Duncan Stephen

Article — 14 March 2015 — 762 words

Improve the user experience of Formula 1 live timing with this one small tweak

The new Formula1.com has brought great new live timing functionality. But the user experience could be improved. Find out how you can improve it yourself in time for the Australian Grand Prix.

Article — 10 March 2015 — 1,935 words

Hands on with the Moto 360 Android smartwatch

Technology

I was surprised by the ways the Moto 360 disappointed me. But I am still glad I bought this smartwatch. Will others be so forgiving?

Article — 25 February 2015 — 1,606 words

When the disrupters are disrupted: What is the future for digital professionals?

Business — Digital — Web

Digital transformation results in the eventual destruction of digital teams. So what will that mean for those of us who work in digital?

Article — 20 February 2015 — 788 words

Italy adventures part 2: Venice

Personal — Travel

Highlights from the most unique city I have ever visited.

Article — 19 February 2015 — 1,351 words

Is the Register right about Gov.uk and the Government Digital Service?

Digital — User experience — Web

Gov.uk is the darling of the digital profession. But now it has been described as the most hated website of all time. So what’s going on?

Article — 12 February 2015 — 620 words

Strategies for dealing with creative block

Business — Digital — User experience

It’s a puzzle that has haunted writers, artists and other creatives since the caveman first applied ink to a wall. Blockbox is one brilliant way to tackle difficult creative problems.

Article — 7 February 2015 — 1,707 words

Italy adventures part 1: Rome

Personal — Travel

Alex and I took a trip to Italy for new year. Among our highlights from Rome were a visit to the Vatican City and new year’s eve at the Colosseum.

Article — 10 December 2014 — 394 words

PNG versus SVG

Technology — Web

For years the debate has raged on. Which image file format is better: PNG or SVG? The Commonwealth Games gave us the chance to find out.

Article — 13 November 2014 — 780 words

Am I alone in thinking email doesn’t need to be fixed?

User experience — Web

Inbox is Google’s latest attempt to rethink email. But why make the world’s most popular communication platform more complicated?

Article — 10 November 2014 — 809 words

The annual redesign

Personal — Web

Every year, at around this time of year, I get an urge to scratch that itch. I have to redesign my website. This year the visuals are jazzier. But the code behind the scenes is making me cringe.

Article — 9 July 2014 — 1,074 words

Wales holiday highlights

Personal — Travel — Walking

Stories and photographs from my holiday to Wales last month.

Article — 7 May 2014 — 591 words

Walking for the sake of it

Personal — Walking

You don’t need to have a purpose to walk. The physical and mental health benefits are manifest. My daily walk is as important to me as brushing my teeth.