Previously, SASS color functions required me to tweak a color value, save the CSS file, allow it to recompile, switch to the browser, refresh, and see if I got the color I was going for. If not, I’d have to tweak it again and again until I got the exact color I wanted. SassMe allows me to do this in real time, without all the saving, recompiling, refreshing, tweaking, etc.

CSSOff is a competition for front-end developers to show off their skills in a no holds barred display of CSS and markup skills.

So basically it’s a fun little competition to put your web design skills to the test.

The results were announced today and … drum roll … I took 18th place. Now I know what you’re thinking, “18th place? pfff.. that’s not very good”, but remember that there were over 400 submissions from freelancers and designers across the web. So 18th place puts me in the top 5%.

You can see the results here and you can see my submission here.

If nothing else, it’s a little confidence builder.

I give you my (computer) resolutions for the coming year:

One of the insights that really struck me was Whitney Hess’ observation about how ‘context is king’:

The most important thing that 2011 taught me about web design is that physical context of use can no longer be assumed by platform, only intentional context can … increasingly the lines are blurring on where devices are being used and how they’re being used in unison … I have learned to see devices as location agnostic and instead associate them with purpose – I want to check (mobile), I want to manage (desktop), I want to immerse (tablet).

Pondering this idea spurred me to create a graphic expressing this idea. So, without further ado, forget about location, it’s all about device purpose.

After research and conceptualization for the design (which helped determine the need to convey a feeling of timelessness), the student ambassadors were gathered together for a photo shoot. The photo was taken in the same location and at the same angle as an archived school photo from the library.

The design for the back of the print was created with inDesign and conveys information about the local area, traditions of Dixie State College, and a call to action.

The brochure’s main purpose is to provide a simple, introductory informational piece about the college while also serving as a conversation and relationship starter for the Career Center’s liaison with potential employers.