CTRL+CLICK CAST
75 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 5 years ago - ★★★★★ - 65 ratingsCTRL+CLICK CAST inspects the web for you! We proudly feature diverse voices from the industry’s leaders and innovators, who tackle everything from design, code and content management systems, to culture and business challenges. Our focused, topical discussions teach, inspire and waste no time getting to the heart of the matter. Formerly the EE Podcast, CTRL+CLICK is produced by Bright Umbrella and hosted by industry veterans Lea Alcantara and Emily Lewis.
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Episodes
ctrlclickcast.com Mobile Refresh, Part 2
March 07, 2019 17:58 - 49 minutes - 22.9 MBThe grand finale! Emily and Lea discuss the technical execution of ctrlclickcast.com’s mobile-friendly refresh. We chat about what it took to translate the design into a more modular, modern front-end as well as the challenges and process to upgrade the site to the latest version of ExpressionEngine. Tune in to find out more—plus a major announcement! < Download MP3 > < Listen on ctrlclickcast.com > Show Notes: F...
Content Strategy with Carrie Hane
February 21, 2019 17:58 - 48 minutes - 22.2 MBTanzen’s Carrie Hane aims to demystify content strategy! We dive into how fundamental content strategy is to the success of a digital project — and ultimately, its organization! Carrie explains what to expect with content strategy, where it fits in a project life cycle, plus the value this strategy brings to designers, developers, and clients. < Download MP3 > < Listen on ctrlclickcast.com > Show Notes: Tanzen Bl...
ExpressionEngine Community Association with TJ Draper
February 07, 2019 17:58 - 30 minutes - 14 MBThe ExpressionEngine Community Association helped organize the last couple of EE Conferences — what else is in its future? EECA president TJ Draper explains their dreams for the EE community, advocating for education, as well as its overarching goals. Tune in for details on how you can get involved, too! < Download MP3 > < Listen on ctrlclickcast.com > Show Notes: ExpressionEngine Community Association (EECA) Ex...
ctrlclickcast.com Mobile Refresh, Part 1
January 24, 2019 17:58 - 53 minutes - 24.7 MBWhy did it take 3 years to relaunch a modern, mobile-friendly ctrlclickcast.com? Lea and Emily dive into the business and logistical challenges in launching an internal project alongside client work. We chat about the plan and strategy we had 3 years ago, plus the content, IA and design process along the way. Tune in to hear insights on shifts we had to make to priorities and goals due to the delay. < Download MP3 > < Listen on ctrlclic...
Vector Media Group’s Acquisition of Happy Cog with Matt Weinberg & Stuart Henry
January 10, 2019 17:58 - 47 minutes - 21.7 MBAt the end of last year, well-renowned digital agency Vector Media Group acquired the equally-renowned Happy Cog. Why? And what does it mean for our industry? We get the details from Vector partners Matt Weinberg and Stuart Henry, who explain how the idea of an acquisition evolved over time and how quickly the deal came together once decided. They share the nuances of reassuring both clients and staff, as well as the challenges of merging processes and services. We also get their persp...
2018 Year in Review
December 13, 2018 17:59 - 43 minutes - 20.3 MBWe close 2018 with our annual Year in Review! What have we learned in tech, business and life this past year? We also share some fun faves to add to your watch, listen, read and play lists. Plus, special guest Erin Lewis is back to give a rundown on this year’s Rapidfire Questions. Spoiler: people have opinions about karaoke. < Download MP3 > < Listen on ctrlclickcast.com > Show Notes: Craft Coding Challenge Twi...
Dealing with Business Challenges
November 15, 2018 17:58 - 1 hour - 29.7 MBUps and downs in business are a given, but we don’t often talk about the downs. Without talking about our failures, though, how can we learn and find success in difficult times? So we’re giving you a peek behind the curtains at Bright Umbrella, sharing some of the business challenges we faced this year — including losing our largest client — and the changes we’re trying. No guaranteed solutions (just yet), but maybe we can all learn from each other! < Download MP3 > &n...
