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User Experience

The Brazen Careerist group for Interaction Designers, Usability Practitioners, Human Factors experts, Information Architects, Designers, Developers and just about anyone interested in great User Experience.

Network Leader: Boon Chew
 
Rebecca Thorman I want to learn PHP, AJAX and how to build a CMS. How do I go about it? While I am familiar with code from my blog, I would like links to straight-up beginner resources. How do I set up a coding environment on my computer? What are the best tutorials and resources or even classes available on the web? Thanks in advance...

52 weeks ago from PHP, Web Development, Drupal, Joomla! and User Experience3 more

Rebecca Thorman: @ Ted - Right now, I am making my way through the Head First book for PHP and MySql (think I'm on Chapter 5). I am using XAMPP as well, but only ...More@ Ted - Right now, I am making my way through the Head First book for PHP and MySql (think I'm on Chapter 5). I am using XAMPP as well, but only because the group recommended it and it ended up being easier than what the book suggested. I think the book is great and is very easy and clear - plus, there are lots of great online resources that align with each chapter. For me, I like being able to mark up the book as well. Hope that helps! After the Head First book, I also have a book called PHP and MySql for Web Devlelopment which is part of the Web Developers series. It looks pretty good, but certainly more advanced than the Head First book I'm doing now.
48 weeks ago
Ben Weller: Rebecca,

I know I'm digging up an old thread here, but how has the experience of learning PHP & MySQL been treating you?

Once you've gotten ...More
Rebecca,

I know I'm digging up an old thread here, but how has the experience of learning PHP & MySQL been treating you?

Once you've gotten some experience with the basics, I'd recommend using that experience in a true LAMP stack.

There are 2 easy (easier...) ways to move in that direction:
- virtualize a LAMP server locally (using VirtualBox, Parallels, etc.), or
- set up a virtualized server through RackSpace, AWS, or similar.

If you're planning to stick with it, it is important to break away from the Windows-based stack. Linux-based stacks tend to be more performant and robust, and don't suffer with the issues inherent in the Windows-targeted implementation of PHP. It is very likely that any professional opportunities that you'll encounter will require LAMP experience over X/WAMP experience.

10 weeks ago
 
Dana Leavy Seeking a few good creatives for cool jobs - can you help? 1) Jr Copywriter with pharma experience (NYC), 2) Traffic Manager with pharma experience (NYC), 3) Art Director - trad. or digital ($100K - NYC), 4) Copywriter fluent in Korean or Mandarin ($100K - location open), 5) Creative Director w/Experiential background (NYC). If you can recommend anyone (including yourself!) please visit http://www.aspyresolutions.com/job-board or contact dana@aspyresolutions. Thanks in advance!

29 weeks ago from PR & New Media, Professional Writers and Editors, Graphic Design, User Experience and Generation Y Marketers3 more

 
Kevin Li In other news, please please please get in touch or refer me to anyone you know that has UI/UX experience. My company (www.thinkvine.com) is looking to overhaul our SaaS platform and give it a serious re-design. Fan me on here or send me a message through LinkedIn (info within my profile). Thanks!

33 weeks ago from User Experience, Interactive Design and Graphic Design1 more

 
TOP IDEA: Tameem Qazi We have recently launched our new series of contact sharing apps WeMet and WeMet Pro. http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wemet-pro/id407732109?mt=8 http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wemet/id407729782?mt=8 All those who are desperately looking for a fast and simple iphone app for quick exchange of information i strongly suggest you give it a try and get your copy of the WeMet Pro before the free promotion ends this weekend!

56 weeks ago from Business Development, Market Research Professionals, Global Careers and Business and User Experience2 more

 
TOP IDEA: Tameem Qazi We have recently launched our new series of contact sharing apps WeMet and WeMet Pro. http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wemet-pro/id407732109?mt=8 http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wemet/id407729782?mt=8 All those who are desperately looking for a fast and simple iphone app for quick exchange of information i strongly suggest you give it a try and get your copy of the WeMet Pro before the free promotion ends this weekend!

56 weeks ago from Business Development, Market Research Professionals, Global Careers and Business and User Experience2 more

 
TOP IDEA: Tameem Qazi We have recently launched our new series of contact sharing apps WeMet and WeMet Pro. http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wemet-pro/id407732109?mt=8 http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wemet/id407729782?mt=8 All those who are desperately looking for a fast and simple iphone app for quick exchange of information i strongly suggest you give it a try and get your copy of the WeMet Pro before the free promotion ends this weekend!

