Articles by Carrie Cousins

Here’s the point of emphasis… That’s the theme this month. This collection of trends focuses on adding emphasis to the design with specific detailing from italics to split screens to stark, minimalist backgrounds paired with a trick or two. Here’s what’s trending in design this month: 1. Split Screens Split screen...

Everywhere you look there are new releases, and new tools popping up, but how do you know which elements are worth your time? In our monthly roundup we present the latest resources that you’ll want to add to your toolbox. Almost everything on the list this month is free, with a few high-value paid apps and tools. They’re...

An interesting visual presence above the scroll is the first impression a user gets of a website. Whether that user continues to click can depend on a number of things, including imagery, readability and overall interest in the content. This month we are looking at three trends that make a distinct first impression—dark...

Trends come and go in waves. The latest wave when it comes to web design is totally 1980s. From bright color to flat design and plenty of gnarly geometry, lots of designs feature these looks. For many designers, the 80s are a flashback to their youth, and this trend has everyone totally amped. Here’s why 80s style is the...

Icons are everywhere. From app icons on home screens to graphic representations that lead users through a design, icon design is a big deal. There’s a fine art to good icon design. Not only does the element have to render recognizably at the smallest of sizes, good vector-based icons can be scaled to use in oversized proportions...

New design tools are like new toys. You are probably always looking for elements to make your life easier. Here we have them. From new releases to updated documentation to open source code from Kickstarter to a few funky typefaces, this roundup is packed with design goodies. Almost everything on the list this month is free,...

New year, new design trends. One of the great things about web design is that it is constantly evolving. You can find trends or even just hints of things to come almost by chance as new ideas seem to populate all at once. This month’s examples are a lot of fun with websites using space in interesting ways, new online shopping experiences...

Nothing can ruin a design like typography that doesn’t fit. Whether it’s too big (or too small), improper type scaling is a major problem. It’s a problem for more designs than you might think. Too commonly you visit a website where the type renders beautifully on a desktop browser, only to revisit later from a phone and...

There’s just 12 shopping days to go until Christmas, finding the perfect gift in that time can present a challenge. To relieve some of the stress of the holiday season we’re making it easy for you with this list of 12 great gifts for the more creative-minded person in your life. There’s a range of options at a variety of price...

Want to make a great first impression? It starts with your website’s header. The image a user sees will leave an impression—good or bad—and determine whether that user clicks and continues, or leaves the site altogether. That’s a tall order for a single image. The key element to creating a hero image that will draw...

Do you ever find yourself noticing that a certain design element just keeps popping up? Even those tiny details that look somewhat insignificant can be indicators of design trends. That is particularly true with the elements in this month’s roundup. Each of these trends—white edges framing a web design, cinemagraphs...

While none of us can predict the future, every designer should be thinking about it. All indications point to the next wave of devices that aren’t sitting on the tops of desks. They are wearable, and have canvas sizes that are vastly different than what you’ve been designing for. But should you really care if you primarily...

Do you ever fall into one of those designer “stereotypes?” Admit it, maybe you wear a lot of black, or maybe you have unfriended someone for using Comic Sans. Even from afar, there are a few things that set designers apart from the rest of the crowd. How many of these fifteen signs can you relate to? 1. You have a favorite letter...

It’s time to break out of your (design) shell and try something bold. Larger-than-life bold techniques are the big theme this month as we look at three trends that incorporate items that make users look at the design. Here’s what’s trending in design this month: 1. The color purple Purple color palettes are traditionally...