Acme Sprockets

My approach to the User Experience (UX) design is that form should follow function. I much prefer well-organized and easy to understand content over “pretty” graphics that some web designers will use in an attempt to wow us all with their artistic skills. That is not to say that sites have to be as plain as Craigslist (which is quite functional), but navigation and consumption of content should intuitive.

Usability expert Jakob Nielson has much to say on the subject both in his published books and papers as well as the lectures and workshops. His web site useit.com has quite a lot of free information (as well as paid reports). One articles that provides a good starting point is Usability 101: Introduction to Usability. His article Utilize Available Screen Space especially strikes a chord with me as I use very large monitors (one is a 30-inch, 2560x1600 pixel).