This got me thinking. With most of the apps that we are using on our devices, laptops, phones, tablets, etc., we are seeing more “in-app” web views in every shape and size. As this reality is now starting to set in for the coming year, Stephanie also highlights an article at DesignMind, where new cheaper smart devices will be coming in multiple, shapes, size and OS configurations. Essentially what this tells us is that the content we create must be as malleable as possible. We don’t know where our content or a link to our content will end up.

I for one am still sifting through how to create the perfect Responsive Workflow, so I get the best looking site at any resolution. Clearly the challenge for all Web Developers will be to build systems that reliably work on all devices without having to customize an app for every known and unknown device. The challenge for Web Designers will be to design a flexible design and be okay with it.

This quote from my WordCamp San Diego Presentation last year pretty much sums it up, “It may be an even bigger idea than we initially realized – Jeffrey Zeldman”

I suppose the fondness for desks evolved out of the “corner office.” Not only was that a coveted space, but having a finely built desk with leather inlay, was another symbol of authority. To this day having your own office with a nice desk and possibly a couch is a triumphant achievement. For many, they feel they’ve made it.

The reality is that desks are disappearing and being exchanged for “work spaces.” These common areas promote the work anywhere attitude and are void of distractions such as paper, pictures and trinkets, found on many personalized desks. The computer or new tablet is the new desk, even coining the term “desktop” as your home area when you turn on your computer. These tend to be personalized by the user and are very similar in how we maintain the other desks in our lives. Some are messy, efficient and bare. They are an extension of our personality.

The mini-documentary below, by imaginary forces examines the desk as a tool for how we work and who we are. It’s fascinating. Enjoy!

Please visit their website to watch the video: L Studio – The Desk

Do you know those people who print out emails? Drives me crazy. There will always be those people, but we don’t have to do it at work! The paperless office has been talked about for decades. Critics have slammed it for years and the paper manufacturers are freaking out, lobbying heavily that they have taken it upon themselves to sustainably manage many forests. If they go, so do all of these beautiful forests! Hmm, I don’t know about that. Sure, some say electronic documents harm the environment just as much with the devices carbon impact, but to that end, the paper industry is just as much at fault, because we need printers to print on paper.

The new computer tablets offer a little more flexibility and are very handy document machines. In fact, we exclusively use the iPad for client contracts. They read, sign and get emailed a copy immediately. It’s a great solution.

The one problem is that we can refrain from printing as much as we want, but that doesn’t mean someone else wont print. There are grandmas and grandpas all over the country printing out emails right now and there is nothing we can do. Or is there? What if we could prevent people from printing the stuff we send them? I’m not talking about the, “save a tree, please don’t print this email.” in your signature. I’m talking about removing the Print button altogether.

Introducing WWF! “A new green file format that can’t be printed out.” The WWF format was created by the World Wildlife Fund and it’s partners to save habitats for wild animals by eliminating the possibility of printing. The WWF file format uses the same technology as a PDF and can be opened by most PDF software readers. It’s a brilliant solution that just locks the PDF down. Technically you could always do this with PDF’s, but now you can send a message. We are taking action to preserve the environment and you should too!

To learn more about the WWF file format and how to convert your documents to WWF, visit Save As WWF. Also, watch the great video below.

Have you ever wondered why you are constantly falling behind at work? Does it ever seem like you get more done at home or at the beginning or end of the day, than during the day? Have you ever been in a meeting thinking this is a complete waste of time? Well you aren’t the only one. Check out the fantastic video below by Jason Fried of 37 Signals where he talks about the challenges of the modern workplace and offers some unique solutions on how to fix some of the problems.