Application Programming Interfaces, or APIs, are a fundamental part of the Web. By connecting websites and applications to specialized functions over the Internet, they can help websites become more fully featured and productive.
This video tells the story of Carson, who has an idea to sell interactive maps on his website. Rather than buying and implementing all the tools himself, he discovers APIs that help him get started quickly and build upon a foundation provided by specialists. It teaches:
Why APIs can be important for organizations and websites
How APIs can differ from buying technology outright
How APIs work, using examples of map data and credit card transactions
What APIs can provide websites and applications
This video is part of our Technology series and is designed to help educators introduce APIs.
The hand-drawn visuals from our videos, what we call "Cut-outs", are now available to all Common Craft members. They are colorful, downloadable images for use in your presentations, videos and explanation projects.
Cut-outs are organized into themes like people, workplace, transportation, technology, etc. We currently provide over 800 images and add more sets on a regular basis. Examples of a few themes:
Our goal is to help you create your own explanations. But that's not all. We're also sharing our Know-how.
We've added a new resource to Common Craft focused on screencasts, downloadable guides and templates that provide specific directions for creating explanations and using Cut-outs. For example, here's a three minute video that illustrates the basics of how to use Cut-outs in PowerPoint. We'll dive deeper soon.
These resources can help you create remarkable presentations and memorable projects.
This two minute video walks through the options in downloading and embedding Common Craft videos for use on websites, in classrooms and inside companies.
Sachi and I are heading down to Austin, Texas for the SXSW Interactive Festival, March 7-12. After taking a few years off, we're excited to be heading back. I'm going to be doing a short "Future 15" talk on Monday, March 11th at 4pm about the Art of Explanation in Room 616AB. I know a Monday afternoon time is tough, but I would be honored if you could attend.
