Anti-Patterns of User Experience Design

Some time ago, I wrote a post about the use of patterns in user interface (UI) design.  The idea is that, when one solves problems for a living, over the years the same problems will crop up, and similar solutions will be re-used. The context may change, but a solution that worked well at one point may also end up working well for a new problem.  Having the experience to recognize these patterns and not have to re-invent the wheel each time is what makes one an “expert”.

Designing in the Dark

When most of us hear night vision goggles, it is usually a safe bet we imagine a night scene with that glowing green-scale overlay or something similar to that shown above. For those who have ever used night vision goggles or have used a digital camera with a night setting, you might already be familiar with this concept, but it really does look like this! Have you ever wondered why the exclusive use of green?

Giving Thanks for UX Design

Engineers designed and developed products, and usability tended to be an afterthought. Anyone who remembers programming a first-generation VCR should know what I’m talking about.

A Sure Way to Succeed in a Design Process

Designing is a process, and as a designer you can utilize numerous strategies to progress to a successful outcome, but a sure way not to succeed is to deny the process. I like to describe it as not “honoring the design process.” You need to pay homage to the natural forces of doing and deciding. In other words, performing a bunch of random activities utilizing gathered requirements, constraints and user profiles does not necessarily lead to a solid design. A couple of examples that I have witnessed: