I have a problem with cutesy copy, particularly when it comes to error messages. I understand that they are trying to be friendly and personable, but it’s usually not what the user wants or needs. Often, a friendly error message just leads to more confusion. Take Firefox’s “well, this is embarrassing”. I was once asked […]
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Design
London trip — day four: Design Museum
Day four map: This was my final day in London, and my train was at 2pm. So I had only a few hours to spare in the morning, and decided to take in the Design Museum as my final activity in London. There were two exhibitions on when I visited, both of which are still […]
Just My Type
My name is Duncan and I am interested in fonts. Against my better judgement, sometimes I blurt out this fact, and people run a mile. But is it becoming acceptable? Simon Garfield’s book, Just My Type, would make it seem like a perfectly normal interest. Though there is a nod and a wink towards the […]
London trip — day two: Barbican architecture tour; Museum of Brands
Day two map: Barbican architecture tour Owing to my developing interest in brutalist architecture, I decided I would take a look at the Barbican Estate to see one prominent brutalist project in the flesh. I took a look at the Barbican Arts Centre website to see if there were any interesting events on. To my […]
A bit more on brutalism
There was a bit of feedback on the brutalism post that I wanted to share, as well as an article I was already aware of that didn’t quite fit into the original post. First up, this interesting article in the Guardian that defends brutalism. It is an interesting viewpoint. I would also recommend reading the […]
Brutalism: Post-War British Architecture
I have found myself developing an interest in brutalism, the style of architecture that was predominant in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. I have had a slight interest in modern architecture in the past, but I am finding myself increasingly drawn to brutalist structures and other buildings from this era. It is not just the […]
The importance of design for transport
I was pleased to see an article on the BBC News website about the brilliance of the design of the UK’s road signs. Minimalist and clutter-free, British road signs are a design triumph. I often look to transport-related design of all types for inspiration. The reason is because they have to work well. Lives might depend […]