I read 10-20 articles and watch even more videos about, not only the tech industry (from an hobbiest perspective), but also web development and design each and every day. I see a lot of beautiful graphics to lure me in, as well as, bright bold colors to keep my attention. Now, this is actually beneficial for me, as I’m usually reading an article while watching one or two videos at the same time. Bad.

That being said, a headline like the following overridingly grabs my attention more then any fancy orniment or clicky 2D button; Tablet shipments now more than half that of the PC (source). What? This isn’t 2014 or 2015 like most of the analysts have been saying since the inception of the iPad. The 2014 time table was intimidating enough as a web developer, but it seems that tablets and smart phones have been so popular, not even the most conservative forecasts came close.

The reason I bring up this point, perhaps not for the first time to you, is to make it crystal castles clear that ‘we’ need to realize that time is now. People are viewing your website now on tablets, not whimsically in a few years. I remember vividly talking to a client about the impending impact of the iPad (the only tablet on the market at the time). I was so proud because little did they know that I had already prepared and coded their website to work on the iPad. To my dismay, when I showed the website on the iPad, their reaction was, “those (tablets devices) are just for kids”, and quickly moved on to their want for a completely flash based (non-tablet supported) website.

That event had stayed in the back of my mind ever since. I always felt confident in my advice, development decision and focus on future website planning regardless of public misconceptions of technology. What I would have never guessed was that the whole tablet revolution would be adapted even quicker then I imagined.

In a future post I will elaborate more on this with solutions such as responsive web design, which I am fully embracing for future projects. While responsive web design is not a end-all solution, it may be the most affordable solution to cover not only the desktop, but also all the tablets and smartphones in one swoop. Or should I say swipe. Either way, something to think about much more carefully for your next website or redesign.

Kevin Buckstiegel
Freelance Web Design and Developer
kevin @ kevinbuckstiegel.com
Chicago

The post Tablets kicking out desktops ahead of schedule appeared first on Kevin Buckstiegel Design & Development Blog.

I’m excited to be re-entering the world of socializing and engaging one another online again! Starting back around 2003 I was involved by means of video blogging (LimeBlog) and running a Bea Arthur fan website. Most of the video blogging was a period before the YouTube phenomenon. RSS feeds and 320×240 goodness. Time has passed and after a brief hiatus, I have adapted and restarted with a new passion of not only learning, but also sharing and teaching others.

Image :: Some of you may remember me as Limegreen Tangerine. I decided a while ago to simply go under my own name, however I will always answer to Limegreen if you so choose! 

I’m going to start off by talking to my current audience, my clients. Soon after, I will also include ideas and conversation with other website designers and developers. I would like the opportunity to answer some of my client’s reoccurring questions publicly. Such subjects will include:

• Search engine optimization (SEO)
• Responsive web design (RWD)
• Email newsletter process
• Social media practices

Please feel free to subscribe by email or RSS feed to this blog to stay in contact. Also, by adding my Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, and/or Facebook Page, you will be notified by new article postings. New articles will be released weekly. Your feedback is welcome and encouraged. I can become even more resourceful for you and others by asking me questions, leaving comments, corrections, critiques and criticism.

Thank you for your time and interest.

Kevin Buckstiegel
Freelance Web Design and Developer
kevin @ kevinbuckstiegel.com
Chicago

The post Computer, lights up! A re-introduction. appeared first on Kevin Buckstiegel Design & Development Blog.