Just got my copy of Designing Interactions by Bill Moggridge and Sketching User Experiences by Bill Buxton. They were recommended by Carla Diana of Smart Design while I was at the Summer Intensive Program at School Of Visual Art. Check back for updates!
I’m reading Julia Child’s book, “My life in France.” The book chronicles her time in France and the creation of her first book “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.” While she was an amazing cook she had great passion for breaking down her obsession so that others could understand it which became an equal fervor. Creating, editing, testing, rewriting, retesting and re-editing became a pursuit that took her years to get the point of “executable.” Her understanding that the book needed to be organized and simple without condescension was the driving force of its success. She was the ultimate usability expert…. before there was a man on the moon or the first PC. Housewives without any cooking experience could pick up the book and be assured success with each recipe.
“The perfect process is the way to absolute success”
Stacey
The following is a great link for non-technical clients to get them to start thinking in terms of the value of Usability…
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/09/24/10-useful-usability-findings-and-guidelines/
Its simple yet has many valuable facts that are backed up by studies.
Stacey
Where does perception end and the reality begin?
I’m not sure if any of the “facts” are true, but I found this video good food for thought…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cL9Wu2kWwSY
This video is a little dated but its great reminder that technology is constantly changing and constantly changing us. It make’s me wonder how we can prepare for the future. Answer, be open and nimble.
Stacey
Constructing a website is like building a house… you’d never hammer the first nail without blueprints. Site: Studies, Flow’s, Sitemap, Wireframes and Usability… all required before the first line of code is written.
Sustainability was the theme. I really had a hard time with this subject because how could web and software design help in the vision of a healthier planet. It wasn’t until the last two panelist spoke that I really drew a valuable connection.
Another great phrase from the closing remarks: “It is our responcibity to meet the needs of people we don’t know.” -Liz Danzico