January 2010
19 posts
In Response to the iPad Criticism
Yesterday, I posted an in-depth look at Apple’s latest creation - the iPad - over at Mac.AppStorm. That article has since been commented on by almost one hundred people, with a surprisingly large majority voicing criticism over the device.
I wanted to voice my own opinion and write a response to some of the criticism hurtling around the web at the moment. First of all, my response is...
52 Weeks of UX →
What a fantastic and beautifully executed idea. I’m looking forward to reading this throughout the year.
“Selling an estimated 5 million units in its first year as a “base...”
– This piece of wild speculation seems ridiculous - leaving aside the fact that AppleInsider are saying this prediction comes from a prominent baking firm.
Without knowing the price of the tablet, when (and where) it will be available for sale, and how many units Apple are able to sell around the...
“The underlying secret to beautiful user interface design is realism: making 2D...”
– This is a wonderful article from Mike Rundle, looking into the thinking behind how realistic user interfaces are crafted. The advice and techniques are invaluable, whether you’re designing software or creating a website.
He also provides a downloadable PSD with a few of the examples in...
“The BBC has revealed its popular online catch-up TV service, BBC iPlayer, saw...”
– BBC iPlayer has grown from strength to strength over the past few years, and is a great example of a large, bureaucratic organisation stepping up to do something innovative. One hundred million downloads per month is nothing to be taken lightly! (via)
“The iPhone was billed as a new iPod, a mobile phone, and a breakthrough internet...”
– If you read one piece of discussion and speculation surrounding the Apple Tablet, make it this one from Shawn Blanc.
The Merger
Around one year ago I purchased CSS-Website, a simple, appealing design gallery that I felt would complement my other portfolio of websites and blogs well.
Although the site has grown over the year, I came to a decision in late 2009 that it doesn’t make sense to manage two very similar design gallery websites (the other being Design Shack).
For this reason, I have started the process of...
“Apple Stores don’t have “No Smoking” signs in the UK. Legally they need them,...”
– This doesn’t surprise me at all. £50 per day is nothing to a store with the highest square-foot revenue in the country. Via Lewis King.
The Importance of Right-Brain Creativity
One of my resolutions for last year was to read a non-fiction book every month. This turned out to be a wonderful challenge, and something I thoroughly enjoyed doing.
Highlights included Leaving Microsoft to Change the World and The Heart of Success. Both of these are excellent books, not focused upon the over-discussed notions of productivity and efficiency, but on real stories and ideas for...
“If you’re just gonna set goals that you know you can achieve, then you’re not...”
– I agree with much of the sentiment in this short article by Adii, but feel equally that if you’re going to set mighty goals, you should also come up with some form of plan for attempting to reach them.
I’m thoroughly looking forward to the New Year, and wish you all the best for 2010!