Test Usability By Embracing Other Viewpoints

Ben — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 12:19:56 +0000

As Web technology improves, users expect Web-based widgets to be useful, content to be relevant and interfaces to be snappy. They want to feel confident navigating a website and using its functionality. They crave being able to get things done with little friction and on demand. And demand they do.

People are picky. When a website gives them problems, they are less inclined to use it. From a design perspective, testing for a good user experience entails making improvements based as much on critical feedback as on design expertise. As long as your website is around, offering a good user experience is critical. And like the website itself, improving the user experience doesn’t end when the website launches.

Read the full article I wrote at Smashing Magazine.

Thoughts on applying duotones to data

Ben — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:55:04 +0000

The ability to tint black-and-white photographs with color has been a staple of photography for decades, and modern image editors make warming and cooling grayscale images a snap. This concept of a steady progression of shades can be used to present information as well.

This technique of tinting digital photos works well for presenting information and can improve usability. Just as a gradient shows a range of colors, a monotone or duotone can be used to show a range of data.

Read the full article I wrote at Webdesigner Depot.

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Test Usability By Embracing Other Viewpoints

Thoughts on applying duotones to data