Boxes and Arrows: Comments by Louise Hewitt

Louise Hewitt — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 14:24:09 GMT

Thanks Jamie – yes, it’s exactly this cognitive processing that I’m seeking to understand (coming from a copywriting not psychology background!) and some simple methods of integrating the knowledge that’s out there into our estimations of user responses when designing (and in particular redesigning) web activities.

The negative implications you mention – what gets in the way – are, I think, particularly important.

Louise.

Louise Hewitt — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 09:18:35 GMT

Fantastic and invigorating article. Thank you for posting.

Lou.

Louise Hewitt — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 20:22:57 GMT

Hello,

I’m a big fan of building pattern libraries for clients / teams. They are an excellent way to create a collaborative environment AND develop best practice, without continually nagging developers about UI issues that they would rather have prescribed.

Anti-patterns are useful in a more ‘web-wide’ environment, but holding up good examples can be more persuasive than condemnation. In a new library, this might mean wireframing UI designs but over time can evolve into team-built interface screenshots – why not credit the developer/designers too.

On the issue of categorizing – discovery is all important. If the audience for the library are time-poor developers, then it is essential that you create categories that they can easily anticipate: Content, subject, delivery or level ought to be decided by the users of the library, not the creators.

Nice article, touched a nerve!

Louise Hewitt — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 21:20:58 GMT

Hi,

Adding my thanks for the article. As a UX with a social anthro and copywriting background, the cog sci field often gives me the terminology I need to support my recommendations (everyone loves terminology right?) and this is a lovely summary of the key topics.

Transference is the area I often find most difficult to express – the notion that what your users have experienced before needs to be anticipated, and then those expectations either met or manipulated depending on your goal (there is a place for uncomfortable, challenging interfaces – just not many places).

More!

Louise Hewitt — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 13:17:05 GMT

Great article and easy to transfer to clients / managers. Many intranets are stepping into this realm, and typically suffering while they learn the lessons of appropriateness, how to encourage participation, moderation, and maintenance.

This article is a lovely summary of the key point of good social media experience. Thanks Erin.