This stuff is so insane, IMO. I wonder how often people go into these documents. I think it takes up so much of a designers time, and in the end, doesn't help people much. I feel like we have to evolve the concept of a brand guideline into something that is more alive and easily implementable.

With that said, we have definitely started that process with guidelines being readily available online, and chalk full of code snippets, hex colors, typography, etc. I think we can evolve past that, and build something that furthers the efficiency of the current process.

Just a few thoughts. Let me know what you guys think.

One of the best. Great people too.

www.nounproject.com

When compared to a $15k-$25k cisco system, it starts to put a few things in perspective. Also depends on the type of use. Might seem like a lot to an individual, but not a company willing to put video everywhere.

Hey everyone! My name is Charles, I'm one of the product designers at Highfive. Super stoked that we're out in the public. If you have any questions, let me know!

Tim, sorry the video wasn't quite what you were expecting. Here is a break down of a few of the benefits of our product.

So high level, there are many customers in the world who don't run Google Apps for whom Hangouts is a non-starter. The key differences you will find with Highfive are:

1. Single device -- there's one device you have to plug in to the TV. No remote control, no tabletop microphone speakerphone, etc. It's a simpler experience.

2. Beam a call to and from a TV -- Because we have no remote control, a user can move a call to a TV and then move it back to their laptop or phone without interrupting your call (like when you are getting kicked out of your conference room and you are not done with your call).

3. Designed specifically for the conference room: Our hardware offers a camera with a field of view optimized for small and mid-sized rooms. It includes acoustics that are designed to pick people up from up to 30 feet away without any cables or table top connectors.

4. Finally, any user can join a call. There is no requirement to have a Google account so the user experience of getting a call up and going is significantly improved.

I'm in :)

Sure. I guess the point I'm making is that no matter what company you're at (even if you're doing high quality work there, and the benefits are insanely great) that you won't stick around if you're not passionate about (and can't align with) company vision or purpose of the product.

Also, not all small start up companies are the same. Come check out Highfive some time. Seriously, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Honestly, I think this post makes a lot of sense, if you’re talking about Facebook specifically (and maybe a few other companies). Think about why designers go there in the first place? I would venture to say that it's 1. For the incredible group of talent that they have there. You're bound to grow and become even better just being around those people everyday. I have been to their offices, and it’s simply inspiring. And 2. Your work (no matter how small) will be exposed to millions, and possibly billions, of viewers. That is usually part of the pitch.

If I’m speculating, I would guess that designers end up realizing the type of things that they work on, is not something they're truly passionate about. It doesn’t provide a huge amount of value to them. Their interaction on FB might be to connect with some people, host an event or two, or just browse the feed, but ultimately, it doesn't feed the designer itch.

I have always been inspired by my friend Ben Blumenfeld (previous design lead at FB) and his passion for areas/fields that currently lack any type of design (health, education, energy/environment, etc.), and greatly need it. He began Designer Fund, because he saw a huge need in these areas. I think after the initial hype, and excitement of working at FB, designers want and feel empowered to go off and continue building newer (and potentially very powerful) things. If this is one of your reasons for joining Facebook, then I think you made a good choice.

Now don't get me wrong. Facebook is fantastic as both a product and a company. You can connect with people that you haven’t seen for years as a consumer, and as an employee have free meals provided for you. Either way, it’s a win. I just wonder if anyone who works there truly feels like they have created and/or are helping build a revolutionary product.

Again, these are just thoughts. I would love hear yours.

Oh the good ol days. I remember those. Awesome to see the company evolve over the years. Stoked for you guys.

Going on a work retreat with the team. Staying at a great hotel on the beach. Should be a really great weekend.

Hope you guys all have a great weekend as well!

I probably should have added my comment here ;)

So, I just opened up the designer news page and was like WOOAAHHHH. Everything has changed. I am totally all for iteration, but I think this one may have taken a step back. Here is some feedback.

1. It's actually harder to read now, with the font change. Gill sans is a tough one at small sizes, I think.

2. With the images now included in the container (instead of laying outside of it), my eye now has to jump from right to left as I scan down the page. It was really nice to have the ability to just follow the icons on the left, then scan right when I wanted to see what the content actually was.

3. Also, this may have been there before, but there is a lot of text under each headline. I think the headlines might benefit from a bit more white space, or the removal of some of the secondary text.

Just thoughts from another designer. This is an awesome service, and I appreciate all the awesome work that has gone into it.

Thanks!