Blog
What Annoys Users Most?
One sure way for software to annoy its users is to ask them for data the software obviously doesn’t need. The form of this blooper that annoys users the most is asking them to reenter data they already entered… Make it a high priority not to require users to enter data repeatedly. Here are several…
Will PC be replaced by mobile devices?
Well, first we need to agree what the PC is. Let’s say for the sake of argument that it’s desktop and laptop computers. Then all other devices – ipad, phones, etc., are mobile devices. Steve Jobs said something like this about a year ago: Long time ago there were mostly trucks. But when population moved…
Typical Business Metrics for Website Success
For your website to be a success you need 3 components: a) new visitors coming to your site, b) these new visitors to become customers, c) the loyalty of your customers. This is how it’s usually measured: 1. The number of the sales 2. Traffic numbers – page view statistics 3. Time needed for visitors…
Points to Consider Before Starting to Design
I was reading the book “GUI Bloopers” by Jeff Johnson and he makes a good list of questions about your user’s tasks to consider before starting your design. Here is his advice: 1. What tasks does a person do that are relevant to the application’s target task area? 2. Which tasks are common, and which…
Why use standard design elements?
In their book “Prioritizing Web Usability” Jackob Nielsen and Hoa Loranger make a strong case for using standard design elements. Even though the book is from 2006, this issue still seems relevant. Here is an excerpt from the book that states the main points: Seven Reasons for Standard Design Elements. Standards ensure that users: 1….
5 Reasons Why Users Can't Complete Their Tasks
Average users can’t always complete what they started and leave websites in frustration, never returning again. Why is it happening and what are the main offenders in the UI of those websites? Here are the top 5 usability problems that caused incomplete or wrongly done tasks: 1. Information Architecture – the user doesn’t know where…
10 Career Tips For Young Designers
Recalling his early days, Global Executive Director for Weiden + Kennedy John C. Jay had 10 career tips to share with young designers. Be authentic. The most powerful asset you have is your individuality, what makes you unique. It’s time to stop listening to others on what you should do. Work harder than anyone else…
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Air
Bowers and Wilkins Zeppelin Air iPod Dock Design at work…
Why bother with Usability?
Due to enormous competition on the Web, usability is a vital surviving factor. If a website is difficult to use, people turn to your competitors. It’s that simple. Here are some other reasons why visitors leave: The homepage fails to communicate what you offer and what problem you solve They can’t easily navigate the website…
RIM unveils 7" PlayBook with 1GB Ram and 2 HD cameras
Research in Motion has announced the “PlayBook,” a 7-inch multi-touch tablet. We are yet to see how it performs in the wild but some technical aspects of it are impressive: 7-inch LCD, 1024 x 600, WSVGA, capacitive touch screen with full multi-touch and gesture support BlackBerry Tablet OS with support for symmetric multiprocessing 1 GHz…