Jared M. Spool.

On May 9, 2008, at 2:47 PM, Timothy Makoid wrote:

> I am a student majoring in Information Systems with a concentration
> in HCI/ID/UX/HF. I'm working on my final project and we are
> designing a small scale social networking site. Were trying to come
> up with a sort of gaming system that encourages the users to
> interact with each other and the site. There are a couple ways to
> earn points: by taking quizzes based on stories, by sending
> different forms of greetings to each other, and by setting up goals
> for each other and achieving them.(Thats what we have currently).

Hi Tim,

Have you looked at http://www.iminlikewithyou.com ?

Your idea is the basic premise behind the site.

Why don't you look at what they've done and then tell us what you'd like to do that's different? If you narrow the focus of your question, you might get more response from the list.

Jared

Will Evans.

Mike,

I saw a lot of good things, and don't really have time for a heuristic evalaution, but one recommendation is this: Tio navigation
> Homeschool Curriculum
>
> and then a bunch of sub-categories. Have you tested these with users? To me, the labels made no sense. Are these common terms like Sonlight P3/4 ? ? Would someone who knows nothing about homeschooling (or education), but is interested in it - know what this means? I honestly didn't. The more I think about it - some of the things I noticed really aren't IxD issues, but IA issues. If you could get some existing and potential users, do some user research - maybe some cart sorting, labeling exercises and testing around the navigation structure.

Just some ideas.

Good luck.

On Sun, May 11, 2008 at 6:06 PM, Mike Caskey <mike at casadev.com
> wrote:

> Hi everyone!
>
> I recently completed some redesign work for this website and would love to
> get some feedback from the IxD community: sonlight.com
>
> Any input/suggestions/advice I can get will be appreciated.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Mike Caskey
> Denver Colorado
>
> P.S. One item I'm really looking for input on is the on-screen
> login/registration and shopping cart summary. I have read (and am beginning
> to agree with) that a login form and the like does not need to be
> persistant, but rather, only presented when needed.
>
> Also, I'm not sure the dropdown menu is what I really want. The plan was
> to eventually have a multiple-column menu, similar to what you might see on
> target.com, but now I'm not 100% convinced that a dropdown is even the way
> to go.
>
>

Kevin Doyle.

Does the original post sound a little trollish to anyone else?

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss? post=28911

gabriel friedman.

I like the autocomplete idea, but not in the input field itself. Is this possible:

* user types into input field

* "search results" appear below field as they type, each w/a button ("vote" or whatever terminology they're expecting); short text above these lines re: "we found these similar ideas" etc...

*below input field (above 'search results) is a "use this" (or...) button for the user's idea.

Since "suggestions" aren't as controlled as keywords, autocompleting sentences might lead to user frustration. Better, if feasible, to allow them to control the input field but offer, as described above, suggestions for similar idea.

Implementation - that's another matter!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss? post=28934

gabriel friedman.

Mike -

First off, nice job It's welcoming, and the purpose of the site is clear. Now for some critique!

* Color is such a subjective thing, but to my eye there's a lot of color going on; gold background, red logo and header border, blue, then main panels - green, tan, blue -which aren't carried through the the panel landing pages. I think a simpler palette would sever you better.

* sign in/get your sign in. Conventionally, one either "signs in" or "creates account". "get your sign in" is a little confusing, especially since the button reads "register free". Simplifying the language, and maybe combining both functions into a single box (sign in/create account) would save space and cut down on visual clutter.

* the fourth column (containing the catalog offer and the "how to teach one or more children" block) peters out quickly, leaving a blank. This content could probably be integrated into either then right column, or added to the three main columns, for a better page balance.

* the top main nav seems an afterthought; small, italic type, not anchored to anything. It could have more prominence by either making them tabs, or giveing them some kind of container - background color, borders, etc... As it is, they seem lost ion the wide grey expanse of the header.

* this is a minor pet peeve of mine: aligning the green "awards", "guarantee" and "more" buttons is preferable to allowing the content to determine where the buttons fall.

