Designing for “Context” Is Tricky BusinessDesigners often conflate device context with user context—or worse, with user intent. “This is mobile, so they’ll never want to do that.” ”This is mobile, so it’s aimed only at users on the go.” Friends, this is hooey.
Chatterbot Chit-Chat: Siri vs ElizaJordan Mechner had the inspired idea of introducing Apple superbot Siri to classic chatterbot Eliza.
Paper Cup? Five Bucks, PleaseWhen behind-the-scenes systems replace common sense and customer expectations. A parable at the coffee stand.
Will Work for Magic: Creativity and Play at SXSWMy latest scheme to improve productivity and creative flow: Screw around. Waste time. Make stuff. Banter. Play.
Buggy Behavior at the LouvreThe Louvre lifts a photo ban, and visitors go insane. A small change in the rules can spark dramatic behavior shifts, not always for the better.
Pay To Play: Fair Price for Good CommunityA new bike-sharing program in Paris suggests that a modest fee buys good behavior.
Long Road Ahead: Motivation, Ambition and Daunting ProjectsThe Paris Marathon prompts your correspondent to ponder what makes creative people tick in adversity.
Magic Boxes, Canned Chaos and Creative TotemsA creative totem distracts you from the mundane and everyday just long enough for your mojo to kick in and save the day.
MoMA Lesson #2: Interface Design and the Path of Least ResistanceAudio-obsessed museum visitors prefer to listen to their audio guides rather than look at the art, revealing a lesson in interface design.
Why Simple Is ComplicatedDon Norman despairs that simple doesn't sell, and the blogosphere reacts. What makes simplicity so difficult?
Inspiration, Far from the ComputerWhen designer's block strikes, hit up Mother Nature. You'll be surprised what you might learn.
Artist in His StudioA Rembrandt painting captures the odd psychology of software development.
The Amazing Power of "I'm Working on It"Or, the salubrious effects of the progress bar.