User Interface
Google Glass and the Shattering Effects on Technology
This is the first of two posts. First, we cover the positive aspects of Google Glass. Next, the negatives. Even though smartphones and mini-computers continue to enrich nearly every aspect of our lives, it seems their days of basking in the sunlight could very well be joined with the arrival of the Google Glass Project….
Enhancing Reality With First Person User Interface Design
Software companies have tried to use real world metaphors in their design, (i.e. the desktop) in an attempt to bridge the interface design and user understanding. While many applications do mimic reality somewhat, truly enhancing design leads to: Helping the user to be more productive Discovering newer ways to communicate Better managing increased data So…
10 Tips For Designing A Usable Interface
Designing a usable interface is about the skills of the designer as well as how they are able to teach the user how to interact with the site. Here are ten tips we have used to design user interfaces: Know your target audience – This is the first question to ask and answer before any…
5 Lessons That Super Mario Bros. Teaches Designers About Inclusive Design
One aspect of making any design great is making it inclusive. Inclusive Design embraces the notion that one doesn’t size fits all and it doesn’t have to; there’s plenty of room for everyone at the table. But the question is, how do we design the table? Over the years, the technology available has grown by…
A Few Hints On Amazon's Next-Gen E-Ink Kindle
While the world is anticipating Apple’s next step, Amazon is (quietly) improving its Kindle. One of the major complaints is that users need ambient light to read the devices. Now, while I don’t doubt that users who love Kindle will do anything for their Kindle, there is something to be said about having to make…
Which Tablet Is Tops?
On April 2, 2012, Consumer reports came out with its top tablet ratings and who else would be at the top but the Apple iPad The new iPad has a high resolution screen that doesn’t drain the battery, a 5MP camera that takes good photos and healthy 4G capability. A couple of downsides appear to…
Use of Static Elements in Dynamic Interaction
Visual design that creates a dialog with the user is more than just responding to search queries and leaving breadcrumbs. It’s about using static elements to interact with the user based on their needs/behavior. In order for designers to really “hit the spot,” they need to employ the following principles: 1. Start with the basics…
3 Myths Web Designers Tell Themselves About Sophisticated Users
In his article The Myth of the Sophisticated User, Robert Hoekman Jr made it clear that “It doesn’t matter how savvy your users are, better design benefits everyone.” Designers use their expertise to create the user experience but what are the myths and assumptions about savvy users they use when designing a site or application?…
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…
Recommended Minimum Screen Resolution For Web Designers
It seems that with the advanced computers and laptops widely available web designers can consider moving from 1024×768 to 1280×800 which covers 76% of the market according to w3schools.com and NetMarketshare. The game is to have all vital information ABOVE THE FOLD LINE. According to the latest study from NNg, users scroll much more than…