* the design breaks down a bit on the second level; after the graphic-heavy home page with the abundant color and nice panel treatment, the landing pages (I looked at "subjects" and "about sonlilght" are comparatively plain.

*on the 2nd-level pages (eg, about sonlight
> new to home schooling), the 4-column layout seems strange; the left nav column makes sense, the right sign in/cart column makes sense, but the middle two don't. a simple 1-column (center space) layout with some simple lines separating the questions/links would be easier to scan. And there are some unexplained vertical gaps (on mac/firefox) at least between some of the boxes - not sure if these are so certain content lines up, or a coding flaw.

That's enough from me; i'm sure others will have more opinions. I love the product selector (ajax? ) on the "new to sonlight" page!

Gabe Friedman www.gabefriedman.com

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss? post=28939

Mike Caskey.

Hi everyone!

I recently completed some redesign work for this website and would love to get some feedback from the IxD community: sonlight.com

Any input/suggestions/advice I can get will be appreciated.

Thanks!

Mike Caskey Denver Colorado

P.S. One item I'm really looking for input on is the on-screen login/registration and shopping cart summary. I have read (and am beginning to agree with) that a login form and the like does not need to be persistant, but rather, only presented when needed.

Also, I'm not sure the dropdown menu is what I really want. The plan was to eventually have a multiple-column menu, similar to what you might see on target.com, but now I'm not 100% convinced that a dropdown is even the way to go.

Luiz Ricardo Grzeca.

Hey Abdul-Rahman,

I would recommend del.icio.us tags system as a reference or something like:

Your suggestion: ++ ++ &#166;type your suggestion here &#166; &#166; add &#166;

++ ++

We found those topics that looks similar to your suggestion. Would you like to use one of them?

(just click the topic and hit the button "add")

- suggestion topic 1

- suggestion topic 2

Clicking the topic on the list would add its text to the input field and the add button would add a vote to the database.

Otherwise, the typed text would be added as a new register.

Or something like Safari's url input field auto-complete:

Your suggestion:

++ ++

&#166;suggestion topic 1 &#166; &#166; add &#166;

++ ++

&#166;suggestion topic 1 &#166;^&#166;

&#166;suggestion topic 2 &#166; &#166;

&#166;suggestion topic 3 &#166;v&#166;

++

In this case, the found suggestions auto-complete the input box (the typed text is in bold, the auto-completed in regular weight)

If the users keeps typing a different topic than those already found, it is added as a new suggestion.

If the user choses a topic that already exists it is added as a vote.

I prefer the 2nd one that keeps the flow in just one block on the interface, but admit that it's trickier to implement :)

Ricardo Grzeca

> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 17:10:25 +0200
> From: abdulrahman at advany.com
> To: discuss at lists.interactiondesigners.com
> Subject: [IxDA Discuss] Combining input and search field
>
> Hey,
>
> I am creating a webapplications where users can add suggestions. I am using
> one field for both input and search.
>
> Here is the prototype: http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/5808/gif1tl5.gif
>
> 1. User is asked to input a suggestion
> 2. During input relevant suggestions are searched and given to the user
> 3. User can either choose to vote or to suggest
>
> However its currently not clear that the field also functions as a search
> field... can you simplify this somehow?
>
> I was thinking to change the question to What would you like to suggest (or
> search)?
>
> or change the button to "Search or Suggest"
>
> Hope you guys have some tips (or references to research on using one field
> for two types of actions)
>
> Greets,
>
> --
> Abdul-Rahman Advany
>
> IM: abdulrahman at advany.com
>
> Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)!
> To post to this list ... discuss at ixda.org
> Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe
> List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines
> List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help

Instale a Barra de Ferramentas com Desktop Search e ganhe EMOTICONS para o Messenger! &#201; GR&#193;TIS! http://www.msn.com.br/emoticonpack

Will Evans.

Did you enjoy the perfect contradiction of perfect yellow? Brides wore it (joy and honor); but it also represents jealousy and fading love? Brides and fading love?

