Thursday, July 13, 2017

✏ Issue #285: Abstract Design, The Dude Calendar, Netflix for Fonts, Day of Action for Net Neutrality, and more…

NEWSLETTER ISSUE #285

JULY 13, 2017

Northwestern University's MS in Information Design and Strategy

Earn your master's in Information Design and Strategy online from Northwestern University and learn how to blend digital skills like information architecture and experience design with branding and messaging, translate data into compelling visual forms and narratives, and understand how research and analytics can drive communication strategies and tactics. - AD

Abstract Design

Abstract is a new platform that enables design teams to work together. It works a lot like Git, using a secure central repository for your files and substantially reducing friction when fleshing out ideas and iterating designs. Currently it only works with Sketch, but other applications will be added soon.

Net Neutrality

This July 12th, companies from Mozilla to Dropbox lined up together for a day of action to defend net neutrality. They were supported by web experts from Tim Berners-Lee, to Jeffrey Zeldman. The Net Neutrality movement argues that allowing cable companies to meter traffic will destroy the web. If you agree, signup by the July 17th.

Dude Calendar

It's a calendar... for dudes. This hilarious idea for a calendar app means that you'll never forget to take time out for the important events in life, like watching a big game, or chillaxing. The Dude Calendar comes with a whole bunch of pre-programmed dates, or add your own whenever you like.

Logodrop for Sketch

Logodrop is a free plugin for Sketch that gives you an easy way to add brand logos to Sketch. No more googling for an SVG version of the Slack logo, or downloading press packs. Simply search for the right brand in the Logodrop panel, and then drag and drop into your artwork. It's a great resource, even if it is just Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn that you use it for.

Netflix for Fonts

Fontstore bills itself as the Netflix for fonts. It's a growing library of hundreds of new, high-quality, exclusive fonts. You can get access to the entire collection for a low monthly subscription of just $15. There are many sources of fonts these days, some better than others. The value of Fontstore will depend on whether they continue to attract top talent; so far it looks promising.

Seeing AI

Seeing AI is a free iOS app made by Microsoft. It uses the phone's camera to see the world around you and then describe what it sees. Intended to help the visually impaired with everything from reading labels, identifying bills, and even recognising people. It's an incredible project that really showcases the positive applications of AI.

Gatsby

Gatsby is a super-fast static site generator for React. Gatsby builds your site, without a database, as a series of static files that can be delivered faster, and are more secure than a dynamic website. You can integrate services from CMSs, SaaS APIs, and even your file system. Available for free, getting started takes a few minutes, and there's a very shallow learning curve.

Famous Brand Animations

This inspiring set of brand animations was put together by Motion Design School's students. Using the Disney principles of character animation the students reinterpreted some of the biggest logos on the web, and the results are fantastic. The treatments for Skype, LinkedIn, and Dribbble are particularly enjoyable.

Muzzle Your Notifications

Muzzle is a simple Mac app that silences embarrassing notifications while you're screen sharing. It works with a variety of services including Skype and Slack, so when you're talking through project plans with that important client they won't see your private notifications. Even if you're not affected by any of their imaginative examples, turning off notifications shows you care about the conversation.

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