In today’s Smashing Podcast episode, we’re talking about Tech Unions. What part can unions play in a modern tech workplace? Drew McLellan talks to Ethan Marcotte to find out. https://smashingmagazine.com/2023/10/smashing-podcast-episode-66/
In the final part of this two-part series on solving headaches when working with media files in Gatsby projects, Juan Rodriguez demonstrates strategies and techniques for handling various types of documents, including Markdown files, PDFs, and 3D models. https://smashingmagazine.com/2023/10/gatsby-headaches-working-media-part2/
Fintech products are systems that are overloaded by many types of data like numerals, texts, spreadsheets, and so on. Working with these products requires the designer to pay a high level of attention and responsibility, as he becomes a provider between user and data. Daria shares her approach to digital product typography and reviews the key points to consider when choosing typefaces. https://smashingmagazine.com/2023/10/choose-typefaces-fintech-products-guide-part1/
Working in the area of UX sometimes feels like a crime drama. Can’t believe it? Then look at these fun parallels between modern UX practices and a classical TV detective. https://smashingmagazine.com/2023/10/ux-research-learn-from-lt-columbo/
Discuss the concept of large language models (LLMs) and how they are implemented with a set of data to develop an application. Joas compares a collection of no-code and low-code apps designed to help you get a feel for not only how the concept works but also to get a sense of what types of models are available to train AI on different skill sets. https://smashingmagazine.com/2023/10/overview-large-language-model-concepts-use-cases-tools/
Discover how to incorporate a variety of media formats, such as images, videos, GIFs, SVGs, and so on, in a Gatsby website. Juan Rodriguez shares what he’s learned about optimizing files for improved performance after working with different plugins and techniques. https://smashingmagazine.com/2023/10/gatsby-headaches-working-media-part1/
Re-create a fancy hover effect where an avatar pops out of a starburst pattern for the frame on hover. The idea is to apply the concepts in a new context and gain another view of how trigonometric functions can influence the way we mask elements in CSS. https://smashingmagazine.com/2023/10/re-creating-pop-out-hover-effect-modern-css-part2/
Geoff explores the often-overlooked divide between WordPress.org and WordPress.com, shedding light on the blurred lines between open-source ideals and commercial interests. https://smashingmagazine.com/2023/10/problem-wordpress-positioning-not-plugins/
In this second article of a two-part series, Adrian shares insights about building WaterBear — his first project as a lead developer — discussing the challenges his team encountered while building it and various accessibility and performance improvements they’ve made. You’ll get a peek at the inner workings of a team striving to find its groove to systematize the work. https://smashingmagazine.com/2023/10/waterbear-building-free-platform-documentaries-part2/
How about a little inspiration boost? Well, we might have something for you: desktop wallpapers created with love by artists and designers from across the globe. They are available in versions with and without a calendar for October and can be downloaded for free. Enjoy! https://smashingmagazine.com/2023/09/desktop-wallpaper-calendars-october-2023/