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Usability Gurued Out

Friday, June 7th, 2002 at 8:39 AM Category: Meryl's Notes Blog 1 comment

Had enough of usability gurus? Two antitdotes: Run over Jakob in this Flash (you know how he says 99% of Flash-based sites are bad) game. [Link from Christine] The other is an interview with Bruce Lawson and Molly Holzschlag, editors of Usability: The site speaks for itself. The book features case studies from the designers behind six different sites who demonstrate how they created their usable sites. It accurately declares itself a guru-free zone.

Glasshaus moves away from the traditional guru lecture of "do this, don’t do that" and show-offy reading. Instead, the book offers an easy read with a friendly tone based on the designer’s style. Meet the the designers of BBC News, Synfonts, eBay, Economist, evolt.org, and MetaFilter. The designers talk about their own Web site and how they worked to make the site what it is today.

The book reinforces the basic Web design rule: “Know your audience.” I can only hope that the book I write will be half as useful and applicable as this one. It wouldn’t surprise me if Glasshaus becomes a familiar name in the Web design world.

Tags: Leftovers

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1 comment

Posted by Josh Cooper on June 7th, 2002, 7:07 PM
I actually thought about picking this book up the other day at the books store, but thought it was a little pricey. But since you recommend it, I’ll have to make a point of picking it up. Its hard to beat a useful book. I’m sure yours will be good!