Mark Hurst, User Experience expert and author of the new book, Bit Literacy is hosting a seminar and reader meet-up in NYC this coming Wednesday, May 23rd. The seminar is $40, and includes a copy of the book. Unfortunately, I get into the city too late for the seminar, but I’m hoping to make it to the meet-up later in the evening. Let me know (via the spiffy new contact page) if you’re planning to be there, and we can meet-up!
Category: User Experience
Use Numerals– Not Words– For Better Usability
It’s always nice when a something comes out that backs up something you’ve been asserting on your own for ages, especially when that thing seems to be common sense. According to eyetracking data from a recent study, numerals (27) catch user’s attention more than words of the same meaning (twenty-three). Things that are ‘out of place’ (numerals) always stand out from their environment (words), so it makes perfect sense that the same should be true for text. This is a concept I’ve tried to incorporate into my designs for a while now, and I think it really does make a big difference in helping users glean useful information from content.
[via InfoDesign]
Ikea TROFE Cofee Mug
Possibly the least expensive and most innovative products from Norse furniture powerhouse Ikea is the TORFE coffee mug. What at first glance seems to be a simple ceramic mug hides a cunning piece of industrial design that solves a problem almost everyone has had to deal with; water pooling in the base of an upturned cup after washing. TORFE solves this issue with a small notch that allows water to trickle down the side instead of stagnating up top.
TORFE is avialable for US$0.50 from Ikea outlet stores or online.
[via OhGizmo!]