Blog

How to back up your website (Part I)

"He who laughs last, made a back up." —unknown author

Your website is a database driven site, which means that in order for it to function it needs program files (these are the files that provide functionality) and the database — this is where your content actually lives. When viewers click on links in your site, Drupal goes to the database and gathers the necessary content. The program files then display the content on the viewer's screen according to the design and layout Canister developed for you.

NASA finds 2011 to be the ninth-warmest year on record — animation

This Nasa made 1884-2011 animation of global temperature changes shows how visuals can be so powerful. Visually striking, intellectually sobering.

Nasa 2011 heat map over time

How to back up your website (Part II)

Your website is a database driven site, which means that in order for it to function it needs program files (these are the files that provide functionality) and the database—this is where your content actually lives. When viewers click on links in your site, Drupal goes to the database and gathers the necessary content. The program files then display the content on the viewer's screen according to the design and layout Canister developed for you.

What separates good design from bad?

A layperson’s guide to identifying good communication design.

How to choose a design company that fits you best

As design entrepreneurs, we don’t want to work with just anyone — we are always looking for a good fit. We think you should too. A good fit makes the work meaningful, constructive, and enjoyable — a bad fit makes everyone involved very cranky.

Web eye-candy: a giant showcase of well-designed websites

Believe it or not it is actually a little hard to find a really good site that showcases contemporary, well-designed websites. There are many that showcase many sites, but few that have a wide selection of sites that emply high-quality design. This one is my favourite. It serves as excellent inspiration and gives great snapshot about what other Communication Designers are doing with the website form.

siteinspire.net

Comparing apples to dumptrucks: Why price doesn't equal cost in choosing a design company

So, you just got three estimates from three design companies and you’re trying to decide which one to pick. The temptation is to flip to the back page and look at the price tag. Making a choice based on the bottom-line makes sense, right? After all it’s an objective, straightforward and fiscally responsible strategy … right?

Explore the known universe

Check out The Known Universe by the American Museum of Natural History and be amazed.

The Known Universe

thx thx thx

A thank you note a day. Leah Dieterich thinks there’s always something to be thankful for … and sometimes she's just thankful it’s over.
thxthxthx.com

Naming: Naming your company, your book, your project...

Choosing a name is a big deal. A bigger deal than most people may think. The name will be spoken, written, and represented by and to you and your audiences over and over again. So you want it to be a name that will stick in people’s minds.

Here are a few guidelines for naming your product or organization and avoiding some common pitfalls.

Pages