Colleen Roxas - Resources

Resources

A constant question I get asked is "How did you get into ____ (Design/UI/UX/Development/Art) and how can I learn more?" So here, I've compiled some of my favorite resources, articles, and other things that can hopefully answer that question, and help guide your path to learning.

Peruse articles, best practices, and find inspiration...

  • A List Apart

    Articles that explore the design, development, and meaning of web content, with a special focus on web standards and best practices.
  • Awwwards

    Inspiring, award-winning web designs.
  • Codepen

    A place to build, test, discover, or find inspiration for front-end code.
  • Codrops

    Another playground of innovative and experimental web design & development examples.
  • CSS Tricks

    Articles, examples, and other guidance of the possibilities with CSS.
  • Nielson Norman Group

    NN/g pioneered many of the world's UX research methods which have now become the standard best practices.
  • Sitepoint

    A hub for web developers to share their passion for building incredible Internet things.
  • Smashing Magazine

    Useful articles and tips for web developers and designers.
  • U.S. Web Design Standards

    A design system for the federal government to build accessible, mobile-friendly government websites for the American public.
  • Material Design

    A design system created by Google to help teams build high-quality digital experiences for Android, iOS, Flutter, and the web.

Attend school, take online classes, get certifications...

Recommendations From My Bookshelf

    In Progress

    By Jessica Hische

    Jessica's sketchbook reveals the creative and technical process behind making award-winning hand lettering. For designers who want to sketch distinctive letterforms and hone their skills.

    Scripts

    By Steven Heller & Louise Fili

    A visual resource of cursives and other typefaces that resemble handwriting. Filled with a broad spectrum of examples― advertising, street signs, invitations, books, personal letters etc.

    Thinking with Type

    By Ellen Lupton

    The definitive guide to using typography, from the printed page to the computer screen. Visual examples show how to be inventive with typography— what the rules are and how to break them.

    Graphic Design the New Basics

    By Ellen Lupton and Jennifer Cole Phillips

    A great introduction with key concepts of visual language. Explore the formal elements, visualizing data, typography, Gestalt principles, grid systems, using color, and more.

    The User Experience Team of One

    By Leah Buley

    A guidebook of approaches that have big impact and take less time and fewer resources than the standard lineup of UX deliverables. Do more with less.

    Discussing Design

    Adam Connor

    Real critique has become a lost skill among teams today. Critique is intended to help teams strengthen their designs, products, and services, rather than be used to assert authority or push agendas under the guise of "feedback."

    Design Leadership

    By Richard Banfield

    What does it take to be the leader of a design firm or group? We often assume they have all the answers, but in this rapidly evolving industry they're forced to find their way like the rest of us. So how do good design leaders manage?

    Design for How People Think

    By John Whalen, PhD

    User experience doesn't happen on a screen; it happens in the mind. It is multidimensional and multisensory. Uncover critical insights about how customers think so you can create an exceptional experience.

    Articulating Design Decisions

    By Tom Greever

    How you communicate with stakeholders may be more important than the designs themselves. If you can't get their support, your work will never see the light of day--no matter how good it is.

    Laws of UX

    By Jon Yablonski

    An understanding of psychology—specifically the psychology behind how users behave and interact with digital interfaces—is perhaps the single most valuable nondesign skill a designer can have.

    Solving Product Design Exercises: Questions & Answers

    By Artiom Dashinsky

    Today top companies are looking for business-minded designers who are not just focused on visuals. Practice this kind of mindset, prepare for job interviews, and find concepts for projects for your portfolio.

    Gamestorming

    By Dave Gray, Sunni Brown, et al.

    This book includes more than 80 games to help you break down barriers, communicate better, and generate new ideas, insights, and strategies.

    Meeting Design

    By Kevin M. Hoffman, Matt Sutter, et al.

    This book contains design principles and innovative approaches you'll need to transform meetings from boring to creative, from wasteful to productive.

    In Her Purpose

    By Rose Buado

    Amongst us are real, powerful stories of inspiring women who offer impactful and compelling successes. These are true stories that give us hope, courage, and drive.

    Grit

    By Angela Duckworth

    Pioneering psychologist Angela Duckworth shows anyone striving to succeed, that the secret to outstanding achievement is not talent but a special blend of passion and persistence she calls "grit."

    The Making of a Manager

    By Julie Zhuo

    Whether you're new to the job, a veteran leader, or looking to be promoted, this is the handbook you need to be the kind of manager you wish you had.

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