Andrew Backhouse

Safari 26.3 just rolled out with Zstd compression; it’s a boring-sounding update that actually means significantly faster load times for heavier design assets. Good work.

Built in a text editor - it uses paper.js and a few other resources. You can see it at www.andybackhouse.co.uk

If you want to sign up to my email list head to andrewbackhouse.design/news - in the short, weekly emails, I mention what has been happening in tech and design. Don't worry, there is the option to unsubscribe in each one.

There is a new typeface, designed by me, up on www.sigilofbrass.com - called Cairn it is the most practical of the three fonts on the site.

I created this new artwork for a project I run. "A Sound Map of Harrogate" is a field recording podcast, and available on most podcasting platforms.

Book review: The Enduring Legacy of Weimar graphic design and new typography 1919-1933 "Book review: The Enduring Legacy of Weimar graphic design and new typography 1919-1933" is a blog post written by Andrew Backhouse, a web designer in

Book review: The Enduring Legacy of Weimar graphic design and new typography 1919-1933 - andrewbackhouse.design/blog/book-re... - a great book! One I will keep dipping in to.

I don't really have a lead magnet other than this is written with all I can muster - andrewbackhouse.design/news - there is an unsubscribe option in each email, but hopefully you will be along for the ride?

Something I am keen to help fix - a lot of my enquiries revolve around small business websites and how they fail to engage their audience - andrewbackhouse.design/blog/client-...

For short thoughts on web design, technology and running a small business, whilst trying to make technology work for as many people as possible, look for a podcast called "A web designer in Harrogate did what?!" - The trailer is on your favourite platform.

Most forms fail for small reasons, not big ones.

Tweaks that often lift enquiries:

• Fewer fields, only what you need
• Clear button text that says what happens next
• One short line that reduces worry or doubt

I track clicks and enquiries in Fathom Analytics so I know what changed and why.

There may be something that takes your fancy in my weekly email - sign up at www.andrewbackhouse.design/news - if there is nothing in it you like then there is the option to unsubscribe in each one.

Can I send you and email choc full of tech and accessibility news every Friday? Sign up at www.andrewbackhouse.design/news and I will be in touch.

Many Harrogate businesses lose people on their homepage. Most visitors skim and want a clear story fast.

Say what you do, who it is for and why it helps. This simple fix builds trust.

What part of your homepage feels unclear to customers? DM me if you want a free 15 minute fit chat.

Content Design Hub | Where content meets design Content Design Hub is a marketplace for individuals and companies to access content design training, strategy and digital content services.

I am part way through a course teaching me how to write accessible content. If you are interested, you can find it here: www.contentdesignhub.com.au

About 1yr ago, I rebuilt julianvarley.com to help people understand his offer and send an enquiry with less effort. He is now getting steady leads. Clear pages and an easier way to contact him helped. A simple reminder that small fixes can help local SMEs in Harrogate and North Yorkshire.

Woohoo! W/E!

Time to catch up on my reading…

Affinity reveals how it’s able to go 100% free with "no catch" "How is that even possible?"

I have jumped on Affinity's bandwagon. happy to have cancelled my Adobe Cloud subscription and become "one of them" - you can read a bit about how Affinity are 100% free here; https://backhouse.link/ujh

Choice overload is real.

Three simple checks: work, fit, value.

Ask for 3 live sites, process, and a clear price.

Local help from a freelance web designer in Harrogate.

DM for a free 15 minute fit chat.

📍Harrogate 📍North Yorkshire

The “£532,000” dot job: Why small design changes cost big Why did a tiny logo change cost GOV.UK so much?

Why do small design jobs cost big? I found this article about the Government's rebrand; https://backhouse.link/32y - you may find it interesting.

Shall we all move to Ireland? Their plan to support artists sounds incredible Ireland is giving €325 a week to artists. Honestly!

Ireland showing how to help creatives help society; https://www.creativebloq.com/art/shall-we-all-move-to-ireland-their-plan-to-support-artists-sounds-incredible

Chunking: When to simplify information | Andrew Backhouse My blog covers Chunking: when to simplify, and when to let information breathe with clear, practical web design advice from Harrogate.

I wrote a blog post about Chunking content so that you can implement some pointers; https://backhouse.link/o7s

Bluesky Reaches 40M Users — So Should Your Brand Be on It? Bluesky has a growing community of dedicated, knowledgeable users.

Bluesky reaches 40M users - still way behind The Other Place, but we are getting there… https://backhouse.link/p3q

Search With Your Imagination | Semantic.art Explore and discover artworks from words, ideas, emotions, poetry, images, and more.

I found an art search engine that uses modern language models to help users find existing works of art rather than generate images. https://www.semantic.art/ It is really rather quite good.

Top 10 Most Daring Concepts That Will Reshape How We Live: Red Dot Design Concept 2025 Winners - Yanko Design Design concepts live in that fascinating space between "what if" and "why not," where the constraints of manufacturing budgets and market research haven't yet trimmed away the boldest ideas. While finished products get the spotlight and the sales figures, concepts represent design thinking at its most uninhibited, tackling problems we didn't even know we had

This will reshape how we live; Red Dot Design Concept 2025 Winners - https://backhouse.link/2ic

Created Equal

Created Equal, 1984
https://botfrens.com/collections/27/contents/826490

🌟 Introducing our New Chat Messaging Service!🌟

We’re excited to announce our brand-new chat messaging service, making it easier than ever for you to communicate with your favourite presenters! 🗣️✨

Happy birthday!

Simon's radio show never ceases to delight. We are lucky to have it broadcast on our community radio station and you can listen to it in the link below.

Love this!