56 weeks ago from Business Development, Market Research Professionals, Global Careers and Business and User Experience2 more

 
Ryan Healy Really interesting article from Mark Cuban about the value of time and its impact on media consumption. He says young people don't value time as much as older people so they are willing to work harder to find and engage with the media they do consume. I think he makes a great point. Funny thing is, I feel like one of these "old" people he describes rather than the typical 20something...i guess thats what start up life does to you! http://bit.ly/byYA4O What are your thoughts on this?

67 weeks ago from User Experience, Social Media Marketers and Social Media1 more

JRandom42: As for valuing time, as you get older, you realize the time you have in this life is finite, which increases the value of each moment ...MoreAs for valuing time, as you get older, you realize the time you have in this life is finite, which increases the value of each moment exponentially. Many young people think they've got all the time they want, and it often takes a traumatic event, like the death of a friend to realize the finiteness of time and life.
66 weeks ago
Trish Cardona: I totally agree. At some point, the abundance of choice becomes moot given the finite time everyone has.

We gave up cable TV and got a DVR ...More
I totally agree. At some point, the abundance of choice becomes moot given the finite time everyone has.

We gave up cable TV and got a DVR instead to record free-to-air shows. It was virtually painless.

And I regularly declare a 'fast' on my regular recordings so I can 'miss' them a bit.

It allows me to have a bit of time on my hands, let alone an opportunity to go through the backlog of shows that usually pile up after about a week or so for sheer lack of time (and energy as one gets older) to keep up with everything!

66 weeks ago
 
Clara Kuo OK: Age old question. What is the difference between Form and Function in product design? How does this influence usability?

67 weeks ago from User Experience

TroyW: Form is how it is; function is what it does.

In terms of influencing usability, perhaps it is best to ask
What needs to be done?
What is ...More
Form is how it is; function is what it does.

In terms of influencing usability, perhaps it is best to ask
What needs to be done?
What is important about that?
What is extraordinary about that?

Functions solve user tasks. But form solves emotional needs, many of which are quite specific.

For instance: the iPod worked so well because--unlike other, functionally better MP3 players--women agreed to carry it. It didn't look like some blocky, chunky, ubergeek-engineer kind of product.

67 weeks ago
 
Sean Wilkins Any thoughts on FB Connect or Twitter Connect log-ins popping up all over the place with new sites? I'm mostly concerned with privacy issues for the user AND their networks since some ask for access to their information as well through your profile. I'm seeing a trend where some sites seem to only allow FB Connect log-ins and not supporting direct sing-ups, or the bury it. This is a turn-off for me as a user/consumer, but I totally understand it as a marketing and business person.

68 weeks ago from User Experience

TroyW: I can tell you that users pretty much universally ignore these signups in usability tests; most don't even see them. They are also pretty ...MoreI can tell you that users pretty much universally ignore these signups in usability tests; most don't even see them. They are also pretty universally despised, if you do direct attention to them when doing the test. They're not seen as part of a user's task flow, generally. One question always to keep in mind is, is this nifty feature causing my other business goals to suffer?
As far as privacy...well. FB doesn't get it, and has repeatedly not gotten it (see today's Journal, for instance). I'd be careful about trusting them...and I'd be careful about possible fallout effects on my brand as well.

68 weeks ago
 
Sean Wilkins Any thoughts on FB Connect or Twitter Connect log-ins popping up all over the place with new sites? I'm mostly concerned with privacy issues for the user AND their networks since some ask for access to their information as well through your profile. I'm seeing a trend where some sites seem to only allow FB Connect log-ins and not supporting direct sing-ups, or the bury it. This is a turn-off for me as a user/consumer, but I totally understand it as a marketing and business person.

68 weeks ago from User Experience

 
Clara Kuo I'm developing an ONLINE usability study that lasts over 5 weeks and is task-based. If you have done this sort of thing before, what do you see as the caveats of doing so? What are ways to keep participants engaged among all their competing priorities in their daily lives?

73 weeks ago from User Experience

 
Ryan Paugh What do you guys think of Gmail's modifed UI? I've been stumbling a bit this morning while trying to compose new messages but I think I've got a hang of it now. At the moment I'm still partial to the old sidebar but I'm sure I'll warm up to the layout of the new one.

