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Exploring Rives Potential

Recently, I stumbled upon something that brought back a wave of nostalgia. A well-known studio, 2Advanced, which made some of the most iconic Flash-based websites of the early 2000s, rebuilt one of their old sites using Rive. Seeing this rebuild sparked my curiosity. Flash was once a tool that allowed designers to craft entire, interactive experiences on the web, not just simple animations. With the web having shifted to responsive design, clean layouts, and minimal animations, Rive seems like a modern version of what Flash could do—but better suited for today’s internet.

Now, I’m asking myself, Could we build entire rich media websites using Rive, in the same way we once did with Flash? There are plenty of tools for web animations, but what excites me about Rive is the possibility of creating immersive, dynamic experiences that could define a website’s entire design, not just enhance it. Before diving in, though, there are several key questions I need to answer. I’m inviting you to explore these questions with me as I determine whether Rive is the tool for building rich, media-heavy websites that go beyond basic animations.

  1. Embedding Rive (.riv) Files

First up, how do we embed a .riv file into our website? Rive offers a specialised format that allows for highly interactive and engaging animations, but embedding it properly and ensuring it integrates seamlessly with other elements of a site is crucial. Thankfully, Rive provides a JavaScript library that simplifies the embedding process. But as we push the boundaries of what’s possible, I’m curious to see how this holds up in more complex builds that go beyond a simple animation.

  1. Controlling the Size of the Canvas

With Rive, how do we control the size of the canvas for different devices? For desktop sites, the canvas can be large, allowing for an immersive experience. But what happens on mobile? The challenge will be making sure these rich media experiences translate across various screen sizes without losing their impact. While Flash was mostly confined to fixed sizes, Rive offers more flexibility—but how far can we stretch that?

  1. Can We Build a Fully Responsive Experience?

Responsive design is the backbone of modern web development. So, the question is, can we build a fully responsive website entirely in Rive? I’m not talking about just scaling animations, but making sure the entire experience adjusts seamlessly based on the device it’s viewed on. This involves controlling everything from layouts to interactive elements and making sure they work fluidly across all screen sizes, without needing multiple builds.

  1. Efficient Content Preloading

Rich media often comes with performance concerns, and Rive is no exception. How do we preload content in the most efficient way possible? Back in the Flash days, we had loading screens, but those won’t fly in today’s fast-paced world. It’ll be important to dive into best practices for content preloading and optimisation to make sure that a site built primarily with Rive can load quickly and offer a smooth user experience.

  1. Deep Linking and Navigation

For websites built entirely in Rive, can we enable deep linking to specific sections of the site? This is critical for usability. Flash often struggled in this area, as users couldn’t directly navigate to a specific part of a website. Rive’s potential lies in overcoming this limitation, but I need to explore whether it can truly enable deep linking for a seamless, modern web navigation experience.

  1. Embedding and Loading Various Types of Content

A website built with Rive will likely need to embed more than just animations. How does Rive handle embedding images, media, fonts, and other assets? Will loading a lot of rich media impact performance, or can Rive efficiently manage all the content types a modern website requires? This is a crucial question in determining whether Rive can handle complex websites without sacrificing speed.

  1. What Are the Best Sizing Units to Use?

In the world of responsive design, using the right sizing units is essential. Does Rive favour pixel-based measurements, or can we use flexible units like em, rem, or percentages to make a site scalable? Understanding which units work best with Rive will help ensure that the site adjusts fluidly across devices.

  1. Vector or Bitmap: What’s the Right Choice?

Finally, is Rive more suitable for vector-based graphics or bitmap images? Vectors offer scalability and fast load times, which are key for responsiveness. On the other hand, bitmap graphics might offer richer detail but could slow down performance. Figuring out the best approach will help us balance quality and performance for Rive-powered websites.

Wrapping Up

While Rive is primarily seen as a tool for animations, its potential to build entire websites with rich media experiences is what truly excites me. We’ve moved far beyond the days of Flash, but Rive might just bring back some of that immersive magic, in a way that’s suited for today’s standards of performance, responsiveness, and interactivity. These are just a few of the questions I’ll be exploring as I dive into the world of Rive, and I’d love for you to join me on this journey.

