you can ux too: avoiding the programmer's user interface @ nephp 2013

You Can UX Too:Avoiding the Programmer's

User Interface

Eryn O'NeilNortheast PHP – Boston (Cambridge!), MA

August 16, 2013

Hi, I'm Eryn.

I make websites.

I'm not a UX professional.

Why me?

Because programmers need to care–deeply–about the interfaces they write.

Why me?

Front End

vs.

Back End

Today, we'll talk about:

● Practical ways to make your UX experience better

● How to work with the UX professional in your life

● Why you should care!

What is the “programmer's interface”

anyway?

Why care?

The best software happens when everyone on the team feels ownership of the user

interface.

How can we do better?

How can we do better?

The programmer's interface happens when you try to design

an interface at the same time that you're writing it.

How can we do better?

UX First.

How can we do better?

UX First.

And third... and fifth...

How can we do better?

User-Centered Design

“A process in which the needs, wants, and limitations of end users of

a product are given extensive attention at each stage of the design

process.”

Wikipedia, “User-Centered Design” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User-centered_design

How can we do better?

User-Centered Design

There is no one true universal UX.

Facebook:● Universal

● Human

● Clean

● Consistent

● Useful

● Fast

● Transparent

HTC One:● Make it Mine

● Stay Close

● Discover the Unexpected

Luke Wroblewski, “Developing Design Principles”, http://www.lukew.com/ff/entry.asp?854

How can we do better?

Don't Reinvent the Wheel.

How can we do better?

Pattern match.

Pattern Match Usefully.

Pattern Match Usefully.

Llama

Lemon

Lemur

Orange

Olive

Orangutan

Ocelot

Licorice

Octopus

Labrador

Lollipop

Lynx

Pattern Match Usefully.

Llama

Lynx

Lemur

Ocelot

Labrador

Orangutan

Olive

Licorice

Octopus

Orange

Lollipop

Lemon

How can we do better?

Protect your users.

How can we do better?

Don't expect people to read.

How can we do better?

Avoid Surprising Behavior.

How can we do better?

Watch people use your software.

How can we do better?

Watch people use your software.

...and believe your users.

How can we work better with the UX professionals in our lives?

The developer's job is to think about how the implementation

will affect the UX.

How can we work with UX pros?

“Yes, But.”

How can we work with UX pros?

Know your limits. Defer.

How can we work with UX pros?

Know your limits. Defer.

(Don't have UX people? Usertesting.com)

Thanks!