78 weeks ago from Tech Gurus, Google, Latest Social Media and Technology News and User Experience2 more

Lori Fagerholm: It seems no more or less useful than it was before--emphasis on "no more." The interface has always seemed a little clunky and outdated to me. ...MoreIt seems no more or less useful than it was before--emphasis on "no more." The interface has always seemed a little clunky and outdated to me. Reminds me of the Yahoo mail interface from, like, 5 years ago. Not to be too much of a naysaying Nellie...
78 weeks ago
Ben Donahower: i rely on keyboard shortcuts. one of the great perks about this in addition to being able to do things faster is that an application's ui could ...Morei rely on keyboard shortcuts. one of the great perks about this in addition to being able to do things faster is that an application's ui could change drastically and without much of a change in personal productivity.
78 weeks ago
 
Jason H. Parker 2 openings for mid-level J2EE developers to work on portal-application for a government client. Great opportunity to work with a growing company in a long-term project as a full-time employee. Check it out: http://ow.ly/2kVJH We do offer referral bonuses.

79 weeks ago from Washington D.C., NOVA, Tech Gurus and User Experience2 more

 
blake hall Came across an interview with Fred Brooks (of Mythical Man Month fame) on wired this morning. After reading the interview I'm definitely looking forward to his new book. Any one else intrigued? http://www.wired.com/magazine/2010/07/ff_fred_brooks/

79 weeks ago from Interactive Design, Web Development and User Experience1 more

blake hall: I found this quote especially interesting:

"The critical thing about the design process is to identify your scarcest resource. Despite what you ...More
I found this quote especially interesting:

"The critical thing about the design process is to identify your scarcest resource. Despite what you may think, that very often is not money. For example, in a NASA moon shot, money is abundant but lightness is scarce; every ounce of weight requires tons of material below. On the design of a beach vacation home, the limitation may be your ocean-front footage. You have to make sure your whole team understands what scarce resource you’re optimizing."

Thoughts?

79 weeks ago
 
Jason H. Parker DC Metro Area-- Looking for Junior-Level Java / J2ee Developers to assist in the development of multi-portal solutions supporting a governmental client. Work in a fun, young environment to help provide solutions to government agency. An active public trust clearance is a plus, though the right candidate without one will still be considered. To apply, email your resume to jason dot parker at clovisgroup dot com to apply and for further details. You may also call direct at 301.841.4109.

82 weeks ago from We're Hiring, Washington D.C., Web Development, Tech Gurus and User Experience3 more

 
Jason H. Parker I am is looking for #QA #Testers--#job start date would be late July/early Aug (neg). Are you a good fit? Do you know someone who might be? Email jason.parker at clovisgroup.com

85 weeks ago from Tech Gurus and User Experience

Jason H. Parker: Positions would be in the 270 corridor of the DC Metro Area.
84 weeks ago
Nechiele Whittington: Jason, I'd love to hear more about the opportunities you're posting! I've been looking to relocate to the DC/VA/MD metro area for some time now, ...MoreJason, I'd love to hear more about the opportunities you're posting! I've been looking to relocate to the DC/VA/MD metro area for some time now, but I don't want to move without having any opportunities open.
83 weeks ago
 
Jason H. Parker Seeking Jr. Business Analyst/Requirements Analyst -- IT/IS Group Location: DC Metro Area The person who fills this position will be assisting one of our clients in building a resource management application which will manage workforce information. The ideal candidate has 1-4 years of experience, good formal training/course of study, and excellent communication and analytical skills. For more details and to apply/refer, send a resume or contact Jason at jason.parker@clovisgroup.com.

84 weeks ago from We're Hiring, NOVA, Washington D.C., Tech Gurus and User Experience3 more

 
TOP IDEA: Kelly Seiler Using buzzwords in training material is my #1 pet peeve right now. What better way can you think of to waste my time? The people who already know what the buzzwords mean don't need the training and everyone else still don't know what they mean. Buzzwords can be ok if examples are included, for example you can't just tell someone to act professionally. So often people hear act professionally and they cut all personality out of their interactions. Thats not professional, its boring!

84 weeks ago from User Experience and Creating a Life You Love

Scott Rafferty: To me, buzzwords normally indicate a presenter/trainer's lack of original thought or ability to bring anything new and impacting to the table. ...MoreTo me, buzzwords normally indicate a presenter/trainer's lack of original thought or ability to bring anything new and impacting to the table. Plus, using buzzwords and trendy concepts allows them an escape route if their material doesn't work. They can always blame the source material and shirk responsibility. It's a really wimpy way to go.