Advice for Non-US Designers

As designers, we’re often inspired by industry leaders who’ve made significant strides in the field. Many of these influencers hail from the United States and have worked with big-name brands, offering advice that seems universally applicable. However, if you’re a designer living outside of the US, it’s crucial to recognise that this guidance might not align with the realities of your local market.

Global Market Realities

Outside the US, the product design market is often smaller with limited opportunities. In many countries, options beyond fintech are scarce, pushing designers towards advertising agencies where the work often revolves around creating local content for international brands. In Europe, for instance, the client pool is limited, and budgets don’t always match those of US companies. The tech industry’s epicentre is largely in the US, making niche opportunities even more elusive elsewhere.

The Privilege Gap

US-based design leaders often share insights without fully acknowledging their own privilege—the advantage of operating within a robust, opportunity-rich market. Advice like “niche down” or “align your work with your passions” might be feasible in the US, where you could, for example, leverage your love for trainers to land a job at Nike. However, for designers elsewhere, the priority might simply be securing any viable job, making such targeted approaches less practical.

Adapting Your Strategy

Given these disparities, it’s important to tailor your career strategy to your local context:

  • Embrace Generalisation: While niching is celebrated in the US, being a generalist can make you more marketable in regions with fewer opportunities.
  • Seize Available Opportunities: Don’t overlook roles that may not perfectly align with your passions but offer valuable experience and financial stability.
  • Build a Diverse Portfolio: Work across various industries and project types to showcase versatility, making you a stronger candidate in a competitive market.

Keeping Dreams Alive

This isn’t to say you should abandon your aspirations of working with dream brands or on passion projects. Instead:

  • Set Realistic Goals: Understand the steps required to reach your dream job and be prepared for a longer journey.
  • Continuous Learning: Invest in your skill set to remain competitive, making you an attractive candidate regardless of location.
  • Explore Local Opportunities: Focus on building relationships and seeking opportunities within your local industry, which might lead to unexpected paths towards your goals.

Putting Advice into Perspective

When consuming advice from US design leaders:

  • Contextualise Their Insights: Recognise the differences in market dynamics and adjust the advice to fit your situation.
  • Seek Local Mentors: Connect with successful designers in your region who understand the local landscape.
  • Stay Informed: Keep abreast of global trends while grounding yourself in the realities of your local industry.

Conclusion

Navigating the design industry outside of the US presents unique challenges, but with the right perspective and strategies, you can build a fulfilling career. While it’s beneficial to learn from global leaders, always filter their advice through the lens of your local context. Stay adaptable, seize the opportunities available, and continue striving towards your dreams—no matter where you are in the world.

What are your thoughts on navigating the design industry in your country?

Imposter Syndrome Doesn’t Resonate with Me

Imposter syndrome. It’s a term that’s everywhere in the design community. Many of my peers feel inadequate, even though they have clear talent and achievements. Yet, I don’t feel the same way. As a designer, I’ve never had that kind of insecurity. Sure, I worry about how my work will be received. After all, pouring your heart into a project and having it judged isn’t easy. But imposter syndrome? It’s a concept that doesn’t connect with me.

Embracing Confidence Over Doubt

Since the start of my career, I’ve always done my best with what I had. Whether people praised or criticised my work, I’ve been strong enough to handle it. I see challenges not as signs that I’m not good enough but as chances to grow. This way of thinking has protected me from the self-doubt that defines imposter syndrome.

Is It Nature or Nurture?

This makes me wonder: does my lack of imposter syndrome come from my upbringing? I don’t recall my single mum giving me special confidence to guard against these feelings. But she never put crazy pressure on me to overachieve. It’s interesting, especially since I’ve often felt disadvantaged in other aspects of life. I never learned much about money or networking, partly because I grew up in a poorer family that didn’t drink. Talking about money or being in social situations can be awkward for me, even though I was incredibly popular growing up.

The Paradox of Ease and Difficulty

It’s ironic that while the creative process feels natural to me, I struggle with what others might consider basic life skills. Dealing with finances or feeling comfortable at networking events doesn’t come easily. I can handle them, but I avoid them when possible. Perhaps because design feels so innate, I don’t question my place in the field. It’s the one area where I feel completely at home, free from the insecurities that plague me elsewhere.

