Check Out How Design’s Top 10 Websites for Designers!
www.howdesign.com
Each month, HOW editors peruse hundreds of websites to find the best of the best—the Top 10 Websites for Designers. In reviewing these websites, the editors are looking for exceptional design as well as functionality.
Check out this month’s Top 10 Websites for Designers below. (courtesy of www.howdesign.com)
January 2012: Top 10 Websites for Designers
All New AMCP Blog!
The AMCP Blog is currently undergoing a site re-design equipped with all new interactive features, such as Marketing & Communication videos, industry links, new technology info, and more.
AVA Awards Reinvented
Since 1994, AMCP has sponsored video competitions to recognize outstanding work in the video production field. In our early days, most of the entries were submitted on VHS tape… some were on Beta, BetaSP or 3/4 in. tape.
Most of the entries were 30-second commercials, 30-minute documentaries, 15-minute company overviews or hour-long training sessions. Projects tended to be single purpose with a well-defined audience. There was not much integration with print materials and back then, the web was little more than a handful of computers connecting a few mad technologists.
In the mid 90s, as Avid’s non-linear editing became popular, the ability to quickly change or copy a shot or segment and to do so without compromising quality, opened up a whole new world for video applications. Digital eventually replaced tape and found itself in other mediums like audio, photography and electronic text. Finally, the web provided a way for multiple media to work together to enhance the speed and flow of information. Now the creative convergence of digital arts, technology and information is changing the way we market, communicate and socially interact.
It has been interesting to watch many of our early entrants reinvent themselves. Many quickly embraced new technology, the internet and the interactivity of various media. I know a number of video producers and cameramen that were at the forefront of web development and social media.
The lines are now blurred between video, print and audio. Most magazines and newspapers have online editions that feature video and animation. Websites, twitter and other social media are important communication tools for television stations. Most professional communicators are expected to be proficient in all forms of media and communication.
New AVA Categories, New Logo, New Statuette
Ava Awards began as a celebration of the audio-visual arts. Today, it also recognizes the evolving role that digital is playing in the transfer of information through text, graphics, animation, video, audio, etc. Our categories now include audio and video production; websites that present interactive components such as video, animation, blogs, and podcasts; and interactive social media sites and other forms of user-generated communication.
In addition, we changed our logo to reflect the evolution of digital in the communication world. The old reel that represented film and tape, now morphs into an array of cubes representing digital interactivity. Winners of our web categories will be eligible for a new award that features this new design.
New website for AVA Awards!
The all-new AVA Awards wesbite is up and running! The AVA Awards honors excellence in the latest digital media evolution, including videos, social media, websites, and more. Click here to learn more about how you can distinguish yourself or your company as an award winning marketer.
New logo design for AMCP!
AMCP is currently undergoing a Graphic and web overhaul. Check back soon for an all-new amcpros.com!
Holiday Tech Gift Ideas
BY GREGG ELLMAN
If you’re new to the iPhone 4S/4 world and have trouble adjusting to the virtual keyboard, the Concord Keystone Eco Slide Bluetooth Keyboard with a QWERTY layout is for you.
The all-in-one device is a case for your iPhone with a keyboard hidden beneath the case that slides out when needed.
A 200 mAh Lithium-ion rechargeable battery built into the case powers the keyboard, which is charged with the included miniUSB cable.
When fully charged, iPhoners can expect about 30 hours of use or 45 days of standby time.
The case has all the cutouts for controlling the phone volume, silencing, camera and charging connections.
While the design of the keyboard does add some weight (2.8 ounces) and bulk to the phone, it works really great so it’s well worth it.
Details: www.concordkeystone.com $49.99
DOCK CAN CHARGE MULTIPLE APPLE DEVICES AT ONCE
The Power View Pro from dreamGEAR/iSound is not just another one of those AC charging docking stations since it’s built with Apple technology to allow the charging of 2 iPhones or iPods, and 2 iPads at once.
An iPad and iPod or iPhone can be docked for charging while in use along with two additional USB powered devices from ports on the backside.
The Power View Pro doubles as a viewing station since an iPad can also be positioned in the landscape mode for viewing while being charged with one of the USB ports.
The shell of the docking station is constructed with matte aluminum and glossy hard plastic.
Details: www.isound.net $79.99
IPAD FOLIO ALSO HOLDS BLUETOOTH KEYBOARD
I’ve reviewed one of my favorite iPad accessories – the Kensington Bluetooth keyboard case for the original iPad about a year ago – but since it’s the biggest electronic gadget shopping time of the year it’s worth mentioning that the company also has the KeyFolio Pro Bluetooth keyboard for iPad 2.
The well-constructed case has a built-in keyboard inside the case, which has an internal rechargeable (USB cable included) battery good for 100 hours of working or 60 days of standby time.
What stands this case apart from the original is that it can be adjusted to turn the iPad to portrait viewing while still keeping the keyboard in a landscape position.
The case is made with synthetic leather and has openings for the front and back cameras as well as the 30-pin connector.
An addition to the original case has shift keys on both sides of the keyboard.
Details: www.Kensington.com $69.99
ACCESSORIES GET THE LAPTOP OFF YOUR LAP
A few years ago I did a story on the “i” gadgets consuming our world and I now have added the iLap and iRest from Rain Design Inc. to the list.
The concept of the iLap is to get your heat-generating laptop off your lap while still having it sit in your lap comfortably, and it does just that.
It’s built with padded cushions on the bottom that can be removed for using just the stand on a desktop.
