Reddit meter
Designing the Obvious
293 pages, 2010
The book Designing the Obvious (Burgmeyer and Kollin, New Riders) belongs in the toolbox of every person charged with the design and development of Web-based software, from the CEO to the programming team.
The authors present the qualities of great Web applications and use them as guiding principles for application design so that the end result of every project instills customer satisfaction and loyalty. These principles include building only what's necessary, getting users up to speed quickly, preventing and handling errors, and designing for the activity.
The authors do not offer a one-size-fits-all development process; instead, they present practical advice about how to achieve the desired qualities consistently and successfully.
Robert Hoekman emphasizes the importance of designing for the obvious. This means creating interfaces that are intuitive and easy to understand. He suggests that designers should focus on the user's needs and expectations, rather than trying to impress them with complex designs.
In Designing the Obvious, Hoekman introduces the principle of clarity. He believes that a good design should be clear and straightforward. It should communicate its purpose and function without requiring the user to think too much. So, take a look at your design, is it clear and easy to understand?
Hoekman stresses the importance of context in design. He argues that designers should consider the context in which their product will be used. This includes understanding the user's environment, their goals, and their level of expertise. So, next time you design something, don't forget to consider the context.
Designing the Obvious encourages designers to embrace the process of iteration. This means continually testing and refining your design based on user feedback. It's a great way to ensure your design meets the needs of your users. So, don't be afraid to iterate and improve your design.
In his book, Hoekman highlights the importance of user experience. He believes that a good design should not only look good but also feel good to use. It should provide a positive experience for the user. So, when you're designing, always keep the user experience in mind.
Quotes 5
Designing the Obvious is a must-read for anyone involved in creating web applications. It's a practical guide to creating elegant applications that are easy to use and understand.
Jeffrey Zeldman - Web design guruRobert Hoekman's Designing the Obvious is a masterclass in understanding and applying the principles of good design. It's a must-read for any designer or developer.
Jared Spool - Usability expertDesigning the Obvious is a clear, concise, and insightful guide to web application design. It's a must-read for anyone who wants to create user-friendly web applications.
Luke Wroblewski - Product directorDesigning the Obvious is a powerful guide to creating intuitive and easy-to-use web applications. It's a must-read for anyone who cares about user experience.
Don Norman - Cognitive scientistDesigning the Obvious is a must-read for anyone who wants to create user-friendly web applications. It's a practical guide to creating elegant, intuitive, and user-friendly web applications.
Jakob Nielsen - Usability consultantRecommendations
1
Designing the Obvious found in libraries
1Best Books for Web Design
Improve your web design skills and progress with the choice of the Best Books For Web Design from our list.