UX/UI Links of October 2020
I always enjoy discovering new ideas and perspectives about UX design. This month was full of them. Hope you learn something new!
State-Switch Controls: The Infamous Case of the "Mute" Button
Remember, your goal with an on–off control is to make sure that users quickly understand both the current state, and what will happen if they press that control.
- Raluca Budiu, Director of Research
So-called state-switch controls are one of the most vexing UI elements. State-Switch Controls: The Infamous Case of the “Mute” Button helps untangle the mess.
8 First Principles of Software Design
Working code is the ultimate source of truth for everyone, including the users.
- Tom Parandyk, Head of Design
I love how zoomed-out this article is, yet it offers very concrete advice for UI design. Start with these 8 First Principles of Software Design and you won’t go wrong.
Where in the Design Process Are We?
Challenging the brief and pushing for a solid product/market discovery phase is sometimes needed and will help the project in the long run.
- Martin Sandström, Product Designer
One of my recent revelations is that good UX is not just the right design, but the right design at the right time. Over-designing early in the process is a common mistake. Where in the Design Process Are We? is a great read.
Break Apart Your Features Into Full-Stack Slices
Think of your feature like a stack of pancakes, where each pancake represents a layer of your system. Eat a piece of all pancakes at the same time.
- German Velasco, Software Developer
It takes a bit of work to wrap your mind around this, but it’s worth it, in my mind. Try following the advice in Break Apart Your Features Into Full-Stack Slices on your next project.
Dig & Document: Before You Start Designing
The very first step in the process needs to be to understand the requirements.
- Vasudha Mamtani, Experience Designer
This is still where most projects go wrong. It can’t be said enough: start with the requirements. Dig & Document: Before You Start Designing explains why, in story form.
See you next month!
Want to read our favorite links from the past? Check out the archives.
Leon for the Balsamiq Team