Heat from the computer is drawn to the device, which is built with lightweight aluminum (with a sand-blasted and silver anodized finish) to draw in the heat. According to Rain Design, the aluminum’s heat dissipating level is 13 times more than stainless steel. 
While testing it out, I easily positioned the iLap in ergonomically correct positions both sitting and standing.
The iLap is available in models to fit laptops from 12- to 17-inch widescreen models.
As for the iRest, it pretty much does the same thing but while using an iPad or iPad 2.
It’s also built with aluminum and has bottom padding to be used while sitting, lying down or standing since it can be adjusted to most any angle for viewing.
Details: www.raindesigninc.com iRest, $44.90; iLap prices start at $44.90 for the 12-inch and range up to $64.90 for the 17-inch
GADGET INSURANCE POLICY OFFERS PEACE OF MIND
The Worth Ave. Group has an interesting offer for new iPhone and other electronic gadget owners for an insurance policy covering the high-priced and valuable devices.
The company states in a recent press release “approximately 37 percent of iPhones are damaged annually with many people experiencing at least two or more incidents related to human error.”
Unlike a warranty, Worth Ave. Group’s insurance can be purchased at any time and comes with a deductible but no limit on the number of yearly claims.
Prices vary depending on the device, but for example an iPad 2 with Wi-Fi only will cost $57 for $699 of coverage and has $50 deductible per claim.
A big difference in this insurance policy vs. warranties is the insurance can be bundled to cover multiple gadgets while a warranty is usually needed for each individual device.
The group offers policies on new, used or refurbished digital cameras, eReaders, iPhones, gaming units, TVs, laptops and more.
Details: www.worthavegroup.com
CAMERA STRAP
The Sun Sniper Pro camera strap helps secure an expensive SLR camera while also allowing the owners to carry the bulky gear in comfort.
A recent press release stated it was designed with an ergonomic ‘sling’ design, which helps reduce strain on the back, neck and shoulder. Since I’m someone with a long history of back problems, I can confirm the comfort is there compared to traditional camera straps.
The strap has a nicely padded shoulder and neck strap to allow the camera to hang at your side instead of pulling downward when handing on the front of your body.
Your camera is attached to the strap with a stainless steel ball bearing swivel attaching to the tripod mount on a camera or lens.
With the side-hanging feature, it gives the user instant access to the camera with a full range of motion when needed.
It’s built with a steel anti-theft wire inside the strap design to prevent the strap from tearing during any type of use.
“Sun Sniper is so confident in the security of its straps, the company offers insurance of up to $500 if a thief somehow manages to cut the steel reinforced strap and steal your camera,” as stated on the company’s website.
Details: www.sunsniperusa.com $75 (Amazon.com)
Contact Gregg Ellman at greggellman@mac.com. Follow him on Twitter: @greggellman.
2011, Gregg Ellman.
Read more: http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/11/30/1681206/gadgets-slide-out-keyboard-subs.html#ixzz1fOQuA8gC
We Are Proud to Salute 2010 Communitas Award Winner Gilda’s Club Northern New Jersey (Hackensack, NJ)
We are proud to salute 2010 Communitas Award Winner Gilda’s Club Northern New Jersey (Hackensack, NJ), which prides itself on providing comfort for cancer survivors as well as being environmentally responsible. Created in honor of former Saturday Night Live performer Gilda Radner, who succumbed to cancer in 1989, the club provides free support for persons living with cancer, as well as their families and friends. With encouragement from The Marcus Group (TMG), a communications firm based in Little Falls, NJ, Club President Ruth Dugan used approximately $500,000 in funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources to renovate the club’s facilities according to “green” principals. In just three months, the clubhouse was transformed into a chemical-free structure furnished entirely with environmentally friendly materials. The refurbishment was critical for visiting cancer patients, whose immune systems are frequently compromised by chemotherapy and related medications and treatments. The Greening of Gilda’s Club transcended the renovations to include the usage of “Greening the Cleaning” products, a line of chemical-free household cleaners created by project consultant Deirdre Imus, wife of radio personality and prostate cancer survivor Don Imus. AMCP judges were so impressed with Gilda’s Club Northern New Jersey’s commitment to and love for its cancer patients and their families and friends that they bestowed a Communitas Leadership Award for Green Initiatives. Please be sure to visit www.communitasawards.com for a complete list of winners from the recent Communitas Awards competition.
We Are Proud to Salute 2010 Communitas Award Winner Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (Detroit, MI)
We are proud to salute 2010 Communitas Award Winner Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (Detroit, MI), which is championing faith-based health and wellness challenges in the African-American church communities throughout the state. Nominated for its Body & Soul Blue initiative in the Grand Rapids and greater Flint African-American communities, the insurance provider is prescribing incentives that may eventually improve health, reduce healthcare costs, and change behaviors in high-risk racially diverse populations. BCBSM is effectively impacting the community by working with organizations that are already involved and recognized as leaders and decisions makers in those areas. In Grand Rapids, the Body & Soul program goal is to encourage church members to eat more fruits and vegetables, and to incorporate more physical activities into their daily lives. BCBSM’s online Walking Works program that is offered to participating churches encourages each organization to form a walking team that logs its walking mileage and competes against each of the other local churches in a three-month fitness challenge. AMCP judges were so impressed with BCBSM’s commitment to keeping these communities healthy and fit that they bestowed a Communitas Award for Corporate Social Responsibility/New Category. Please be sure to visit www.communitasawards.com for a complete list of winners from the recent Communitas Awards competition.
