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The Elements of User Experience: User-Centered Design for the Web

Format: Paperback
Author: Jesse James Garrett
ReleaseDate: 11 October, 2002
Publisher: New Riders Press
Rating:

Better IA through better understanding of the Dev Process
I have learned that the traditional Information Architecture of categorizing, labeling, and indexing data leaves much to be desired when trying to have a significant impact on the User-friendly outcome of a web application's Software Development Lifecycle. JJG has enlightened me about the 5 layers of User Experience Design: Strategy, Scope, Structure, Skeleton, and Surface.

While we as IAs strive to design software interface that is intuitive; we must start with the fundamentals of good SDLC process before we can hope to deliver good User Experience. There is no magic formula; however, we CAN produce browser enabled software which is truly easy to use, if we place the proper emphasis on key elements like requirements gathering, wireframes, navigation, and interaction design. The surface layer is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to delivering a positive customer experience on the web.

A Must-Read for Anyone Designing or Redesigning a Web Site
This is a practical guide to how to get it right. I have bought over 20 copies of this book and given them away to colleagues. The process that Jesse outlines is not "rocket science" but he lays it out in a way that both designers and stakeholders can really understand it. It is also useful as a guide for a common vocabulary among vendors and clients. I keep a copy close at all times as I do Web strategy work.

Too abstract?
The theory seems plausible but at the end of each chapter I just yearn for a case study to illustrate it's value. Perhaps the usefulness of the book will come to light this Semester as I study it as a prescribed text at Uni but so far (in five chapters) the lack of concrete examples and specifics leave me singularly unenlightened and, what's worse, uninspired. .