A few people have been asking me about how I approach a big redesign. Putting aside the “waterfall vs. agile vs. iterative” design process, there are a few background documents that I find useful when beginning a big redesign. In the coming weeks, I will be writing more about these documents.
Today I saw a great presentation (Powerpoint 6.7 MB) by Michael Tyrell. Fresh out of New York University, Michael started work as a Junior Information Architect last year. His presentation is illuminating for anyone who is interested in getting started in information architecture and wants to know what’s in store. Great work Mike!
Tobi Jo: This morning I am talking with Rachel Lovinger, a Senior Content Strategist for Avenue A | Razorfish. Rachel will be presenting at next week’s Semantic Technology Conference. In addition, she recently published a paper on Boxes and Arrows. And just this week, she started her blog Meaningful Data, available here http://meaningfuldata.wordpress.com/
When I get new a project, I start by researching the client and their competitors. So, I create a Bookmarks Toolbar Folder in Firefox where I drag all related web sites. When I want to research a particular item, I just click on the last option in the Bookmarks Toolbar Folder “Open in Tabs.” Viola! All of my research items are opened instantly.
Another cool thing is that I can export that bookmarks folder as an HTML file (File > Manage Bookmarks. Then once you’re in the Bookmarks Manager it’s – File > Export). That way I can easily pass along my sites to anyone on the project.
Here are a couple of my favorite resources on designing information graphics
Information Aesthetics Blog www.infosthetics.com
Fantastic site, regularly updated with inspiring information graphics. Browse by month or category – like charts, graphs, calendars, weather graphics, and so on.
Digital Diagrams by Trevor Bounford
Great collection of beautifully illustrated examples that always gets my mind going. Includes information graphics greats like John Grimwade, and Grundy and Northedge.
User experience books I love:
Designing Interfaces by Jenifer Tidwell
A basic toolkit of interaction patterns with straightforward explanations.
Typographic Elements of Style by Robert Bringhurst
Somewhat advanced tome on type. To get acquainted, flip through it and study the diagrams and examples. I guarantee the presentation of your UX design will improve overnight.
Don’t Make me Think by Steve Krug
Always the first book I recommend to people interested in user centered design basics. Enjoy humorous illustrations about the design process.
About Face by Alan Cooper & Robert Reimann
If you’re an Information Architect (or want to be), but you don’t know who Alan Cooper is – you should. I would recommend any of his books.
Updated my website today to include usability and information architecture for Avenue A | Razorfish. I’ll be moving my resources to this blog soon.