Designing for People Struggling with Mental Health with Francis Rowland
October 25, 2018 16:59 - 50 minutes - 23.1 MBCompassion and perspective. These are two elements that lead design toward a more accessible and inclusive future, says Senior UX Architect Francis Rowland. We discuss how inclusive design principles help audiences with mental health struggles while improving everyone’s user experience. < Download MP3 > < Listen on ctrlclickcast.com > Show Notes: Mind UK locator NHS mental health support locations Alastair Somerville...
Thriving at Work with Gina DeLapa
October 11, 2018 16:58 - 53 minutes - 24.5 MBOur jobs as designers and devs can sometimes lead to burnout, bad habits, stress and worse. Career counselor and author Gina DeLapa joins the show to share practical tips that can help us thrive at work! Gina details the importance of self care and shares examples of what it really looks like in practice. We also discuss the importance of boundaries and self-reflection to help manage workplace drama and deal with negative feedback. < Download MP3 > &n...
Biz Growth & Hiring with Ross Nover
September 27, 2018 16:59 - 47 minutes - 22 MBIs your agency ready to hire its first employee? Friendly Design’s Ross Nover explains how his agency grew to eight full-time staff and why. We discuss business opportunities and time-saving, hiring vs. contracting out, plus the financial considerations involved when hiring. To help you decide whether to expand your staff, we share resources and advice on how to hire alongside its business benefits. < Download MP3 > < Listen on ctrlclic...
Editorial Design in Craft CMS with Travis Gertz
September 13, 2018 16:59 - 54 minutes - 25.2 MBDon’t let technology constrain your design flexibility! Travis Gertz joins the show to explain the importance of art direction and creativity when designing for digital experiences. He outlines some simple, practical ways to apply these nuances as well as larger-scale design flexibility. We discuss how to apply flexible design with Craft CMS, share other site examples that showcase editorial design, plus considerations with client workflow and technical performance realities. <...
Offline Web Experiences with Jeremy Keith
August 30, 2018 16:58 - 1 hour - 30 MBFrom optimizing performance to enhancing the user experience, crafting a good offline web experience can be complicated! Front-end expert and author Jeremy Keith joins the show to make sense of service workers and progressive web apps. Jeremy details the technical aspects, as well as the more complicated UX considerations, and shares real-world examples of offline experiences with service workers. < Download MP3 > < Listen on ctrlclickc...
Philanthropy Tech with Chantal Forster
August 16, 2018 16:59 - 49 minutes - 34.5 MBWhat is philanthropy tech? Technology Affinity Group Executive Director Chantal Forster gives real-world examples of technology affecting change in our communities. She shares the staggering $60B figure that goes into philanthropic efforts and how technology may be the way to put that to better use. < Download MP3 > < Listen on ctrlclickcast.com > Show Notes: Technology Affinity Group (TAG) Number of foundations in th...
Standard Agreements for Digital Services with Gabe Levine & Josh Barrett
August 02, 2018 16:58 - 56 minutes - 26.1 MBThe service agreements you sign with your clients are more than just legal contracts. They are core to your business operations and client relationships. So you need to get them right! Lawyers Gabe Levine and Josh Barrett join the show to discuss what client services agreements like MSAs and SOWs need to include — specifically for creatives and digital agencies. They explain the importance of working with agreements that are custom to your services, as well as with a lawyer who underst...
Designing a Modular System with Sarah Federman
July 19, 2018 16:59 - 1 hour - 29.6 MBDesign systems can be confusing, especially when people are still trying to define what it means! Adobe Design Engineer Sarah Federman stops by the show to explain what design systems are, why they’re important and the details in their actual creation. We explain how modularity is built in to design systems and how it’s evolved through the years. We touch on how crucial developers are to design systems, how to adapt design systems even for small teams, and share tips on explaining the ...
Democratizing Tech with Fabian Elliott
July 05, 2018 16:58 - 46 minutes - 21.4 MBIf you want to solve a problem, you need to first understand the problem. That’s why data is core to Black Tech Mecca’s City Assessment Framework, which is helping increase Black participation in Chicago’s tech industry. CEO Fabian Elliott joins the show to explain BTM’s mission and how they use data as the foundation for change. He details their holistic approach, focusing on education, corporate and entrepreneurship. He also shares how BTM’s framework and model can help other cities ...