Who wrote this?

Dial 1-900-Bull-Sh*t, Only .99 cents per minute.

On Sun, May 11, 2008 at 5:45 PM, Will Parker <wparker at channelingdesign.com
> wrote:

> On May 11, 2008, at 3:54 AM, Caroline Jarrett wrote:
>
> For example, the hilarious Xerox guide to cultural connotations still
>
> peddles generic information that is by no means accurate or
>
> reliable. Here's the page on Britain:
>
>
>
> http://www.office.xerox.com/small-business/resources/international-color-guide-britain/enus.html
>
>
>
>

Will Parker.

On May 11, 2008, at 3:54 AM, Caroline Jarrett wrote:

> For example, the hilarious Xerox guide to cultural connotations
> still peddles generic information that is by no means accurate or
> reliable. Here's the page on Britain:
> http://www.office.xerox.com/small-business/resources/international-color-guide-britain/enus.html

The language in the Xerox guide has the same air of bland plausibility one sees in SEO guides, astrological forecasts, and other documents aimed at an inattentive audience. I particularly like this little gem:

"Red is also the color of livery." (Except, of course, when it's not.)

Will Parker wparker at channelingdesign.com

Paul Eisen.

Abdul-Rahman Advany asked:
> 1. User is asked to input a suggestion
> 2. During input relevant suggestions are searched and given to the user
> 3. User can either choose to vote or to suggest

However its currently not clear that the field also functions as a search field... can you simplify this somehow?

My thoughts on this: It's not necessary to call out search as an action. Why? Because the user is not explicitly searching; they are just suggesting. The search is a background system function, invoked as a way to help interpret the input.

A suggestion: If a close match to the user input is found, the system response can be something to the effect of, "Thanks for your suggestion. You told us 'ABC'. Others have said 'abc'. Select one of the following to submit your input: [Radio button] 'abc' is essentially the same as my suggestion [Radio button] I'm suggesting "ABC" as a new alternative [Push buttons] Submit; Back or Cancel (depending on the interaction model)

Pardon the coarse wording; could definitely use some cleanup. Other thoughts?

Paul Eisen Principal User Experience Architect tandemseven

416.840.4447 office/mobile peisen at tandemseven.com http://www.tandemseven.com

Abdul-Rahman Advany.

Hey,

I am creating a webapplications where users can add suggestions. I am using one field for both input and search.

Here is the prototype: http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/5808/gif1tl5.gif

1. User is asked to input a suggestion 2. During input relevant suggestions are searched and given to the user 3. User can either choose to vote or to suggest

However its currently not clear that the field also functions as a search field... can you simplify this somehow?

I was thinking to change the question to What would you like to suggest (or search)?

or change the button to "Search or Suggest"

Hope you guys have some tips (or references to research on using one field for two types of actions)

Greets,

-- Abdul-Rahman Advany

IM: abdulrahman at advany.com

gabriel friedman.

Sorry, i'm confused. Why are there two logins? That in itself is confusing.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss? post=28884

Jeff Seager.

I'm with Robert in suggesting you ask a different question, Harvinder. Choosing a color scheme is as important as choosing a font, as each conveys something about the company and its image. It's really a combination of many factors that will create the final impression, and for me the end goal is to elicit consistent confidence in buyers, users, etc.

Color contrast is important for accessibility (the precise minimum contrast required is presently being reconsidered by the W3C's Web Accessibility Initiative). You can test your color choices with one of the tools found here: http://tinyurl.com/2ets5g

I'm probably an oddball, but I prefer not to use white except for "highlights," and to help call attention to the smallest of headlines. A majority of web designers use white for the background (it's the default), and for people who browse the Web a lot that can cause eye fatigue. Unlike the printed page, a Web "page" requires the user to glare directly into a light source. We ought to keep that in mind, and modify our design practices to facilitate physical as well as cognitive comfort.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss? post=28911

Dan Saffer.

