August 2006 Archives

Educated

Posted at 10:43 AM

There’s a myth that colleges and universities are teaching antiquated web design skills: table-and -spacer-gif-ness, FrontPage 98, etc. Actually, I don’t think it’s a myth — it’s actually happening out there. So after touring Boston University’s Center for Digital Imaging Arts yesterday, I was completely surprised. CDIA offers an interactive design program with an emphasis on CSS, web standards and hand-coding — and it’s right in my own backyard.

Jeremy Osborn, the program’s Director, mentioned that, while BU offers the resources and infastructure of a large university, CDIA is largely independent and run much like a startup — adapting and changing the curriculum as the techniques and methods out in the real world do. I found this approach pretty fascinating, and it’ll be interesting to see how their program evolves along with the web itself.

I’m hopeful there are other programs out there in other states and countries that are offering modern skills for budding designers of the web. Leave a comment if you know of any.

Also, if you’re in (or planning to be in) the Boston area, have an interest in teaching web design, and have the skills to guide the next generation of standardistas, contact jeremy [at] cdiabu dot com. They’re expanding fast.

52 Comments

New SimpleBits Tees

Posted at 10:50 AM

A fresh batch of t-shirts has just arrived from the printer. This time around, the design has been tweaked and screen-printed on “Asphalt” American Apparel shirts (the most comfortable, fitted shirt available) by the fine folks at Acme Prints. We’ve been using Acme for the Cork’d t-shirts, and they do such a fine job that I decided to make the switch here at SimpleBits. Acme has low prices, free shipping and no set-up charges — and their customer service is excellent.

The Official SimpleBits T-Shirt is just $16 USD plus shipping. We believe you will enjoy it immensely.

One Hundred

Posted at 10:03 AM

Maybe it was the antique car show we drove by this past weekend, but something got me thinking: what would I be working on 100 years ago? In other words, today I design web sites and other related web things for a living. In 1906, I doubt I’d be doing the same (and if I was I’d be insane).

One hundred years ago, radio was in it’s infancy, so there’s an obvious parallel there: a new, exciting technology that increases communication. But really what we’re doing is creating stuff, and I’m not sure I’d be building radios or telegraph equipment. I’m not smart enough for that.

Typesetting? That could be closer than radio, but typesetting was far from being something new in 1906. So maybe it’d be something less obvious, like a “Wheelwright” or a “Confectioner” or even a “Newsagent” — actual professional titles for the early 20th century. And don’t they sound cool?

Regardless, it’s interesting to look back and draw similarities, especially if you do the same looking forward. Will anyone be designing web sites in another 100 years? Will I be doing this in 10 or 20? Who knows.

56 Comments

Stuck

Posted at 2:38 PM

I’m looking to the collective knowledge of my esteemed readers for some advice. Where might one go for high-quality, reasonably-priced, screen-printed stickers? You know, if say, one wanted to promote a web site or two out in the non-virtual world. Any tips would be much appreciated.

32 Comments