CMS Upgrades & Migrations, Part 2
June 21, 2018 16:59 - 1 hour - 28.1 MBNo matter how many upgrades and CMS migrations you go through, there are always issues. In Part 2 of this series, we tackle the technical planning, gotchas and QA of CMS upgrades and migrations. We stress the importance of setting the right expectations with clients, not taking one-click upgrades for granted, and share our tips on how to tackle the often painful process of upgrading or migrating to a new CMS. < Download MP3 > < Listen o...
The State of Web Images with Kitt Hodsden
June 07, 2018 16:59 - 53 minutes - 24.8 MBFrom formats and techniques to performance and automation, images on the web can be complicated! Front-end developer and performance expert Kitt Hodsden joins the show to make sense of today’s options — and help you choose the options that are best for your projects. Kitt explains the historical background of web images, along with future-forward options like WebP and WebM. She also shares resources to help with virtually any approach to images, then dives into the solutions that consi...
Biz Dev Strategies 101 with Alex Mejias
May 24, 2018 16:59 - 1 hour - 27.8 MBBusiness development is the key to business success, but where to begin? Alex Mejias, Foster Made’s Director of Strategy and Business Development, joins to the show to explain the fundamentals of business development. We discuss the mindset required for business growth, the basic sales process plus how to qualify leads. We share both the small and larger agency perspective about growth and business dev, the challenges we face and the nuances to consider when filling your agency pipelin...
Fostering Diversity in Design Leadership with Timothy Bardlavens
May 10, 2018 16:59 - 1 hour - 28.2 MBHow can we improve diversity in design leadership? Access. Access to resources, education, other designers … access to the knowledge that design is even a career to pursue in the first place. We chat with Microsoft’s Product Design & Culture Lead Timothy Bardlavens about the lack diversity in the design industry and in leadership, in particular. We discuss the challenges of “diversity programs” that don’t actually deliver what people need, and how genuine leadership is needed for e...
CMS Upgrades & Migrations, Part 1
April 26, 2018 16:59 - 50 minutes - 23.2 MBHow do you decide whether to upgrade your CMS or if it’s time to consider new software? Do you understand the benefits of one or the other? In Part 1 of this series, Emily and Lea discuss the benefits of upgrading or migrating sites from a client’s perspective. We break down how the decision goes beyond tech, share processes with real-world scenarios, how we compare software, and quick tips on how to decide which direction to go. < Download MP3 > &nbs...
Web Design Fundamentals for Developers with Tracy Osborn
April 12, 2018 16:59 - 57 minutes - 26.4 MBShould developers understand design? Yes, says developer, designer and entreprenerd Tracy Osborn. She joins the show to discuss her “Hello Web Design” book, which gives developers and programmers a friendly intro to web design principles. We discuss why developers should understand design fundamentals and dive into some of the similarities with learning development principles. Tracy also details the handy shortcuts in her book — from color to typography to layout — that give developers...
Localization Best Practices with Ira Frimere and Michael Harris
March 29, 2018 16:59 - 56 minutes - 26.2 MBGo beyond Google Translate! Acclaro’s Ira Frimere and Michael Harris join the show to discuss the business, development and process that go into localization for the web. We dive into client workflows, the business benefits of localization, balancing machine and expert human translation, as well as the UX, front-end and CMS considerations for multilingual sites! < Download MP3 > < Listen on ctrlclickcast.com > Show Notes...
Project Management for the Web with Rachel Gertz
March 15, 2018 16:59 - 1 minute - 30 MBProject management isn’t just about tasks, time and budget. Good PM is about better communication, better outcomes and better profits! Digital PM Trainer Rachel Gertz returns to the show to dispel myths about project management and explain how essential it is to the success of a project and, more importantly, a client relationship. She defines PM for today’s digital projects, which is more than organizing and scheduling — it relies on a foundation of communication and empathy. Rachel a...
Practical Accessibility with Jason Nakai
March 01, 2018 17:59 - 1 minute - 31.4 MBWith new federal laws in place, accessibility is a huge priority for government agencies and organizations that receive federal funding. But accessibility is more than just technical specifications. Information Architect and Usability Engineer Jason Nakai joins the show to discuss the practical aspects of accessibility projects — for websites and software. We share experiences from a “simple” website accessibility project to a large-scale, federal software accessibility effort. We deta...
