Explain Yourself - Jason Santa Maria
So, perhaps I am a bit elitist in this regard. Web design does employ images, words, and ideas in the same way traditional graphic design does. The real distinction lies in the use. Visitors aren’t merely taking in the design and information as they would a poster or periodical, they are interacting with it, and more critically, reshaping it by that interaction. This is the important difference, because as we all know, it’s not always how it looks, but how it works. Is that really so different from the design goals of a book or a sign? The success lies within the effectiveness of the function, not the aesthetics.
Why Johnny’s Professor Can’t Read - Weblogg-ed
For example, a collection of images on Flickr with authorial comments and tags certainly does not resemble the traditional essay, but the time spent on such a project, the motivation for undertaking it, and its ability to communicate meaning can certainly be equal to the investment and motivation required by the traditional essay—and the photos may actually provide more meaningful communication for their intended audience.
I found the following bit of advice to not only be true, but profound.
Graham describes his strategy precisely: “Find (a) simple solutions (b) to overlooked problems (c) that actually need to be solved, and (d) deliver them as informally as possible, (e) starting with a very crude version 1, then (f) iterating rapidly.”
Finding balance on your Web team - Big Glorious Mess
It would be nice if everyone on such a team knew the basics of coding or good Web design. But more important is depth of skill in several areas. I don’t care if your writer can’t even spell XHTML and your developer can’t even make a pretty button in Photoshop, or if your graphic designer keeps pushing for that unwieldly yet gorgeous 700K background image. As long as there is depth of ability in all of these areas, you’ll wind up with stronger deliverables.
Usability and analytics - a match made in heaven - Trending Upward
It’s such a strong message when the powers-that-be are confronted with video after video of users struggling to complete their website goal. It makes you sad, makes you laugh, and gives you a smile on your face all at the same time.
I believe in Santa Claus - Karlyn Morissette
Never assume something was successful or unsuccessful because you hear anecdotal evidence - there are always ways to measure quantifiably. All any of us speak from is our own experience and your experience with your audience may be completely different.
And never get in a discussion with me where you say “I believe” without giving stats. It just doesn’t fly.
Jeremy Pepper :: Telling It Like It Is - infOpinions
For the uneducated (and there seem to be a lot of them), the vast majority of PR is done locally. The vast majority of PR is done in areas and markets where online communication just won’t cut it. Most of these social media self-proclaimed gurus are so myopic in their focus, yet feel compelled to project their beliefs about online PR to the entire practice.
Using Shannon’s example, try doing that kind of work - or any other for local nonprofits, organizations, schools, businesses - and solely use online communication. In the vast majority of instances … You’d be negligent. You’d fail at due diligence. You’ll do your clients no favors.
Zing - Zeldman:
There are still many companies that think information architecture holds a mirror up to the org chart.
There are still many web clients who believe it is more important to support an “investment” in a moribund technical platform than to create great user experiences.
There are even (although there are far fewer than there used to be) some designers who think their primary job is to wow the user with their skills.
