They’ll generate complimentary colors and shadings.

You’ll want to run these by your client for approval. But a logo can do wonders for inspiring the perfect color scheme.

The same goes for typography. Simple logo fonts could be appropriate for use elsewhere. For example, a clean serif font makes for a solid text heading. Unsure of the fonts used in the logo? You can use a font identification tool to help.

Script and display style fonts aren’t always a fit, though. They could be too difficult to read as headings or body text. But you can still use them as a basis for finding acceptable pairings.

The Client’s Personality and Tone

Is your client’s organization serious and buttoned down? Or maybe they’re a bit more relaxed? Their logo can provide clues.

Both color and typography tell a story. Bright and neon colors may indicate a casual vibe. An old-fashioned wordmark says it’s all business.

Illustrations also play a role. Does the logo contain a cartoonish figure? What about a simple line drawing of an office? Each can help you create the right mood.

You can also use this information when choosing other design assets. Items like icons and stock photos should match the tenor of the logo.

There are other indicators beyond the logo. Your client’s industry is important. Their communication style is also a factor. Still, their logo says a lot about who they are.

A Path for Reaching the Target Audience

Who is your client’s target audience? Their industry and clientele are deciding factors.

But details may be scarce. Clients with limited brand assets may not have a lot of demographics to share. And they’re unlikely to have a research budget.

In that case, a logo can show you a path to reaching the right audience. Or at least facilitate an educated guess.

For instance, an image could convey the relative age of the audience. And it’s also possible to target other identifying characteristics. Things like gender, identity, or financial status come to mind.

All of this assumes that the logo fits your client’s brand. That’s not always the case. However, web designers can only work with what’s available. Any imperfections are out of our control.

Making the Most of the Brand Assets You Have

Designing a website without brand assets is difficult. How can we create a relevant look without a guide? And even a client’s previous website may not be of much help.

In many instances, a logo is all we have to go on. It happens time and again, even in this digital age. And it presents a challenge for web designers.

However, a decent logo provides a starting point. It can lead us to some answers. We can use it to craft color and typographic schemes. And it’s also possible to understand more about your client’s personality and target audience.

At the very least, a logo serves as a basis for discussion. Assess what you have and ask for your client’s feedback. You may be on the right track. Or your client may have to go back to the drawing board.

Either way, the logo might be the best tool to move the project forward. There are more details within than you may think.

The post Web Design When a Logo Is Your Only Brand Asset appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

The plugin follows the WordPress tradition of being extensible. It’s possible to change the look and functionality of the shopping cart. Plus, there’s a massive number of available extensions.

There are pros and cons to this, though. It’s great that you can make WooCommerce your own. But customization comes with risks.

So, how far should you go? Here are some tips for customizing WooCommerce. Along the way, we’ll explore the potential downsides of doing so.

Different Ways to Create a Custom Experience

First, let’s review the different options for customizing WooCommerce. There are three separate approaches, each with their pros and cons.

Think about the future before choosing a method. Be sure that you’ll be able to maintain any customizations you make. Otherwise, things can get messy down the road.

Overwrite the Plugin’s CSS

Style tweaks can be made by overwriting the plugin’s CSS. You can identify specific CSS classes by using your browser’s developer tools. Then, it’s a matter of changing the relevant styles and placing them in your theme.

This method works well for minor changes. For example, changing the color of the “Add to Cart” button.

Want to take things further? You can also disable the default stylesheet. This method is for those who want to rewrite styles from the ground up.

WooCommerce does change its CSS occasionally. Thus, you’ll want to keep up with any changes. You may need to adjust your custom styles accordingly.

Use Hooks & Filters to Modify WooCommerce’s Behavior

WooCommerce includes plenty of hooks and filters for developers. They allow you to modify the plugin output and add custom functions.

Hooks offer several possibilities. You could use them to make small tweaks. Or you might leverage them to create a fully-functioning extension.

This method is also easier to maintain. Updates to WooCommerce don’t impact hooks as often. And you can place code in a custom plugin to keep it organized.

Override the Plugin Templates

There are occasions when overriding a WooCommerce template is unavoidable. The plugin includes templates for every part of the front-end display. And they’re logically organized. It gives you fine-grain control over the process.

But it should probably be a last resort. WooCommerce updates templates frequently. As such, you’ll need to stay on top of changes.

The plugin will warn you if a template is outdated. In this case, you’ll have to grab a fresh copy and make the necessary changes.

Making Smart Woocommerce Design Decisions

Yes, it’s possible to rip apart the look of WooCommerce. But should you? That may be a more difficult decision than you think.

It may not be to everyone’s taste. But there’s nothing inherently wrong with the way WooCommerce looks. And its popularity has benefits.

Users may be familiar with Woo’s established design patterns. That could make the shopping experience more intuitive. There’s some risk in disrupting that flow.

With that, changes to colors, typography, and branding make sense. You’ll have a shopping cart that matches your aesthetic. And you’ll continue to provide customers with a time-tested UX.

It’s possible to create a custom look that maintains Woo’s strength. And it doesn’t have to look like a default installation.

Radical changes can still be a success. But starting from scratch should be carefully considered.

Adding Custom Functionality to Your Cart

There are a myriad of ways to add custom functionality to WooCommerce. An industrious developer can build an extension. Or you can choose from the array of free and commercial products.

This capability is what makes WooCommerce so powerful. It can sell pretty much anything. Expanding its functionality can be done with a few clicks.

It’s worth keeping a few things in mind, though. First and foremost, WooCommerce extensions are WordPress plugins. And they come with the same potential risks.

If a WooCommerce extension is essential to your store, choose wisely. Look for a plugin that is well-maintained and supported. The wrong choice could cost you dearly.

Also, think about why you want a particular extension. Does it provide key functionality? Will it improve the user experience?

Move on if you can’t answer “yes” to either of these questions. No one benefits from more technical debt.

Always Look to the Future

If you take one thing away from this article, let it be this: Keep the future in mind when customizing WooCommerce.

Everyone wants to have a successful online store. It starts with building a website that is stable and secure. From there, it’s about optimizing the user experience.

Therefore, any customizations should fit this mold. And not all tweaks are of equal value. Just because WooCommerce is extensible doesn’t mean you have to max out on changes.

You’ll also need a plan for any additions you make. They all require some level of maintenance. It should be a factor in your decision-making.

WooCommerce is every bit as flexible as WordPress. Make sure that you’re using it to your benefit!

The post The Pros & Cons of Customizing WooCommerce appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.