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gridNavigation – An Out of the Box Solution for Grid Based Interfaces

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Grid-type interfaces are almost an omnipresent navigation tool in most websites nowadays. It provides a clean and structured layout to effectively present visual data to the user. Unfortunately, its inherent structure is also one of grid’s pitfalls. As a consequence of the way data is laid out on a grid, there is this unwanted feeling of rigidness, inflexibility, and at certain extremes makes it feel boring.

Aware of the weakness of the grid, web designers have over the years tried to revitalize it. One of the more effective approaches to do this was usually through animation of grid-type interfaces through the use of flash. This works out fine for some who can easily adapt to the nuances of motion design. But to the many designers who don’t have the time to study and learn flash while keeping their heads above water, handling several projects and delivering deadlines – this is definitely not an option.

The lack of options has brought me to try several flash components to ease the pain of creating a professional looking animated grid interface. This is when I was able to try gridNavigation. It’s simply an easy-to-use and robust grid interface you can install and use as a flash component. gridNavigation displays thumbnails in a grid or pyramid like layout while allowing you to specify the exact number of rows and colums (for grid) or the position of the layout (for pyramid). Here are some of the main features of the gridNavigation component:

  • Display thumbnails of images, SWFs or movie clips in a grid or pyramid like layout
  • Built-in blur effect for smooth transitions from low res to high res content
  • Layout options: top left, top right, bottom left, bottom right
  • Number of columns and rows can be manually or automatically set when using the grid layout
  • Content, menu items and settings may be defined through XML, Component Inspector or ActionScript
  • Automatically resizes thumbnails and content to desired size
  • Option to use the same or different files for thumbnails and large content
  • Customizable zoom and easing speeds
  • Built-in skinnable preloader for thumbnails and main content
  • Supports all Flash image formats
  • ActionScript events for: onOpen, onOpenComplete, onClose, onCloseComplete
  • Comprehensive ActionScript API
  • Light weight: AS2=20Kb, AS3=32kb

Despite it being a purely grid-type interface, it allows a fairly impressive degree of customization. You can change the easing and zooming speed of the animation, specify thumbnails, external SWFs or movie clips as both thumbnail or full sized view. You can add images, SWFs or movie clips through the component inspector, or by XML or ActionScript for more dynamic data.

gridNavigation is perfect for those planning to create a photo gallery, video gallery or even as a cool interface to navigate through a whole site. With gridNavigation allowing you to create highly customizable and professional looking grid interfaces – this is definitely a must for a web designer’s arsenal of tricks.

gridNavigation costs $44.95 for the ActionScript 2 or ActionScript 3 versions, or $54.95 for AS2+AS3, with an option for a $10 upgrade from the AS2 to the AS3 edition.

Disclosure: The above article is a sponsored review published upon request by Flashloaded

Originally posted on January 13, 2008 @ 5:26 pm

Apps and Websites that are Changing How People Work and Find Jobs

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linkedin-job-search

Professionals are very fortunate these days as they can enjoy a more convenient work environment with the existence of various advanced technology. With the internet and mobile technology, they can now multi-task and even work while away from their office.

Those who are still job-hunting, whether fresh graduates or just shifting careers, are as lucky because they can easily search for the job they want online using their preferred gadgets. They can simply do their research via websites or using specific apps that were made purposely for finding work and they can apply for any position absolutely any time they want and anywhere they are. [Read more…]

Originally posted on January 6, 2017 @ 10:51 am

10 Shopping Apps Worth Using at the Grocery Store

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Grocery shopping is no mean task. Most women, however, including moms can be considered pros in this aspect. With patience and some budgeting skills, they can easily accomplish their task without much stress.

These days, men and women who want to do grocery shopping in a shorter period than usual can get help using technology. Thanks to mobile apps, making a list as well as saving money and checking out what’s available at the store can be done easily. [Read more…]

Originally posted on July 16, 2016 @ 11:24 am

3 Ways Using Big Data Can Help WIth Your Digital Marketing Efforts

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With the amount of information businesses can track using modern technologies, it’s amazing what can be accomplished from a marketing standpoint now as opposed to just a few years ago. The miracle of Big Data makes it possible for marketers to know so much more about so many areas of their business now. But just how can you use that information in the most beneficial way for your business? To help you out, here are three ways learning about Big Data and using that information can help with a business’s digital marketing efforts. [Read more…]

Originally posted on February 15, 2016 @ 9:33 am

Best Ways to Benefit from Online Coupons

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Coupons are great money savers and those who are resourceful enough enjoy the biggest savings. Many wives, husbands and moms among others have been taking advantage of these discount coupons for a long time now allowing them to buy their basic needs in bulk and even stock pile on certain products when the great sale is on.

There are various ways to benefit from these coupons. Whether in print or online, there are plenty of them that you can find as long as you take the time to look for them and collect them.

online-shopping

Offline, you can find them on magazines, newspapers, in store, product labels and store mailings sent to frequent or loyal shoppers.

Online, you can check out exclusive coupon websites, those of grocery shops particularly the national chains and websites of manufacturers. [Read more…]

Originally posted on April 2, 2015 @ 10:35 am