10 tech & design trends for nonprofits in 2015
TRANSCRIPT
Nonprofit Tech and Design Trends for 2015Toronto Net Tuesday
January 13th, 2014
This is not about the latest, greatest, cutting edge tech
trends in 2015
This is about trends that will impact your
nonprofit in 2015
Tech Trend #1Coding becoming
common knowledge
Reading and writing basic markup languages are no longer held solely by programmers & developers.
What is it?
Markup languages
Markup languages are used to control the presentation
and structure of the content
*a word on JavaScript
Programming languages
Programming languages are used to create instructions for
a machine to execute & automate tasks
VS
What is it?
HTML defines content
What is it?
CSS defines presentation
JavaScript defines behaviour
Images and definition courtesy of Ladies Learning Code
Why is this important?
You’ll need it.
More programs are becoming dependant on users having this knowledge (CMS,
CRM)
Save time & money
No need to hire experts/consultants to fix a relatively easy job.
It will become a common asset
Much like experience in using MS Office is now a requirement to work in an office
<code>
Resources
CodeAcademy.com Code.org/learn LadiesLearningCode.com
Tech Trend #2More interest in
hybrid cloud models
Storing sensitive information on an internal server and non-sensitive information on the cloud.
What is it?
Why is this important?
Keep sensitive data in-house and in Canada
Take advantage of cloud computing benefits
Resources
What is the hybrid cloud and how can it help my organization?
techsoupcanada.ca/community/blog/what-is-a-hybrid-cloud-and-how-can-it-help-my-
nonprofit-organization
Canadian Privacy Law, Cloud Computing and How it Applies to
Nonprofits
techsoupcanada.ca/community/blog/cloud_privacy_law
Tech Trend #3More emphasis on
your (true) owned media
Web property that your organization controls and is unique to your brand (website, publications, emails)*.
*Wait, what about social media?
What is it?
ENEWSLETTER
What is it?
Owned media
True owned media is web property that you create and
control. You control what data is being collected (input) and
exported (output).
Earned & Paid Media
Earned media is when someone uses their web property to promote you. Paid media is when you
leverage a 3rd party channel to promote your media.
VS
Why is this important?
CASL changes the game
Social media platforms will continue to change their rules,
for better or for worse
Resources
What nonprofits need to know about CASL
techsoupcanada.ca/community/blog/CASL
Litmus.com/resources
Go-to resource for email marketing
Idealware.org
idealware.org/reports/implementing-new-website-
planning-your-approach
Tech Trend #4Advanced
data analytics
Collecting data has never been easier. Emphasis is now on using & interpreting data to inform communications and strategies.
What is it?
Why is this important?
Targeted communications
Program measurement and
performance
Better forecasting
Resources
Zoho Reports
Zoho.com/reports
Jane vs Tierney: Dashboard Tool Challenge
techsoupcanada.ca/community/blog/jane-vs-tierney/dashboard-challenge
Tech Trend #5Beacon based
technology
A wireless sensor network that can be used for monitoring, tracking and routing.
What is it?
What about Wi-Fi?
Specs Bluetooth Wi-Fi
Frequency 2.4 GHz Up to 5 GHz
Cost Low High
Range 5-30 meters32 meters indoors and 95
meters outdoors
HardwareBluetooth adaptor in
devices
Wireless adaptors in devices, wireless routers and/or wireless
access points
Power consumption Low High
Ease of use Fairly simpleMore complex (hardware and
software requires configuration)
Source: http://www.diffen.com/difference/Bluetooth_vs_Wifi
Why is this important?
Advanced supporter engagement
Be creative with resource tracking (ie. iPad and tablet tracking)
Resources
Topi.comTopi is a free mobile networking
app for events and offers beacons (iOS, Android compatible)
Estimote.comEstimote offers beacons and
stickers compatible with iOS and Android devices
Design Trend #1Infinite scrolling
Content on a webpage are loaded as you scroll (no pagination).
What is it?
Why is this important?
This highly trendy function may be well-suited for your purposes, but know the advantages and disadvantages before you implement.
Mobile friendly
Manage large amounts of data
Keeps people engaged
No footer
Overwhelming & exhaustive data
Loss of control (UX)
Resources
Infinite Scroll Plugin for WordPress
wordpress.org/plugins/infinite-scroll
Google’s “Infinite scroll search-friendly recommendations”
googlewebmastercentral.blogspot.ca/2014/02/infinite-scroll-search-friendly.html
Design Trend #2Minimal & clean
design is in
A style for designing user interfaces (UI) that emphasizes simple elements, white space and flat colours.
What is it?
FLAT & SEMI-FLAT DESIGN SKEUOMORPHIC DESIGN
Why is this important?
Better user experience (UX)
Focus your call-to-actions
Attract & maintain certain audiences
About
Donate
Contact
Example: Comparing two tech websites
Example: Comparing two tech websites
Resources
FreebiesBug.com Canva.com
Design Trend #3Being intentionalabout typefaces
Embracing typography, the art and technique of arranging typefaces (ie., fonts) in order to make text more appealing, and the abandonment of “default” typefaces.
What is it?
FONTFACE: PROXIMA NOVATYPOGRAPHY
Why is this important?
Very trendy (appeals to younger generation &
certain audiences)
A good design approach for sectors that don’t have an inherent “icon”/”image”
Resources
FontSquirrel.com Google.com/Fonts
Design Trend #4Death to the “stock” photo
Images and photos that are typically purchased by organizations for use in publications. Infamously known for looking “staged”.
What is it?
Why is this important?
Stock photos appear insincere and chances are the same image is used by another charity. Supporters much prefer real photos and real stories.
See it in action
Toronto Net TuesdayConnect, chat and learn. Learn more at
www.techsoupcanada.ca
Toronto NetTuesdayConnect, chat and learn.
Learn more at www.techsoupcanada.ca
See it in action
Resources
StartUpStockPhotos.comLifeOfPix.comPexels.com
Design Trend #5Embedding digital
storytelling everywhere
Incorporating digital storytelling (the combination of different media elements to tell a story) in mediums/channels outside of the norm (video).
What is it?
ANNUAL AND RESEARCH REPORTS
Why is this important?
Great for branding Resonate more with supporters
Stand out from the crowd
Your nonprofit
Resources
Intro to Digital Storytellingyoutube.com/watch?v=kfjskBVGvVs
Storymaking Resourcestechsoup.org/community/community-
initiatives/storymakers-resources
What are your thoughtson these trends?