Ah, yes, but on which side of the glass?

Both sides, as it turns out. The "glass" (a metaphor for the boundary between computers and people) is transparent; what happens on the outside affects what happens on the inside, and vice versa. What matters, though, is on the outside of the glass, where you and I live.

That brings us to the area of usability, of human factors, of that broad area called computer-human interaction (CHI). It is the intersection and union of psychology, software design, graphic communications, and technical writing. It is precisely this human aspect that interests me in computing, and also on the web.

People and Computing

On the Development of Humane Software focuses on the need for interdisciplinary software development.

The Human Touch is a re-learning of the lesson that human needs come before technology.

Color Vision, Color Deficiency is an in-depth exploration of the roots and effects of variations in color vision.

The World-Wide Web

Rules of Thumb was a first hard look at what works on the web and what doesn't. My opinions haven't changed much.

A Web Site is a Harsh Mistress was an even harder look at the web, a year later.

Process

Prototyping in the Software Development Cycle looks at ways to get things done quickly and effectively.

Low Technology Prototyping looks at ways of keeping prototyping fast and affordable.

Generating Metaphors for Graphical User Interfaces explores the use of symbolism in design.

When collaboration becomes important, whether with other designers or with customers, teamwork makes things happen.

Nothing happens overnight.