- Paperback: 264 pages
- Publisher: New Riders; 1 edition (12 Oct 2006)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 032145345X
- ISBN-13: 978-0321453457
- Product Dimensions: 15.2 x 1.1 x 22.9 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 442,137 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- See Complete Table of Contents
Designing the Obvious
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Product Description
Product Description
Designing the Obvious belongs in the toolbox of every person charged with the design and development of Web-based software, from the CEO to the programming team. Designing the Obvious explores the character traits of great Web applications and uses them as guiding principles of application design so the end result of every project instills customer satisfaction and loyalty. These principles include building only whats necessary, getting users up to speed quickly, preventing and handling errors, and designing for the activity. Designing the Obvious does not offer a one-size-fits-all development process--in fact, it lets you use whatever process you like. Instead, it offers practical advice about how to achieve the qualities of great Web-based applications and consistently and successfully reproduce them.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
It was Albert Einstein who said that "Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen". But, despite the title there is nothing common sense about this book. What it does do is turn web application design on its head. Rather than delve into systems design theory and methodology of software implementation, this book concentrates on the user interface, engagement and interaction handling.
This book is aimed largely at people involved in web-based software design and development, yet it should be compulsory reading for any one involved in creating software for anyone else other than themselves. From designers, information architects, programmers to project-managers.
Beginning with the end, that is the end user, and techniques that can be employed to understand user needs versus wants. Building on this, the book moves onto user interaction devices, error handling, clarity and simplicity of application design.
I particularly like the user empowerment to move users from beginners to intermediates as fast as possible and as far as possible, to make the interaction a pleasurable productivity enhancing experience and not a frustrating, fumbling process that infuriates.
The style of writing is uncomplicated and redundant of jargon. Don't get me wrong, there is clear understanding of models and nod towards usabilty theory such as Goal-oriented design and activity-centered design, but with a littering of real-world examples he keeps the reader interested and the subject material fresh.
[...]
This book is aimed largely at people involved in web-based software design and development, yet it should be compulsory reading for any one involved in creating software for anyone else other than themselves. From designers, information architects, programmers to project-managers.
Beginning with the end, that is the end user, and techniques that can be employed to understand user needs versus wants. Building on this, the book moves onto user interaction devices, error handling, clarity and simplicity of application design.
I particularly like the user empowerment to move users from beginners to intermediates as fast as possible and as far as possible, to make the interaction a pleasurable productivity enhancing experience and not a frustrating, fumbling process that infuriates.
The style of writing is uncomplicated and redundant of jargon. Don't get me wrong, there is clear understanding of models and nod towards usabilty theory such as Goal-oriented design and activity-centered design, but with a littering of real-world examples he keeps the reader interested and the subject material fresh.
[...]
Format:Paperback
I bought this book a bit by mistake. I usually don't design applications so I was a bit unwilling to start reading. But boy was I mistaken. This book changed the way I look at design, any design. The main takeaway is to not clutter the interface and just get the basics right. How many features do you use in Word? Exactly. It is very well written, to the point and gives you a few procedures to cut the fat out of the design. I would even compare it to Steve Krug's books. Once you read them, you go slap your forehead and say: "That is obvious, why didn't I think of that."
Format:Paperback
If you lack a manager with vision for an interface, or want to become one - you may want to read this. If you have an interface to design - look elsewhere.
This book is a high-level narrative of principles and values which should be followed in the process of designing interfaces. By this I mean the general approach to the process. Not layout principles etc. It is a bit long for the purpose, but OK.
Principles aren't enough to design an interface though. After reading this book I know what qualities I'm looking for, but am not a bit smarter about where to find them. The samples illustrate the ideas well. But I found little inspiration and even fewer things to emulate.
There are references to a number of books, and a few other resources which are worth knowing about. But a short reference list would work much better, and many of these may be found free on the net.
This book is a high-level narrative of principles and values which should be followed in the process of designing interfaces. By this I mean the general approach to the process. Not layout principles etc. It is a bit long for the purpose, but OK.
Principles aren't enough to design an interface though. After reading this book I know what qualities I'm looking for, but am not a bit smarter about where to find them. The samples illustrate the ideas well. But I found little inspiration and even fewer things to emulate.
There are references to a number of books, and a few other resources which are worth knowing about. But a short reference list would work much better, and many of these may be found free on the net.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Not so Impressive
I cannot agree with the glowing reviews about this book. First off, it's very small, about half the size of a normal computer book. Read more
Published on 27 Oct 2009 by Julie
If you design software you must read this book
There's very little in this short book that I don't agree with. This should be required reading for all those responsible for designing and producing computer based software, web... Read more
Published on 22 Jun 2007 by J. Robinson
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