Get Your Boss to Pay for IDEA09

Posted on July 9, 2009 by Brad

It is obvious to say that times are tough financially. Every business is trying to control its costs in order to best weather the storm, which makes asking for money difficult. What can you do to convince your manager that it is worth the time and money to send you to a conference like IDEA 09? Here are some tips to help you sell the idea of going to a conference. Continue reading →

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What kind of designer do I aspire to be?

Posted on July 6, 2009 by Brad

Ghost in the Pixel is one of my favorite Interaction Design blogs. Last May, Uday Gajendar posted some insightful questions to guide young designers on the path they want to take professionally. I found this helpful in allowing me to better define the type of designer I want to be when I grow up. Below are my answers. Continue reading →

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Certified Parent

Posted on June 26, 2009 by Brad

My wife and I finally completed all the necessary classes at the hospital where my son is going to be born. I used the title for this post ‘Certified Parent’ sort of as joke, but at the end of the parenting class we were actually presented with a certification. Now, I understand that labor, delivery, parenting, and changing the first diaper are all serious topics. But, there has to be a better way to educate first time parents on what to expect when the big day happens and you go from being a married couple to an actual family. Continue reading →

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Links 6/22 – 6/26

Posted on June 26, 2009 by Brad

10 UI Design Patterns You Should Be Paying Attention To – Great additions to your design pattern library. Smashing Magazine never disappoints.

Four Must Read Pieces on UX Matter – You can never have too much reference material.

Visual Decision Making – Investigation on the importance of visuals and how they encourage people to engage at a deeper levels. Continue reading →

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Links for 6/15-6/19

Posted on June 20, 2009 by Brad

Web Design From The Gut – Web design has a process that’s for sure, but so much still just comes from the gut.

40 Helpful Resource on User Interface Design Patterns – Smashing Magazine serves up this great collection of all the patterns you will ever need.

Feedback. The Creavity Killer – Very nice 12 step program for those that find themselves always on the defensive with their creatations.
Continue reading →

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5 Things To Do While You Wait For Card Sort Data

Posted on June 18, 2009 by Brad

This is a guest post by Carol Righi who is waiting patiently for some Card Sort data to come in. Enjoy!

  1. Write the report. Make sure to leave a couple of blanks for the actual data.
  2. Think of new requirements for Jed to build into WebSort, e.g., “I want to hit a button and have it send my bill to the client.”

    3. Continue reading →

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St. Louis Social Media Club – Come Out and Play

Posted on June 17, 2009 by Brad

In two days, the Social Media Club of St. Louis convenes at The Pepper Lounge. Last months event was a major success and this month is sure not to disappoint. A panel of local experts will offer their insight on how small businesses can leverage social media. Continue reading →

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Links for 6/8 – 6/12

Posted on June 13, 2009 by Brad

Writing microcopy – It doesn’t take a memoir in order to help your users get the job done.

What is interaction? – I love a great ‘Defining the damn thing..’ article, and this is one of the best I have read recently.

12 Emerging best practices for adding UX work to an agile environment -  Are you a User Experience Designer, do you work in an Agile Development Environment? This is a great article that can help you make your professional life easier. Continue reading →

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Lessons From A Glass Window

Posted on June 12, 2009 by Brad

During my college years I worked as a Lab Tech at Lenscrafters. Five days a week I would find myself working behind a large plexiglas window helping other people see. This large window is a trademark of all Lenscrafters stores as it allows customers to watch their new eye wear get made, but it is easy to forget that that they are also able to watch you. I can’t recall how many times I looked up and saw a customer looking at me weird due to my behavior. Luckily, most of the time it was harmless laughs and snickers, but occasionally I would get a dirty look.
Continue reading →

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Links for 6/1 – 6/5

Posted on June 8, 2009 by Brad

How to Create A Style Guide With Ease – Great tips on how to great a style guide that is both thorough and understandable.

Oldie but goodie: When I’m asked to design a bridge … – Dave Malouf offers some great starter points for attempting the Mozilla Design Challenge. Continue reading →

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