So here’s the thing: Innovation isn’t a bad word. Overused? Perhaps. But not bad. How do I know this? Because cheese in bread, cookie dough in ice cream, and Genius Bars inside Apple stores are AMAZING. These are just a few examples of innovation that create great user experiences. They’re creative ways of putting existing [...]

In today’s UIEtips, I explain how child magicians and Pixar Media have mastered critique and how you can incorporate this into your design process. Here’s an excerpt from the article. Giving the presenter a chance to show their work without being interrupted by a string of questions turns out to be pretty important. After seeing [...]

In today’s UIEtips, I discuss with Adam Connor and Aaron Irizarry how to use design studio as a process to improve team communication and achieve design goals. This article is based on a podcast I had with Aaron and Adam back in August, 2012. Here’s an excerpt from the article. Jared Spool: So when you [...]

Structure aids collaboration and helps achieve consensus. If everyone is participating in a structured environment, you begin with a greater level of understanding. Using a design studio as a process can get everyone on the team communicating and moving in the same direction.

In today’s UIEtips, I discuss how a design studio workshop can help your team work through various design challenges and the benefits these workshops bring to the team. Here’s an excerpt from the article: A Ton of Tiny Benefits What we love about the workshop is all the little tiny perks that come from going [...]

Here’s a recap of the resources and information we shared on Twitter last week. Design Food for thought – @jmspool’s new post in response to Google’s take on people hating change. This would be a really cool way to build all sorts of designs – It’s worth watching the 55 sec. video Critique A new [...]

Critique is an integral part of the design process. Contrasting from feedback, critique is more focused and specific. Often, rather than a gut reaction, it is framed within the context of a dialogue. It is centered around arriving at an understanding.

We could list dozens of reasons why you should attend the User Interface 17 conference in Boston, November 5-7. But we know you’re busy, so here are the top five for you. 1. Two full-days of intensive, deep dive workshops Each day you’ll be immersed with one of the UX experts learning the critical skills, [...]

We’re a bit giddy about the UX talent giving full-day workshops at this year’s User Interface 17 Conference in Boston, November 5-7. This year’s conference will up your UX game. You’ll acquire new advanced design techniques, learn about effective team-based processes, and dive into multi-device solutions. It’s 3 days you don’t want to miss. These [...]

I’ve been fascinated by critique lately. It’s a fabulous tool to help the entire team – designers and non-designers alike – learn more about what makes great design great. I’ve learned that you can tell that a team is taking advantage of well-done critiques by the new, personalized language they are now sporting. They have [...]