The Aten Blog

The Aten Blog

We have things to say about design, process, and code. Read about them here, subscribe to our feed, or follow us on twitter.

Random Hacks of Kindness

This weekend, more than 1,500 self-proclaimed "hackers" are gathering in cities around the world to work on technology solutions for world problems, including advance warning for severe weather situations, tracking lost children in large-scale emergencies, real time climate data comparison, and more than 60 others. The "hackathon" events are part of a global initiative called Random Hacks of Kindness, founded in 2009 in a partnership between Google, Microsoft, Yahoo!, NASA and the World Bank.

We had the incredible privilege of working with the RHoK team to redesign and rebuild RHoK.org in Drupal 7.

Test-Driven Sitemap Design

We spend significant time and effort in the information architecture phase of projects, during which our principle goal is to create an effective sitemap. As with other steps in the process, we pitch an initial recommendation, solicit feedback, host discussions, make some changes, rinse and repeat. Also similar to other parts of the process, it is critical to establish metrics that define a particular final product as successful. With sitemaps, this has proven particularly important.

It's official, people: DrupalCon is coming to Denver in 2012

Last Thursday at DrupalCon Chicago, I had the honor of helping announce the much-anticipated destination for DrupalCon 2012, along with Ben Jeavons (GVS) and Kevin Bridges (Examiner.com).

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Copenviking

Check out the latest in our series of custom illustrated Scout Books, this one commemorating DrupalCon Copenhagen, 2010. Featuring a Conan-esque viking, fire-breathing dragon, and Knarr-rowing polar bears, this is easily our favorite yet.

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Events

DrupalCamp Pre-party at The Lobby

Ain't no party like a Drupal party. Come hang out with us, the guys at GVS, and all manner of interweb lovers from Colorado and beyond as we kick-off a solid weekend of Drupal.

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Events

Launch Week

Last week was launch week at Aten, with two brand new redesigns hitting the interwebs. Both were for product manufacturers. Both were built in Drupal. Both companies sweat the details. In just about every other way, the two websites couldn't have been more different. Introducing RichardsonCap.com and ZimmermanMarine.com.

IE6Funeral.com

Yesterday we announced a local party celebrating Google's soon-to-be discontinued support for IE6. Now, thousands of Twitter posts later, with exposure on a few really big websites, we've obviously struck a chord (and maybe in some cases, a nerve) with internet lovers everywhere.

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Events

Drupal for Journalism Educators: Poynter's News University Goes Live

Last week, Poynter's NewsU.org, the world's leading journalism education website, went live with a complete redesign. We're extremely pleased with the outcome of the process.

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Goodbye 2008, Hello 2009

We took a few minutes to reflect on what was 2008, and what is 2009. Among the upcoming events are DrupalCon 2009 and a barrage of new work for the portfolio.

Not Just a Day Job

It's amazing to work with people who love what they do enough to do it at home, off the clock.

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About the Author

Justin Toupin

CEO, Creative Director

Justin founded Aten Design Group in early 2000 while still in college. His focus on clear, effective design solutions and his determination to achieve project goals drive the design process at Aten. Justin has a passion for working with cultural/social organizations – particularly with museums and humanitarian agencies.

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