In the world of product design, one critical truth often gets lost: the user knows best. Yet, time and again, we see companies designing products and services as if they alone understand the needs of the people using them. They lean into gut instincts, executive visions, or even the latest design trends—sometimes at the...
Continue readingMeta’s Long Road to Catching Up with GestureTek: The Evolution of Gesture Control Technology
First, read Daemon, a 2006 novel by Daniel Suarez about a distributed persistent computer application that begins to change the real world after the original programmer’s death. The story was concluded in a sequel, Freedom™, in 2010. I learned and used GestureTek technology for a booth design I did for Intelsat in 2005. I...
Continue readingRepresenting touch gestures in interactive prototypes for Multi-touch apps
Gesture Icons & Annotations Animated Gestures Interactive Prototypes Gesture Libraries Some design tools include gesture libraries or stencils: Gesture Maps Create a map of the different gesture interactions on a screen: Haptic Feedback Representation Tools and Techniques: Implementing these gestures yourself If you’re handling the prototyping yourself, here’s a more specific approach to incorporating...
Continue readingFixing Macy’s with UX and More
It pains me to see such an iconic store like Macy’s struggling, especially when its online experience falls so short of representing the legendary brand it once was. I have even included solutions and sxamples. Fixing Macy’s with UX improvements could involve addressing online and in-store experiences. Breaking it down Improving the Online Experience...
Continue readingImproving the UX of travel apps
Improving the user experience (UX) on existing travel apps requires addressing pain points users commonly face while enhancing usability, performance, and personalization. Here are several strategies to improve the UX of an existing travel app: Simplify Navigation Streamline the Booking Process Improve Load Times Enhance Search and Filter Options Personalization and User Profiles Improve...
Continue readingFigma in 5
I started using Figma shortly after it was introduced in 2015/16. It was a mixed bag; Sketch had a significant hold on the market, but this simple and agile tool made it hard to say no. Please move forward to today. Here is a fun, informative, and quick overview of Figma in five minutes....
Continue readingUX Google Maps to be more user-friendly
I read a post today from a user on displaying driving directions vs. biking if the time was shorter on Google Maps; that got me thinking about a re-design. Making Google Maps more user-friendly from a UX perspective could involve several improvements and design optimizations. Here are a few suggestions that could enhance its...
Continue readingBalancing UX and Product Management
I often find myself in this position. As a manager or director, you can push back, depending on the PM and how much research or strategy they have done leading up to UX. Balancing UX (User Experience) and Product Management is critical for ensuring a product meets business objectives and user needs. These tips...
Continue readingSmartphones and intuitive UX to improve automotive dashboards
Smartphones and intuitive UX to improve automotive dashboards can create a more seamless, user-friendly, and safer driving experience. Automobile UX can be elevated by leveraging and integrating smartphones’ advanced technology with the car’s dashboard system. Leverage Familiarity of Smartphones for Intuitive Interfaces Touch and Voice Synergy for Hands-Free Operation Simplify Controls with Smartphone Integration...
Continue readingUX, not that simple
UX isn’t as simple as making something “look good” or “easy to use.” It’s a complex, multidisciplinary field involving deep strategic thinking, continuous research, and a keen understanding of human behavior and technology. Here’s why UX is more intricate than it might seem at first glance: Balancing User Needs with Business Goals UX designers...
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