The Math of Visual Design

Learn about the Math of Visual Design from Alexis Allen of DesigningFileMaker.com

For those who did not or could not attend Devcon 2016, watch this video presentation that goes over the math of visual design. Allen covers the math (and more) in her presentation:

  • The Golden Ratio
  • Symmetry
  • Hick’s law (the time required to make a decision among a number of choices increases logarithmically as the number of choices increase)
  • Fitt’s law (buttons that are larger and/or closer are easier to hit)

Allen also dives into the use of FileMaker Grids, the proper use of whitespace, ratio and proportion, and more.  Download the pdf of Allen’s presentation here.

And if you are looking to learn more, check out Allen’s FM Design University.

Hmmm, it seems I left something out…oh yeah…

The Fibonacci Sequence

The Fibonacci Sequence is a numerical sequence that describes a pattern that occurs over and over in nature, and is something you can incorporate into your FileMaker design.  The video below brings the rather dry sequence (0 1 1 2 3 5 8 13 21 34 55…) to life:


Instant Gratification, Stephen Hawking, and Obesity

I read two headlines and wondered if there wasn’t a connection.

Stephen Hawking: The Obesity Epidemic Is a Problem ‘Beyond My Understanding’

followed closely by:

How Our Brains Trick Us Into Choosing Instant Gratification Over Long-term Goals

Now I know it’s more than just instant gratification, but I liked the juxtaposition.  The article on instant gratification is aimed at people and business, and has refers not at all to obesity.  But the concepts discussed there apply to every aspect of life:

  • The three brain networks
  • How your brain makes a decision
  • How to affect the decision making process

Over all, a good read, with specific, actionable advice.


Mistakes are a part of being human. Appreciate your mistakes for what they are: precious life lessons that can only be learned the hard way. Unless it’s a fatal mistake, which, at least, others can learn from.

Al Franken, “Oh, the Things I Know”, 2002

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