Dan Hauk

Category: Design

  • Seeking a broader perspective in design

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    For the past couple months a team of designers has been neck deep in user research and exercises designed to help us absorb and synthesize everything we’ve learned. We started from curiosity: how can we better solve the problems small business owners are facing? We got the chance to talk with over 30 small business…

  • Finding inspiration in the mundane

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    A few years ago I hit a creative block. Now, I know this is nothing new. Whether it’s a short block specific to a project or a longer period of burnout, everyone has those times where they’re feeling uninspired. I’ve certainly had my share of times where I felt it since then, but this particular…

  • Keeping product assumptions in check

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    Assumptions can be difficult to overcome. Many times we don’t even realize we’re making them. As an experienced product designer, I find it easier to make these assumptions. They more easily creep into my work subconsciously because I have more knowledge and experience of “best practices” and “what worked before”. So how can we keep…

  • Sending the right message with form validation

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    Error messages. Those little things everyone hates to see. As designers, we like to design the best possible experience for getting users through the task at hand. But it’s our job to put as much consideration into error states as we do the success flow. Any error messages we show to users should provide helpful…

  • Don’t forget the emails

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    Emails help to create a cohesive experience from start to finish. It reduces cognitive overhead and friction. It shows you put a lot of thought into every aspect of your product. Have you ever signed up for a new site or product, forgotten about it, only to remember later when you check your inbox and…

  • Designing a new checkout page for Akismet

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    A product’s checkout page is one of the most important things for both the user and the product team. It’s important for the user because it’s the page that will instill trust in the product. It’s important for the product team because it’s the last barrier of acquiring those users and all-important revenue.

  • Infinite background-image animation loop

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    After I redesigned the “How Does Akismet Work” page, I realized the spam sorter graphic was just itching to be animated. Converting the main machine box into a gif with some flashing lights was easy enough. The conveyor belt is what gave me some trouble. I’m posting my solution here because the bug I came across…