Recognising Others’ Struggles

What’s puzzling is that I’ve known brilliant people who’ve achieved incredible things, yet they still suffer from imposter syndrome. It makes me wonder if my perspective is the exception rather than the rule. I used to think those who felt like imposters were simply in the wrong place, but clearly, it’s more complicated than that.

Understanding Without Experiencing

While I may not personally relate to imposter syndrome, I acknowledge that it’s a genuine and often debilitating experience for many. My journey has been different, shaped by factors I may not fully understand. Perhaps it’s a mix of upbringing, personal mindset, and the unique quirks that make us who we are. What I do know is that it’s important to create environments where everyone feels validated and supported, whether they struggle with self-doubt or, like me, navigate different challenges.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you relate to imposter syndrome, or have you found ways to overcome it?

Design’s AI Revolution

An Expert’s Roadmap for Tech-Driven Evolution

In my journey as a design professional, I’ve witnessed and embraced numerous technological shifts. From the early days of web design to the current AI revolution, my career has been defined by a willingness to explore and adapt to new tools and methodologies. Today, I want to share my perspective on the importance of this adaptability, especially as we navigate the AI era.

Riding the Waves of Technological Change

My journey in design has been marked by constant evolution. When I started, I quickly pivoted from graphic design to web design, recognising the growing importance of digital media. As Flash emerged as a dominant force, I dove in headfirst, mastering its capabilities and pushing the boundaries of what was possible online.

Then came a seismic shift: the decline of Flash. Rather than resisting this change, I embraced the new world of HTML5 and CSS3. This transition wasn’t just about learning new coding languages; it was about reimagining what web design could be in a post-Flash world.

As the digital landscape continued to evolve, I recognised the growing importance of product design over traditional agency work. Once again, I adapted, shifting my focus to create more holistic, user-centred digital experiences.

The AI Revolution: Our Current Frontier

Now, we stand at another technological crossroads with the rise of AI. From image creation and video tools to writing assistance and coding aids, AI is reshaping the creative landscape. As a design leader, I see immense potential in these technologies to augment our capabilities and push the boundaries of what we can achieve.

A Roadmap for Embracing New Technologies

Throughout my career, I’ve developed a roadmap for approaching new technologies:

  1. Embrace the Energy: Dive into new technologies with enthusiasm and an open mind.
  2. Assess the Value: Critically evaluate how new tools can enhance your work and processes.
  3. Be Patient: Some technologies need time to mature; don’t dismiss them too quickly.
  4. Know When to Pivot: If a technology isn’t delivering value, be ready to shift your focus.
  5. Stay Flexible: Cultivate the ability to quickly adapt and learn new skills.

Shaping the Future of Design

As we navigate the AI revolution, I’m excited about the possibilities it presents for design and creativity. AI tools have the potential to enhance our capabilities, allowing us to tackle challenges that were previously beyond our reach. However, the key to success will be in thoughtfully integrating these tools into our workflows, always keeping the human element at the centre of our design process.

For those looking to thrive in this new landscape, my advice is this: stay curious, be willing to experiment, but always keep a critical eye on the value these new technologies bring to your work and your clients.

Are you navigating the AI revolution in your creative work? I’d love to hear about your experiences and insights. Let’s connect and explore how we can shape the future of design together.

Durex Rebrand

Along with the Durex font One Night Sans which I shared in a post yesterday, the condom brand has released a sexy new logo that has gone flat, yet stays true to the original design.

I love the clean new brand designed by Havas London, and appreciate its bid to position itself as an activist championing the “positive reality” of sex. 

Durex Font

Condom brand Durex just released a new typeface called One Night Sans, it’s part of a new visual identity created by Havas London.

The typeface, designed by British type foundry Colophon, is a thin sans serif that primarily uses an assertive all-cap set in a bright cobalt blue.

There are nine different type classes and weights within the family, ranging from condensed to extended and thin to black. It gets fun when variable set weights give sentences a physical shape and emphasize keywords in text-heavy visuals.

One Night Sans just has that je ne sais quoi that makes you look twice.

Do what you love

How to follow your heart and do what you love in your career and in life. Happy Valentines Day!

♥️

Selling Out

How to not feel like you are selling out as you change jobs as a designer and selling some of my tech.

Content Designer

What is a content designer and what skills visual designers need to evolve their design career?

Versioning & Visioning

How to decide on a freelancer, consultancy or in house agency, are you a versioner or a visionary?

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