Creativity Thru Connection with Sonja Rasula
February 15, 2018 17:59 - 56 minutes - 25.8 MBIs your phone always by your side? Founder & CEO of the The Unique Empire Sonja Rasula says it’s time to disconnect in order for creativity to flourish and allow stronger human connection. In the first episode of 2018, we dive into the contradictory nature of technology as it simultaneously draws us closer and further apart. We discuss simple changes that allow you to regularly disconnect from your devices, how removing devices during meetings can improve communication, and ultimat...
2017 Year in Review
December 14, 2017 17:59 - 51 minutes - 23.4 MBFor our 2017 finale, we look back at all we learned in business, technology and life this past year. We reflect on ongoing goals, challenges we faced this year and how we overcame them, plus we also address what we hope for 2018. Of course, we touch on our fave Rapidfire questions — what are they? Tune in to find out! We’re on hiatus for a couple months (tune back in February 15, 2018) but we’ll see you on the other side! Happy new year! < Download MP3 > &...
Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Design & Dev with Jason Tselentis
November 30, 2017 17:19 - 1 hour - 27.8 MBWill artificial intelligence (AI) make designers and developers obsolete? Or does AI and machine learning offer opportunity? Designer and educator Jason Tselentis joins us for a thoughtful discussion about how AI and machine learning are impacting creative fields today, as well as what the future may hold. Jason explains the nuances between AI and machine learning, and offers examples of both already a part of many design professionals’ daily lives. We discuss the fears and paranoia of...
Design Thinking to Smash Workplace Inequality with Vanessa Dewey
November 09, 2017 17:59 - 1 hour - 29.9 MBWorkplace inequality is a tough issue to tackle — maybe a change in perspective is needed! Mattel’s Vanessa Dewey, lead of Development and Creative Experiences, joins the show to tackle how design thinking may be the way to break through. We discuss corporate policies and how to navigate being a woman in the workplace. We share communication techniques, impress the importance of empathy and the ROI of a more equitable workplace. < Download MP3 > &nbs...
Demystifying Web Maintenance for Clients
October 26, 2017 16:00 - 39 minutes - 18.2 MBSurprise! We decided we needed another episode in our Demystifying the Web series. This time, we talk about web maintenance in client-friendly terms. We focus on how to help clients plan and budget for the life of their website and CMS, as well as how to explain different types of maintenance to clients. Using car and home maintenance analogies, we share examples of the maintenance services we provide our clients — including accessibility and performance audits, CMS updates and upgrade...
Debugging our Feelings with Jamie Strachan
October 12, 2017 16:59 - 1 hour - 30.9 MBYou can’t be a great web developer if you don’t take care of your mental health. Jamie Strachan, web developer and mental health advocate, stops by the show to explain the practical techniques that cognitive behavioral therapy provides and how it ties to developer mindset. Listen in as we share our own stories alongside Jamie’s, what we’ve done to overcome mental health issues, how we can help others, and other practical therapies. Let’s help our industry and community be better menta...
Strategic Planning & Cold Outreach with Jake Jorgovan
September 27, 2017 16:59 - 57 minutes - 26.6 MBNeed to grow your web agency, but don’t know how? Struggling to attract leads for your freelance business? Get practical advice from marketing expert Jake Jorgovan! Jake joins the show to discuss how forging new relationships — through strategic partnerships and outreach — can build your business. He offers tips on identifying strategic partners, connecting with them, and establishing and nurturing the partnership over time. Jake also dives into strategies for cold outreach, with a foc...
Celebrating 100 Episodes! Again!
September 14, 2017 16:59 - 33 minutes - 15.6 MBWhat have we learned in another 100 eps? We celebrate this milestone — again! — by highlighting must-listen episodes from our perspective and yours! Tune in for what we’ve learned, our most downloaded episodes, and some rather nice reviews. Let’s celebrate 4 years of conversations about the web! < Download MP3 > < Listen on ctrlclickcast.com > Show Notes: Color w/ Geri Coady Niche Identity & Branding w/ ...
