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Content about website design

August 22, 2006
Progressive Development: Stop Postponing Joy!

Progressive Development – sounds like a building strategy to breathe life into a stagnant community, doesn't it? Only the neighborhood – the Web – differs from what you might have first imagined. Progressive Development is the deliberate and ongoing process of breathing new life into web sites to better serve the changing needs of site visitors. Buildings actually provide a good metaphor for understanding the concept of Progressive Development. 

March 21, 2006
A Winning Argument for Linux Over Windows

It all started with the chicken and the egg, and when that could not be easily resolved, we moved onto is it butter or is it margarine?  And of course, let’s not forget the classic case of trying to decipher who put what into the chocolate and/or peanut butter? Let’s face it – we thrive on a good argument. And today, it’s about Linux and Windows.

June 3, 2005
The Smart Organization's Guide To Implementing Change

Implementing a new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system can easily be compared to a really scary roller coaster ride — complete with ups and downs, unexpected curves, hairpin turns, and loop-de-loops. 

May 26, 2005
User Experience Professionals Unite!

Once upon a time in a user experience community far, far away, user experience professionals spent their days obsessing over the need to define all the different fields that made up user experience design – which include interaction design, information design, information architecture, visual design, and user interface design. Today, something interesting is happening in that community: we’re evolving past the need to define the damned thing.

January 21, 2005
Make it all about the user

Whether considering an initial Web investment or a redesign of an existing Web initiative, a crucial step in your process should always be to address the key components that help to create a positive user experience. These components include: Copywriting, Information Architecture, Interface Design, Information Design, Workflow, and Cross-platform Compatibility.

October 18, 2004
Taking the Guesswork Out of Interaction Design

I know…I know… you're probably sitting there rolling your eyes at the mere thought of another Web buzzword. But hear me out. I, too was a doubter, until I realized that Interaction Design is serious business — a methodology that bridges the gap between user happiness and business success. Sound obvious? I agree, but how many times have you installed software and felt confused from the initial installation dialog box? 

October 1, 2003
Web Design on a Shoestring

With the struggling US economy, many businesses have had to implement steps to curb expenses and pinch pennies. One of the first areas to feel these cutbacks is the web site design and development group. Employees have been asked to fill roles previously held by other employees due to staff reductions. At the same time, these remaining employees are expected to execute robust and efficient mechanisms for their corporate web sites on a tight or non-existent budget. Developers and designers are looking for shortcut tools to get there. It's all about getting more bang for the buck. Web design on a Shoestring is the tool these web site developers and designers need. It reveals all sorts of free or inexpensive resources that are available but unknown. More specifically, Carrie Bickner shows you how any individual can do the things a team of web professionals are often brought in to do. Learn how to create a pennywise plan so that you avoid being nickled and dimed to death later. Find out the best ways to test your web sites efficiencies and functionalities. Understand the most effective content management systems, and the commercial products to use or avoid - all with no dollars being spent.

March 21, 2003
Progressive Enhancement and the Future of Web Design

Back in March of 2003, Nick Finck and I stunned the Web design world at the South by Southwest Interactive conference in Austin. How? Well, despite a late night spent chowing down fish tacos and swilling Shiner bock, we actually managed to show up early Sunday morning to deliver our presentation.

March 6, 2003
Web standards can save, and make you money

Migrating your Web site to modern standards can have a powerful business impact, both in terms of cost savings and revenue generation.

July 12, 2002
Debugging Web Applications

As the old joke goes, the best way to end up with a bug-free program or script is to write it with no bugs to begin with. But that smug line ignores the realities of compressed schedules and budgets, constantly shifting requirements, the often-negative effects of maintenance by programmers unfamiliar with the original code, and ever changing hosting environments. Months and years after its original release, following system upgrades and multiple security patches, your once-perfect code might be reduced to a bug-riddled albatross.

December 28, 2000
The Art and Science of Web Design

The Art & Science of Web Design will help you understand the Web from the inside. It is structured around core Web concepts that often get only a passing mention in books on Web design. This book is not a reference book or a style guide. It is your mentor, whispering in your ear all the answers to those ubiquitous questions, and reminding us that there are now new rules and new ways to break them.