The Word Wide Web Consortium (the folks defining and promoting Web Standards) have recently given the ever-useful Markup Validator a discreet and well-executed styling. When such a redesign is being developed it’s important to focus on usability, readability and ease of use, graphical “design” should not detract from these basic elements of layout, but rather enhance them.
If you’re curious, take a look at the new design in action. I’m a huge fan of the “soft” look, usable layout and great choice of colour. It’s simple, and that’s all it needs to be.
I’ve never really been one to enjoy reading, at least analogue texts, but I just couldn’t resist the temptation to add a couple of Design Books to my underpopulated bookshelf. A couple of days ago I received a nice little package from Amazon.com, enclosed was the classic usability bible Don’t Make Me Think by Steve Krug, and Bulletproof Web Design by Dan Cederholm.
Both books are useful, if not at least interesting in their own right, however I simply can’t help but feel dissatisfied after reading (glancing) through each. Perhaps its just that I’m a practical learner, I require visual and interactive stimulation in order to get the ‘ole brain sparked up. Or perhaps I simply don’t have the patience required to sit down and read the things. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t have any issues with scholarship, I have do have a thirst for knowledge, but I doubt that traditional books will ever be able to quench this.
Trial and error, self teaching and internet browsing has taught me everything I know about the art and practice of Web Design… much more than studying any long-winded text ever could. I just don’t know…
When it comes to podcasts that focus on the topics of Web Design and Development, we aren’t exactly spoiled for choice. However, there are a couple of great little ‘casts that I really enjoy. They are as follows.
If anybody else knows of other good design podcasts, be sure to let me know.
Live from the 101
Initially hosted by Brian Veloso (of Avalonstar fame), Live From the 101 is an excellent podcast, covering topics ranging from Dance Dance Revolution to the latest issues in the world of Web (surprisingly). Dan Rubin (Superfluous Banter) and Brian are joined by such guests as Cameron Moll, Steve Smith, Jonathan Snook and many other e-lebrities. I just loved the drunken SXSW coverage 🙂
Boagworld
Paul Boag and Marcus Lillington of Headscape (a UK-based Web Design firm) have created what has now become quite a well known and downright hilarious (at times) podcast, that just oozes delightful British wit. “For those involved in designing, developing and maintaining websites on a daily basis”. Boagworld was the first design podcast I found, and it’s got a permanent place in my iTunes syndication list.