If I hear "tipping point," "synergy," "critical mass," anything with "robust" in front of it, or "outlier" again, I just might lose it.

84 weeks ago
 
Rebecca Thorman Our dev team just let me know... 360 images are starting to appear on Alice! Lemon Windex (yum!) is one of the first. Thought it would be cool to all you web design and UX folks. Check it out - http://www.alice.com/products/1019636

91 weeks ago from Alice.com, User Experience and Web Development1 more

Boon Chew: pretty good for a marketplace site. keep up the good work!
90 weeks ago
 
Ryan Healy John Mayer says Twitter is overrated, Tumblr is the future of Social Networking because it's about intelligent conversation http://bit.ly/diKKRx. he makes a great point. Anyone else notice that Twitter is getting very crowded? Too much noise, too little substance.

93 weeks ago from Social Media, Social Media Marketers, User Experience, Entrepreneurs and Upstarts!3 more

Lindsay Browning: So many new platforms coming our way! My blog, twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook work for me. I think you need to work with what works for you and ...MoreSo many new platforms coming our way! My blog, twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook work for me. I think you need to work with what works for you and build on it. We can become swamped with all the latest and greatest in social media.
86 weeks ago
Rebecca Thorman: I'm not on Tumblr - the crowd seems to be more vacuous hipsters... just kidding ;). I think Tumblr is starting to go mainstream since so many ...MoreI'm not on Tumblr - the crowd seems to be more vacuous hipsters... just kidding ;). I think Tumblr is starting to go mainstream since so many people keep asking about it... Should be interesting to see their climb.
86 weeks ago
 
Boon Chew Feel free to post any articles related to UX you may find interesting or useful. http://semanticstudios.com/publications/semantics/000633.php

94 weeks ago from User Experience

Tameem Qazi: Heres something you might find interesting. Try watching the whole series of site reviews. MoreHeres something you might find interesting. Try watching the whole series of site reviews. http://www.startuplens.com/website-reviews/startup-website-reviews-%E2%8...
94 weeks ago
 
Ryan Healy What do you think about this new concept of an "Action Stream?" Its basically a decentralized activity feed that runs across networks. Pretty cool if you ask me. http://www.gravity7.com/blog/media/2010/02/action-streams-blue-sky-propo...

101 weeks ago from User Experience and Social Media

Zachary Stark Jones: I like it, but that's because it is strikingly similar to an idea I developed for another, still-sleeping, project. I would work with others on ...MoreI like it, but that's because it is strikingly similar to an idea I developed for another, still-sleeping, project. I would work with others on the protocol, as it would provide a standard would suit our needs.
101 weeks ago
 
Boon Chew I've seen a few more people join the Network of late. Some questions for you guys - what new lessons have you been learning or care to share from your experiences in practicing UX at your workplace?

102 weeks ago from User Experience

Bill Zhou: I've got Krug's Don't Make Me Think, it's a good book to start with.
101 weeks ago
Tim Bailen: I'm having good success with getting ideas adopted by sketching them out quickly (e.g. pen & paper, or drafting up a prototype in Word) and ...MoreI'm having good success with getting ideas adopted by sketching them out quickly (e.g. pen & paper, or drafting up a prototype in Word) and then inviting others to contribute any improvements they have.

This helps me contribute my UX improvements, and aggregate improvements from the others on my team.

99 weeks ago
 
Boon Chew I am looking for a community manager/content strategist to work with me and my team, which is based in London, UK. Contact me for more details!

102 weeks ago from User Experience

Lisa Eldred: Any chance I could work from Michigan?
101 weeks ago
Boon Chew: I'm afraid not, Lisa :(
101 weeks ago
 
Mariusz Hi all. I got an offer to have my link put on this site http://planshabitatservices.com/ - presumably in the right-hand column. Sounds nice, but...from a user's point of view, having my company's name among stuff like Earn Pakistani, Full Software Downloads, Internet Business | Make Money and so on (the list seems to be endless) will not get me any credibility or trustworthiness. Associations in this crowd are a bit dodgy. But what do you think guys ? Would you click on any as a user ?

103 weeks ago from User Experience

Ryan Healy: My first instinct says it won't really matter either way. With so many other sites on that list, it's going to be extremely rare that someone can ...MoreMy first instinct says it won't really matter either way. With so many other sites on that list, it's going to be extremely rare that someone can even find you. It may help your page rank though, so it could be worth it.
103 weeks ago
 

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