design + development
Two sides of the same coin, really, but also weirdly separate a lot of the time. Let’s change that by demystifying topics on both sides. No better way to work better together than to learn together!
There are lots of classes, courses, and training materials out there, but there doesn’t seem to be much in the way of spaces to have less formal conversations and information-sharing around design & development topics, so that’s what I’m hoping to create.
I’m thinking this will be informal, with a short initial (10-15 minute) presentation followed by open discussion/ conversation. Sort of like what you’d have at if you met up with a bunch of friends to talk about a topic related to your work, but with a bit of guidance and info to start off with.
I’m still getting set up as far the organization of such an effort, and am thinking about ways to extend the idea into ongoing conversations about creating a better internet together rather than in our design/dev silos, but in the meantime I set up a quick MailChimp list so I can let you know when the first discussion rolls around.
The site is now live, so you can go there to check out upcoming discussions, suggest additional topics, etc.
I’d love to know more about optimizing for mobile, what works better than what, etc. In addition to what you have above I would really like to know more about the designer/developer relationship, a little more about the behind the scenes of outsourcing development, and what other designers do to step outside the box and design without restraint. This sounds great, can’t wait!
Great ideas, JP! I’ve had a few conversations with designers I work with regularly about how we can best work together, but it would for sure be an interesting wider discussion to have.
I love your tutorials. It’s very practical. Keep up the good work!
I would like to learn more about the workflow of the work and how to get start. I know HTML5, CSS3, and bits and pieces of here and there but how to put it all together when it comes to starting a project. What is the workflow and how do you work with designer. So many questions lol. Looking forward to this!
Workflow & partnership questions seem to be big – I’ll definitely start covering those more often one way or another. Thanks for your enthusiasm!
I really enjoy when you discuss the design + development relationship (as mentioned above). As a designer who is just now starting to work with a developer, I would like to know best practices for working with developers. Do the developers prefer working directly with clients, or rather through the designer? Maybe just a brief run-through of the process of handing files to the developer, and the steps that take place after that (set up wordpress files, send to designer/client, receive feedback, adding final touches, coaching client on how to update, etc…). I watched your tutorial for setting up PSD files, and loved it! Keep up the great work!!
Beautiful portfolio site & blog, Jamie! I appreciate the suggestions and will work on writing about and setting up discussions on those topics. Good luck getting going with freelancing!