August 30, 2009 by Greg Schuessler.

User experience design conference happens Sept., 15-18 in San Francisco. Use code FACE for 10% off. UX Week is the premier user experience conference, and in 2009 we look laterally at the disciplines that have influenced us. With a mix of inspiring talks from recognized thought leaders and hands-on workshops delivering takeaway skills, this event delivers for user experience professionals at all levels — directors, managers, and practitioners.

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August 21, 2009 by Greg Schuessler.

Lately I’ve been searching for good resources on building mobile websites and applications. Recently I found this book, Mobile Web Development: Building mobile websites, SMS and MMS messaging, mobile payments, and automated voice call systems with XHTML MP, WCSS, and mobile AJAX. Despite the very long title, the reviews seem promising.   As I am getting more into Mobile design and development, I thought I’d share what I am coming across for those of you who may also be interested in this area of the Web.  What resources do you use for building mobile websites and applications?

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August 21, 2009 by Greg Schuessler.

It’s here! We’ve all been waiting for it! A design and usability book on “Mobile Devices” for web designers, web developers, information architects, product managers, usability professionals and entrepreneurs new to the mobile web!  Sweet! Mobile Design and Development: Practical concepts and techniques for creating mobile sites and web apps (Animal Guide) will be released on September 1, 2009.  This book will provide you with the knowledge you need to work with this rapidly developing technology. Read more at Amazon.com.

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August 21, 2009 by Greg Schuessler.

No please don’t make me think, thank you very much. Seriously though, Don’t Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability, 2nd Edition (Voices That Matter) is a must have for any designer and usability specialist out there. A very good read indeed!

Here is the Amazon.com Review: Usability design is one of the most important–yet often least attractive–tasks for a Web developer. In Don’t Make Me Think, author Steve Krug lightens up the subject with good humor and excellent, to-the-point examples.

The title of the book is its chief personal design premise. All of the tips, techniques, and examples presented revolve around users being able to surf merrily through a well-designed site with minimal cognitive strain. Readers will quickly come to agree with many of the book’s assumptions, such as “We don’t read pages–we scan them” and “We don’t figure out how things work–we muddle through.” Coming to grips with such hard facts sets the stage for Web design that then produces topnotch sites.

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