I hate to make predictions, but Iron Man's 3D hologram modeling isn't very far off. Check out Sketch Furniture for instance:

<http://www.frontdesign.se/sketchfurniture/
>

They are literally sketching in air. A hologram would just allow them to actually see what they were sketching.

Dan

Harry Zupnik.

I remember some years ago (~1995? ) when a female Ford engineer was featured and she was explaining some of the details (and difficulties) designing the control panel for the Ford Taurus.

Also, a recent Lexus commercial features the satisfying touch and feel of the controls in the Rx350

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss? post=28813

Caroline Jarrett.

From: "Bruno Figueiredo" <bruno.figueiredo at gmail.com
>

: Be aware that colors convey meanings too, but they differ from culture : to culture. So I guess you should chosse the one closest to what you : want it to mean. : : More info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_psychology

Bruno is correct in pointing us to the wikipedia article, which has plenty of appropriate scepticism about the supposed cultural connotations of colour. While it's true that people assign meanings to colours, those meanings are by no means stable and certainly aren't stable across cultures or within them.

For example, the hilarious Xerox guide to cultural connotations still peddles generic information that is by no means accurate or reliable. Here's the page on Britain: http://www.office.xerox.com/small-business/resources/international-color-guide-britain/enus.html

which makes extensive use of the term 'Tudor Britain' (there was no such thing: the Tudors were an English dynasty and Scotland never had a Tudor period) and seems to base most of its advice on colour connotations at that time. As I've said elsewhere, we've maybe had less change in Britain since 1603, the end of the Tudor period, than in some other countries, but Tudor opinions are by no means a reliable guide to today's Britain.

There's no substitute for testing your colours in the way you plan to use them with your target audience. The results can be very surprising. For example, the Association for Project Management here in the UK, not exactly the most hip organisation, recently successfully rebranded in pink, purple and pale blue.

Caroline Jarrett caroline.jarrett at effortmark.co.uk 07990 570647

Effortmark Ltd Usability - Forms - Content

We have moved. New address: 16 Heath Road Leighton Buzzard LU7 3AB

the.

perfect!

On May 10, 2008, at 4:09 PM, paige saez wrote:

> I set up #ixd on irc.freenode.net this a.m. after I posted my last
> response earlier this am.
>
> Not to play favorites--Just cause it was a simple enough thing to do.
>
> I think the more channels the better personally. I just want to have
> access to a community.
>
> If this doesn't end up being the channel we use, I am not worried
> about it.
> In any case I will be 'there' holding down the fort even if no one
> is around.

Gavin Burke.

Design has been co-opted in marketing departments as a way to appeal to our generation over our parents, who were more concerned with practicalities such as price. It seems to be just that though, marketing, as Ford cars now come with a keyless ignition system that is totally confusing. Ask most Ford drivers and they would nearly go so far as to not buy a Ford again because of it. Perfect example of a feature added to appeal in the show room over the real world.

Suppose added value through design has been used by Audi for a long time, the current Citroen C5 ad is a parody of the situation http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=GMQnPWjK5pE

On 10 May 2008, at 16:59, Elizabeth Bacon wrote:

> I must see this commercial!! All I can say is that Elizabeth Baron,
> Technical Specialist in Virtual Reality and Advanced Visualization at
> Ford Motor Company, has the second-coolest name in our field.
>

Elizabeth Bacon.

I must see this commercial!! All I can say is that Elizabeth Baron, Technical Specialist in Virtual Reality and Advanced Visualization at Ford Motor Company, has the second-coolest name in our field.

Cheers, Elizabeth Bacon

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss? post=28813

paige saez.

I set up #ixd on irc.freenode.net this a.m. after I posted my last response earlier this am.

Not to play favorites--Just cause it was a simple enough thing to do.

I think the more channels the better personally. I just want to have access to a community.

If this doesn't end up being the channel we use, I am not worried about it. In any case I will be 'there' holding down the fort even if no one is around.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss? post=28908