Microaggressions: How to Fight Them in Your Workplace

This post is part four of a four-part collaboration between authors Marjie and Bella. In our previous posts, we reviewed microaggressions in the workplace and why it’s difficult for the recipients of microaggressions to fight them on their own. We also explored how to identify when you are the perpetrator of microaggressions. In this post, […]

Microaggressions: Catch 22

This post is the second in a four-part collaboration between authors Marjie and Bella. Responding to a microaggression can be difficult, as those making microaggressive statements are likely to make the statement based on a stereotype they believe to be true and typically respond defensively to being called out. Those on the receiving end of […]

6 Design Best Practices for Apple Watch Applications

I recently worked with a client to design a standalone Apple Watch application to accompany an exiting iOS app. When starting, I was surprised at the lack of design resources for the Apple Watch, specifically for designing standalone watch apps. Here are my top six tips and resources for designing for the Apple Watch. 1. […]

Bringing Modern Design Practices to Legacy Technology

Almost all of the work we do at Atomic is forward-facing. We design cutting-edge mobile applications, rethink software that defines businesses, and develop code that automates the way our cars, batteries, and trucks manage themselves. Occasionally, we have to make software for legacy hardware. I recently finished designing for an embedded touch screen the size […]

Mobile Design for iOS 13 – Skeuomorphic Components & Dark Mode

I’ve been working with one of our clients for several years, which has given me a great opportunity to watch their mobile and web applications grow and respond to feedback from users. This month, I was asked to update their existing iOS application to reflect changes that came from the latest iOS update, namely a […]

Sketching Apps for iPad: Paper vs Procreate vs Affinity Designer

As a designer, I often have opportunities to sketch out ideas for clients – I might be in the wireframing stage of the design and want to get ideas on paper quickly, or I might need to create a logo or illustration. However, it can be a pain to get a paper sketch to a […]

Midwest UX 2019: Reframing Reality

This fall, I had the opportunity to attend and speak at Midwest UX. The conference was well organized, offered a great experience as both an attendee and speaker, and showcased the city (and home of our AO HQ) of Grand Rapids!

Sketch vs. Adobe XD for Prototyping – A Designers’ Conundrum

As part of the design process, we use tools like Sketch or Adobe XD to think through our workflows, visualize wireframes, and share designs with clients and developers. We also use these tools to create clickable prototypes that can clarify component functionality and validate designs in user testing.

Overcoming Cognitive Bias for Consultants: Loss Aversion

Most people think that they tend to make rational, logical decisions. However, often, we don’t! I’d like to provide you with an overview of cognitive bias and how a well-known bias, loss aversion, can affect the consultant-client relationship.

Making Atomic Proud

This June, I was happy to take part in Atomic Object’s new initiative, supporting Pride Month. While Atomic prides itself (no pun intended) on its diversity within the company, this year, leadership chose to provide LGTBQIA+ and ally Atoms with additional opportunities to celebrate the diversity within our company and out in our communities.

Atomic Spin

Atomic Object’s blog on everything we find fascinating.

By: Mirabella Olszewski

Author: Mirabella Olszewski