Tech companies are baking AI into everything these days. It seems like you can’t avoid a heaping helping of bots and large language models (LLMs). I think I ingested some in my breakfast cereal this morning. Thus, it’s no surprise that search engines have become best pals with AI. Google and Bing are joyfully adding […]
AI in Search? The Grumpy Designer Isn’t Impressed So Far Read More »
I’ve learned many lessons in my years as a grumpy designer. One is to try and separate work from the rest of your life. It’s a healthy practice – one that leads to (slightly) less stress. But, try as I might, certain things stick with me. Things that stay at the front of my mind
Things That Keep the Grumpy Designer Awake at Night Read More »
Are you curious about the future? Do you wonder how artificial intelligence (AI) will impact web design? Or if you’ll ever get that elusive Bluesky invite? You’ve come to the right place, my friends. It’s time for my annual look at the year ahead. This satirical report is chock-full of useless facts and mindless predictions.
The Grumpy Designer’s Guide to 2024 Read More »
Artificial intelligence (AI) is just starting to impact society. But that hasn’t stopped people from making bold proclamations. I’m particularly fond of the Doomsday scenarios. You know, the very darkest of sci-fi fantasies. The possibility of working for a machine sounds modern. I wonder how well it pays? Then there’s the idea that we must
The Grumpy Designer Ponders What It Means To ‘Learn’ AI Read More »
The global pandemic had profound impacts. But for me, isolation wasn’t one of them. You see, I’ve worked from home for over 20 years. Being alone in a small space is just another day at the office. But it has affected me outside the office. I haven’t been to an in-person industry event in a
The Grumpy Designer Meets the Outside World (Again) Read More »
It’s like clockwork. When a new technology emerges, you can count on a couple of things: some will hail it as society’s greatest achievement, while naysayers will bemoan its existence. Artificial intelligence (AI) simply continues the trend. As ever, the reality is more nuanced. For every potential good thing to come from the tech, it
Why the Grumpy Designer Isn’t Sold on the AI Hype Machine Read More »
2022 turned out to be a tumultuous year for the tech industry. Crypto crashed, a certain social media network was taken over by a certain loquacious billionaire, and a lot of jobs were lost. Perhaps a few books will be written about this chaotic trip around the sun. But rather than wallow in what was,
The Grumpy Designer’s 2023 Preview Read More »
Before we get too far, let me state that this isn’t a “woe is me” post. I may be grumpy, but I also know how to count my blessings. And I’ve been fortunate in numerous ways. It’s just that… I’m tired. You see, after 25+ years in this industry, I’ve come to realize that this
The Grumpy Designer Asks: Are You Tired? Read More »
While some professions fade over time, there will always be a need for web designers. Why? Because with each passing year, the job becomes more complex. New responsibilities arrive that extend beyond the reach of automated and no-code tools. Website security is a prime example. It has always been a concern – even when I
The Grumpy Designer Takes on WordPress Malware Read More »
When it comes to products and services geared towards web designers, the “hustle” is unique. The classic methods of marketing in-person or on a printed page aren’t as relevant. That means the real legwork has to be done online. It’s a monumental challenge. The chaotic noise of social media, the bidding wars of advertising networks.
How to Ensure that the Grumpy Designer Never Buys Your Product Read More »
