UI/UX Articles and Interesting Tidbits of the Week
October//7//2022
Here are some interesting finds on UI/UX of the week!
1.
Design Collaboration. Another very pertinent article from Nick Babich for Shaping Design, focused on the topic of Collaboration in the Design process. While there are a plethora of articles on collaboration, what makes this one particularly relevant is its focus on the Design Process, on the different types of collaboration that can be had, the virtuosity of remote collaboration, with the added bonus the author details how to run these same sessions. Independently of all this aspects, Collaboration remains an essential staple by which effective product solutions are crafted. Reading this article allows for a closer understanding of why that is. Well worth the read. Highlight of the article includes:
“Design is problem solving. Most modern products are highly complex projects that present companies with problems that a single person cannot solve. That’s where design collaboration comes in. It’s much easier (and faster) to solve the problem when a team of people from different fields works together on a solution. Design collaboration is an integral property of a good design process — the diversity of opinions helps to find a better solution to a problem, and it only happens when people collaborate effectively.”
2.
The Challenges of Pessimism. Great article from Dr. Hannah Ritchie on the topic of Optimism & Pessimism, how these perspectives have a profound impact on how solutions are crafted, teams are built and eventually how doomerism has an actual cost. It’s a fascinating read, since it allows to envision how these approaches have ramifications across multiple levels, and eventually their impact on the solutions that are pushed to market. Highlight of the article includes:
“Optimists are the ones that move us forward. They are the innovators, the entrepreneurs, the ones willing to put their reputation, money, and time on the line because they see an opportunity to solve a problem. Pessimism blocks solutions. If we always believe that the worst will happen, then what’s the point in starting? If any action will fail, we should stick with the status quo. Follow the pessimists if you want the world to stagnate or regress.”
3.
Case Study: Secret Escapes. An interesting case study featured on the Marvel Design Blog, on a Travel Booking product from an Organization named Secret Escapes. Having worked in Travel booking, this is an industry where there are multiple dependencies, but much like the case study emphasizes, the need to have substantial data and learnings from actual users is fundamental. The case study is of course a showcase for Marvel’s own platform, but once again highlights the importance of being able to test frequently, gather data and evolve the concept as a result. Well worth reading. Highlight of the article includes:
“The Secret Escapes design process is user centric. In a company which is inspiring the world to escape, it is vital to pull ideas and feedback from the people that matter most. The users. Each feature has been tested and determined by carrying out extensive user feedback to ensure that it will actually improve the overall user experience. Ian, Lead Designer, and his team explain that in their opinion, this is a more productive way to work than following trends.”
