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DesignBump is a tool offered online to help users locate the best design related content. Many topics are covered, but all are based on design. From articles about how to handle difficult customers, to top ten lists of the best calligraphy fonts, DesignBump covers all aspects of design. The site offers a layer of interactivity to its users through the bump system which helps content achieve ranking on the site. Users can submit links, vote (or “bump”) existing links, and leave comments to hold discussions about the content.

Popular sites like Digg let users share and rate content, however none are specialized to the design field. DesignBump was created to help fulfill a niche among designers. Just like Digg, DesignBump also offered social elements to allow users to get involved. Items can be ranked through bumps. Users can also include a DesignBump icon on their website to encourage others to give them a bump and expand their visibility among people interested in design.

DesignBump is different in its focus on the topic of design. Rather than including a large collection of anything and everything, users know that they can find helpful, insightful, and interesting design related content through DesignBump. It acts as a single, centralized location for information that design professionals and amateurs can utilize. The varied topics cover just about anything a user could want to learn about design, from practical tips and handy resources, to customer relationships and service.

The DesignBump logo, reminiscent of a growing line graph, offers a rich color scheme and stylish appearance. This is mimicked along the left hand side of the homepage, with matching arrows extending downward. The overall appearance is attractive, if not a little light. Some of the headers and text is difficult to read due to the light gray rather than black or dark gray font color choice. The site is very cut and dry, taking a new visitor right to the important aspect of the sight: the ranked content. Although advertisements are found on the site, they are minimal and do not detract from the overall experience.

New users to the DesignBump website can create an account by clicking the “Create One!” link at the top right hand corner of the homepage. The new account creation process is very simple and only asks for a few small pieces of information. New users are asked to enter a username and email address. An avatar image can be chosen from the existing list of fun, colorful images, or the user can upload a new one of their own. As soon as the information is submitted, the user can begin accessing the site and posting comments.

Along the same lines as other social networking websites such as Digg, DesignBump does not require a membership fee to use. A new visitor can make an account within minutes and explore the site for free. No premium account option is currently offered, with no information about that changing in the future. All users who create an account can access all the features found on DesignBump free of charge.

Designers of all skill levels can enjoy what DesignBump has to offer. The seasoned designer can possibly learn something new or submit their own favorite resources for others to see. New designers can gather a wealth of information and start building their own list of internet resources that could help them tremendously as they better their skills.

• Place a DesignBump icon on their personal site to help get listed and ranked
• Expand their knowledge through resources gathered by many other skilled designers
• Contribute their personal favorite resources
• Connect with other designers through user comments and bumping of content
• A new DesignBump members showcase to help the newest registered members get a little notoriety
• Category listings to help users find relevant content

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