Dave Naffziger's Blog

When I started writing notes for this blog, I swore that I would not write about Apple or Tivo. However, I do think that they both provide excellent case studies in UI design. After several weeks using the iPod Nano, I am incredibly impressed by the UI design. Two must read articles are:

• Joel on Software - User Interface Design for Programmers
• Time Magazine article on the iPod Nano design. With a focus in particular on Jonathan Ive, Apple’s lead designer. Discussed on Slashdot, Ive spent months obsessing about such details as the friction of the browse wheel, and the finish of the aluminum plate.

The highlight of both articles is that effective UI design is all about making products as intuitive and easy to use as possible. It means building a UI that does what user’s expect it to do, not forcing unexpected features and options. Both are must reads for anyone interested in the topic.