Toptal Blog

The Toptal Blog is the top hub for developers, designers, finance experts, executives, and entrepreneurs, featuring key technology updates, tutorials, freelancer resources, and management insights.

Toptal core team members share their experience, expertise, and perspectives on the Toptal Edge Blog

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Necessary Friction: The Theatrics of UX Security

By Nenad Ivanovic

Contrary to conventional wisdom, there are times when making products harder to use can be beneficial. Here’s how to use positive friction to enhance UX security and user trust.

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Supply Chain Lessons and Opportunities: Notes on a Crisis

By Zachary Elfman

The supply chain crisis has caused global players and local businesses alike to rethink logistics networks. Here’s how the world economy can emerge stronger and more resilient.

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By Bharat Garg

Microsoft's Power BI is one of the most popular software solutions used to perform social network analysis. Here's how to create custom Power BI visuals in R for compelling and flexible results.

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Life in Motion: A Guide to Animating Mobile Data Visualizations

By Daniel Nisttahuz

Animation can make data more comprehensible, engaging, and useful, especially on mobile. When animating data visualizations, designers should use motion design principles—and avoid common pitfalls.

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Design Sprints: Fostering Creativity Through Constraints

By Daniel Hatton

How can creativity thrive in an environment of rules and set processes? The creative constraints introduced by design sprints can help product managers find the midpoint between structure and chaos.

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Harness the Power of WordPress Hooks: Actions and Filters Explained

By Tahir Shahzad

WordPress developers might be tempted to customize this popular website builder directly, but that approach creates ongoing maintenance headaches. Fortunately, there's a clean way to extend functionality: via WordPress hooks, actions, and filters.

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Communicating With Investors: Best Practices for Startups

By Christopher Holloway

Investors aren’t patrons—they’re business partners, and startups should treat them as such. Regular updates and the occasional call for advice go a long way toward optimizing the relationship.

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How to Choose the Best Colors for Industry Events

By Charlotte Miller

Color in industry event design informs, inspires, and builds lasting brand awareness. Discover color strategies that delight attendees and set your event apart.

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Refining Your Middle-market Merger Strategy: From Acquisition to Integration

By Michael J. McDonald

The M&A failure rate runs as high as 90%, and middle-market companies tend to fare worse than larger ones due to more limited resources. Here’s how to ensure that your next acquisition succeeds.

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