December 20, 2022 — Learn more about designing for accessibility. Find out how designers can work to WCAG standards and create a beautiful inclusive web.

This talk is best suited for designers working in a layout tool such as Figma, but it can also be useful for individuals auditing sites for design and accessibility.

December 11, 2016 — We’re all trying to find that idea or spark that will turn a good project into a great project. Creativity plays a huge role in the outcome of our work. Harnessing the power of collaboration and open source, we can make great strides towards excellence. Not just for designers, this talk can be applicable to many different roles – even development. In this talk, Seasoned Creative Director Sara Cannon is going to share some secrets about creative methodology, collaboration, and the strong role that open source can play in our work.

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November 2, 2016 — In this talk, seasoned creative director Sara Cannon will dive into the intersection of strategy and creativity through discussing how knowledge can inform design decisions. She will be looking at how different methods of research, data-collection, and strategical thinking can play into the creativity behind designs. And how at the end of the design process, you can measure success.

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December 19, 2015 — In art class we were taught to copy the masters such as Da Vinci, Van Gough, and Caravaggio. This taught us skills like technique, form, & contrast. The same principle applies to learning any skill – steal from the masters and learn from it.
In this design-focused talk, we’re going to explore a few methods of sharpening our skills and intuition. Design, code, & user experience can all be improved when we take a deeper look into successful implementations. We’ll analyze some methods and steal a few things along the way – learning how to truly make it our own.

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December 14, 2015 — As designers we’re searching for the best – the best method, the best look, the best font. We have a continuous battle to create brands that are unique but that have a longstanding presence. We make tough decisions constantly, question our instincts, and settle. We fight and we strive to make long lasting beautiful, smart and informed design. How do we get there?

In this talk, seasoned Creative Director Sara Cannon is going to dive deep into the designers struggle. She’s going to share different processes that can make our work better. We’re going to discuss philosophy, methodology, and execution from the creative mind stand point. Hopefully by the end of the talk, you will be inspired to push your own creative limits and learned some tips on how to get there.

December 9, 2015 — We’re going to explore a few methods of learning – focusing on the practice of copying. Code, design, & user experience can all be improved when we take a deeper look into successful implementations. We’ll analyze methods and steal a few things along the way, learning how to truly make them our own.

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June 1, 2015 — This talk takes a deeper look into the experience of the WordPress admin – how we can extend WordPress to make publishing content a breeze, and how a few changes to the way we approach the admin, plugins, and themes can help make the experience even better.

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November 18, 2014 — Fast, simple, SMART. Mobile devices have forever changed the way we interact with content. Now we have to consider many things such as HiDPI graphics, responsive design, speed, UI/UX patterns, touch target sizes, gestures, and more. All while not losing track of what’s important: Content. This presentation discusses the influence of mobile on design trends and learn implementation techniques of smart design.

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November 1, 2014 — Type on the web has many roles: it is an interface, a brand, sets tone, and directs the user. Typography has many roles and can either add or take away from User Experience. In this beautiful and exciting talk we’re going to look at various ways type is used, implemented, and dissect the role that it plays in user experience on the web.

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July 17, 2014 — Fast, simple, SMART. Mobile devices have forever changed the way we interact with content. Now we have to consider many things such as HiDPI graphics, responsive design, speed, UI/UX patterns, touch target sizes, gestures, and more. All while not losing track of what’s important: Content.

In this presentation Sara discusses the influence of mobile on design trends and demonstrates implementation techniques of smart design such as icon fonts, svg, and other helpful tips.

Presentation Slides »