Web Development Trends with Laurie Voss
August 31, 2017 16:59 - 51 minutes - 23.6 MBnpm, Inc. co-founder and COO Laurie Voss joins the show to talk about trends in web development — frameworks, component architectures, performance and more. Laurie provides more than a technical view; he offers a nuanced, bigger-picture perspective about trends reflecting evolution and pushing innovation. We talk about the practical pros and cons of implementing a trend like React, but also how trends offer even broader benefits to the industry overall. < Download MP3 >&nbs...
Ethics & Technology with Kristin Valentine
August 17, 2017 16:59 - 48 minutes - 22.1 MBDoctors and lawyers have a code of ethics — maybe it’s time web professionals do as well! Kristin Valentine explains how more of us should consider ethical practices when designing and developing for the web. We talk about the importance of privacy and security, how other industries address ethical concerns, and guidelines to help navigate the complicated topic of applied ethics in web work. < Download MP3 > < Listen on ctrlclickcast.co...
The Mobile Web for Global Change with Rowena Luk
August 03, 2017 16:59 - 51 minutes - 23.6 MBMobile devices have the power to connect people from underserved communities to empowering resources and information. Which is why mobile tech is so critical for today’s NGOs and aid programs to positively impact the people they serve. Special guest Rowena Luk, VP of Strategy at Dimagi, joins the show to discuss the challenges, and rewards, of using mobile apps and tech to drive global change. She details how Dimagi develops apps with a focus on in-field testing, as well as the design ...
Demystifying CMSs for Clients
July 20, 2017 16:59 - 1 hour - 28.9 MBOur final “Demystifying” episode tackles what powers the function and content of a site: a content management system! We discuss how CMSs tie into business and administrative goals, and explain tech terms to help break down client barriers. We share examples of what kind of non-tech questions to ask and how they serve the CMS, plus fun analogies that give further context and value of CMSs to empower our clients. < Download MP3 > < Liste...
Google Analytics 101 with Terri Jenkins
July 06, 2017 16:59 - 1 hour - 27.9 MBDo you know whether you your website actually supports your business goals? Google Analytics can help you find out! We talk with digital media expert Terri Jenkins about the basics of digital measurement and Google Analytics. She explains why analytics are important for both site owners and site developers, and offers examples of the basic measurements every site should have in place. She also details other Google products that can further enhance what site owners (and developers!) can...
Do You Really Need a CMS? with Ben Furfie
June 22, 2017 16:59 - 1 hour - 28.2 MBHow well do you know your clients’ needs and business? That’s where Ben Furfie suggests you invest time before forcing clients into a CMS they may not need. We discuss the pros and cons of CMSs, why a client may not need one, and the importance of business goals over tech. Ben shares the questions he asks clients to determine site needs, examples of the types of client that don’t need a CMS, as well as pricing alternatives to keep smaller projects profitable. < Download MP3 &g...
Banish Your Inner Critic with Denise Jacobs
June 08, 2017 16:59 - 56 minutes - 25.9 MBCreativity evangelist Denise Jacobs returns to the show to illustrate how we can excel by banishing our inner critic! We discuss the real science with how we hold ourselves back, plus practical techniques that help you push through. We discuss comparisons and envy, define expertise and challenge perceptions of what self-esteem means. We share personal experiences but go beyond feel-good points as Denise shares actionable ways you can silence that inner critic today. < Download...
Disaster Planning Using the Cloud with Andy McCormick
May 25, 2017 16:59 - 1 hour - 27.8 MBDeveloper Andy McCormick of DuBose Web Development stops by the show to explain why his entire team develops and works on the cloud—not only for disaster recovery, but for better efficiency, workflow and cost savings! He explains how he evaluated various tools with real examples (including coding in the cloud!), how long the evaluation process should take, as well as the importance of documentation. < Download MP3 > < Listen on ctrlclic...
Demystifying Web Development for Clients
May 11, 2017 16:59 - 54 minutes - 24.9 MBDo your clients value the work you do and understand how it supports their business goals? If you don’t know (or the answer is ‘no’), then you need to start communicating better! We continue our client-friendly series exploring how technical web terms create a barrier between ourselves and our clients. In this episode, we tackle front-end development, explaining the technical terms and acronyms in ways non-web folks can understand! < Download MP3 > &n...
Fearless Feedback with Amélie Lamont
April 27, 2017 16:59 - 58 minutes - 27.2 MBCreating a culture of fearless feedback not only helps foster better interpersonal work relationships, it ultimately helps your team, project, and company! Product Design Lead for the New York Times, Amélie Lamont, explains how to give AND receive feedback both in the perspective of a leader as well as a team player. Through practical and actionable communication tips, as well as anecdotes of best practices and fails, we discuss the nuances of what it takes to foster a culture of fearl...
Niche Identity & Branding with The FlyDuo
April 13, 2017 16:58 - 59 minutes - 27.5 MBThe foundation of a successful brand? Authenticity. Reuben and Sherri Johnson — AKA The FlyDuo — join the show to share their journey of embracing authenticity and forming their non-traditional brand. They discuss the challenges of their agency’s early days, including hard lessons about their identity, choosing clients and saying no. And they detail their evolution to a brand that reflects who they are and, most importantly, connects with like-minded clients. < Download MP3 &g...
Content Workflows for Statamic with Jack McDade
March 30, 2017 16:59 - 57 minutes - 26.5 MBDoes an ideal content workflow exist? Listen to Jack McDade, creator of Statamic, talk about CMS content workflows both from a client and developer perspective. We chat about user experience expectations and verifying assumptions through user research. We discuss what makes a CMS easier to use, and how poor workflows can make users abandon a perfectly good system. Tune in to also hear how far Statamic has come since we last talked to Jack, plus what lies in its future! < Downl...
Developing Long-term Client Relationships with Susan Snipes
March 16, 2017 16:59 - 50 minutes - 23.1 MBThere’s no one size fits all approach to building client relationships. But if you want more long-term clients, you do have to be intentional. Susan Snipes joins us to discuss how she and her team at Q Digital Studio build long-term relationships. It starts with too-often forgotten basics like professionalism and good project management, but it also involves strategic communication after a project ends to demonstrate your ongoing value. We talk about being proactive with client communi...
Responsive Retrofits
March 02, 2017 17:59 - 1 hour - 31.2 MBMore people are visiting the web on mobile than they do desktop today! Responsive retrofitting can be a cost-effective way to go beyond a desktop-only experience ASAP. Emily and Lea break down the importance of mobile-friendly sites and different ways you can tackle mobile-friendly projects based on client budget and priorities. We share front-end techniques and other processes that help prioritize audience and client goals, regardless of what device they use to access their site. ...
Diversity & Inclusion at Peers Conference with Jess D'Amico
February 16, 2017 17:59 - 1 hour - 29.2 MBWhat does it take to run a successful, diverse and inclusive tech conference? Is it a mindset? A formula? Peers Conference founder and organizer Jess D’Amico joins the show to share her approach to making Peers a people-focused, welcoming event. Jess details her approach to diversity and inclusion, which is less about formulas and quotas and more about a mindset towards openness and support. She also shares how she seeks and encourages speakers, especially first-timers, as well as the ...
Demystifying Web Design for Clients
February 02, 2017 17:59 - 50 minutes - 23.4 MBDon’t expect your clients to understand every aspect of the web — that’s our job! And the first step to improving sales and client relationships is to break down technical language barriers. Industry terms can confuse and intimidate, so Emily and Lea share analogies and scenarios that more clearly explains the value of web design at every step. Through non-technical explanations (complete with examples) Emily and Lea bridge the gap between what we do as web designers and how it relates...
Success from Failure with Erik Reagan
January 19, 2017 17:59 - 1 hour - 28.9 MBStart 2017 with a new perspective on success and failure! Web developer and entrepreneur Erik Reagan returns to the show to share his own lessons learned about finding professional success and managing failure. We discuss what success and failure really is (hint: it isn’t you), how to define measurable goals, and the importance of learning and reflection. Erik also offers suggestions for managing the ebb and flow of priorities, so that success (or failure) at work doesn’t negatively im...