Welcome to the inaugural Gridwork email newsletter, a monthly digest of web design stuff we’re reading, making and doing. If you’re reading this, then we’ve probably met somewhere, worked together or done something that made us feel like you might be interested.
HOWEVER, the last thing we want is to spam or annoy you. So if email newsletters aren’t your bag, click here and we'll leave you alone.
Still here? Alright, let's get this ball rolling.
Infinite Canvases
Contemporary web design means being prepared for visitors coming from small 3" mobile phones to gigantic 30" monitors and everything in-between. So we're embracing this fluidity, described in eloquent detail on this A List Apart article.
This also means thinking more in terms of design systems. One interesting way to do that is by presenting concept collages initially instead of fully formed layouts.
The Language of Code
The technical work of writing code is littered with jargon. At first glance, it's impenetrable. But with a little patience and persistence, anyone can learn to appreciate what is going on. This PBS short video does a pretty good job explaining the history and future of code and how it might be becoming the most important language in the world.
Standing Desks
Turns out sitting for 10 hours a day and typing on a cramped little keyboard is pretty terrible for the human body. We can combat the effects with exercises and yoga balls for only so long. Sooner or later, you need to stand up and adjust your wrist/monitor positions. And you need to do it all the time.
Both of us at Gridwork use Kangaroo adjustable desks from Ergo Desktop. They sit on top of our existing workstations and quickly rise and lower depending on what feels right. But you could easily build something out of stuff you probably already have.
Updates from Gridwork
Our staff has doubled! Earlier this year, Liz Stanton joined Gridwork as a project manager and administrative lead.
What this means for you is quicker response times and improved project planning. And for us it’s the beginning of a new vision for Gridwork. Partnership and growth. A new way of working and a new website (coming soon!).
If your friend, family member or colleague has a project or needs web support, contact Liz at liz@gridworkdesign.com and tell her all about it. She’s friendly and just waiting for you to say hi.
