Collecting

1. Five reasons why design sprints are the best way to kick off a new product initiative

   Joshua Porter explains the value of research, divergent and convergent design, prototyping and usability testing over an intensive five day design sprint.

2. 8 common dysfunctions of design teams—and what to do about them

   John Zeratsky highlights common dysfunctional practices within design teams and how to go about changing the team culture to build better products.

3. What is User Experience?

   After some self-reflection this week, I’ve tried to come up with my own answer to the question “What is User Experience?”

4. Incomplete List of Mistakes in the Design of CSS

   After battling for roughly two hours with z-index on a responsive navigation layout this list of CSSWG mistakes makes me feel slightly better.

5. Color vs. Contrast

   Piotr Koczorowski explains effectiveness of contrasts in UI design.

6. Outcomes, not outputs

   Ben Sauer on leaving solutions assumptions and baggage at the door, addressing the change not the thing, and suggests how we as designers can stay focused. There’s also a mountain bike analogy, so it ticks all the boxes.

7. The 5 UI States

   Scott Hurff breaks down the five UI states and how, when designed cohesively, it can lead to better user interfaces and experiences.

8. Lowering the barriers

   Charlotte Spencer gives advice on lowing the entry point for your open source projects.

9. Eric Meyer on content blockers

   Eric Meyer’s honest take on the content blocking introduced in iOS9 and the positive opportunities it presents.

10. Jekyll collections are hard

    After muddling along for a few hours with Jekyll collections, I now have a home for my thoughts and links. Now to #POSSE #indieweb