Book: Designing Interfaces (Jenifer Tidwell)
It is quite often I get requests for reading lists from new designers and developers interested in design. Besides listing the books I have sitting next to me in my book case, usually I can rattle off a few web resource sites which keep track of books, blogs, papers, and articles which can be educational. Unfortunately some of these sites are hard to find if you don’t know where they are and don’t keep up to date. So I figured I would write about a design/interface book I think a lot of people in the OSS community could find value in.
Designing Interfaces by Jenifer Tidwell is a book which covers all aspects of interface design (including some interaction), presenting rules and patterns applicable to both web and client interfaces. Although an OReilly book, it is a far cry from the text and reference book style familiar to the publisher. (If you are familiar with the New Riders books, this is the style the book closest represents). It is an easy read with relaxed language, practical book layout, and lots of pictures. The contents might be a bit light for experienced designers, but I think there those learning about design will have a lot to take away.
Gui Bloopers by Jeff Johnson used to be a book that was often cited as a good and fun introduction to interface design, but it has become a bit dated. There is a new version of the GUI Bloopers book (GUI Bloopers 2.0). I have not yet read this book, but if it is anything like the first book it should be at least entertaining. If you have read this book, let me know what you think.
What a coincidence! Some days before I was looking for usability info ;)
Thanks for recommendations, I’m really enjoying learning about interfaces design