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My top 5 User Experience Resources
My top 5 User Experience Resources
As websites become more and more complex, how we interact with them has evolved and become an area of study unto itself. There is a whole body of literature and research on user experience (UX) that we consult to ensure we are advocating best UX practise to our clients based on the latest research.
Many of the resources listed below aren't digital specific, but highlight the importance of good design. UX isn't simply a set of rules to abide by, but a mindset as to how you perceive and evaluate individual interactions with objects not only websites.
1. The design of everyday things by Donald A. Norman
Probably 'the' book to start your UX journey of discovery. There was a time when every presentation on UX or UX expert quoted this book extensively. It outlines a series of principles used to evaluate good user-centered design. The anecdotes in particular help illustrate that designing for the user is often very different to the motivation of the designer. The examples are not necessarily digitally focused but apply to design as a whole.
2. Smashing Magazine
If you're keen to be on the cutting edge of digital UX, then a great all rounder website is Smashing Magazine. A vast array of articles covers most of the latest UX trends from persuasive patterns to various styles of navigation. They also have a wide range of online eBooks on specific topics that may address your area of particular concern i.e. eCommerce UX.
3.userfocus.co.uk
Userfocus is the home of David Travis, who is a world leader in research and usability consulting; his website hosts a treasure trove of UX specific research and tools to help guide your UX journey.
He enjoys using fables and stories to communicate complex usability stories so that executives and managers can understand the value and implementation of UX principles within their organizations. The articles and resources are always worth a browse as most of his information is free and offers UX frameworks for budding UX professionals.
4. Boagworld show podcast
When I first started working in digital, Boagworld was a great resource for all things web design related. The show is hosted by Paul Boag and Marcus Lillington, plus many expert guests, and goes into the deep end of web accessibility and UX. Recent topics have included how to run your own UX workshop, building the case for user experience in business and mobile usability. Not only are the podcasts informative, but they are very entertaining as the hosts self-describe themselves as 'quintessentially British.' Paul Boag is also the author of a series of great books regarding responsive website ownership and design best practice.
5. YouTube
If reading blogs, books or listening to podcasts isn't your cup of tea, you can always rely on YouTube to bring the experts to you via video.
Here are a few notable videos to whet your UX appetite:
- Don Norman: The three ways that good design makes you happy
- Jakob Nielsen: Mobile usability futures
- Andrew Stanton: The clues to a great story
- Ben Bogart: The illusion of usability
- Stefan Sagemeister: Happiness by design
This list is by no means comprehensive; it is simply a great starting place for your self-learning. If you feel your organisation might benefit from a website design review or usability consultation, please contact Zeroseven's friendly client team to learn more.