history

Three 90s web design gurus—David Siegel (hacks), Jakob Nielsen (simplicity), and Jeffrey Zeldman (flair and usability)—offered diverse approaches as Flash and CSS emerged in 1997. Siegel focused on aesthetic “hacks,” Zeldman blended design with web standards, while Nielsen emphasized usability. Their philosophies shaped web design, with Flash gaining popularity for visual creativity despite lacking semantics, leading to a divide between aesthetics and usability. Ultimately, Zeldman’s balanced design approach prevailed, reflecting a legacy that continues in modern web practices.

https://cybercultural.com/p/web-design-1997/

Album art evolved from basic packaging for early records in the 1900s into a significant creative expression that enhances the music experience. Initially utilitarian, album covers became key marketing tools, largely due to pioneering designers like Alex Steinweiss who introduced creative and appealing designs in the 1940s. As music technology advanced, so did album art, fostering competition among record labels like Columbia and Blue Note, which further innovated with striking visuals and photography in the 1950s. Designers such as Reid Miles and S. Neil Fujita pushed boundaries, transforming jazz album covers into art that reflected the essence of the music. Over the decades, the scope of album art expanded to include works by renowned artists, highlighting its importance as an integral part of the music industry.

https://matthewstrom.com/writing/album-art/