Jason Toth makes the argument that ‘simplification’ has “negative connotation and misapplication of exercises associated with simplification often put UX designers in a defensive position with clients and content writers.” An argument with which I don’t disagree. Jason goes on to suggest methods for curating (typically by pairing) content to achieve the same, but universally less aggressive outcome.
My recent work with responsive web design has led me down the same path of thought. Currently responsive design is mostly focused on resolution of multiple devices and managing the display of content as the resolution changes. I propose that responsive design can add to what Jason is proposing by taking a larger look at the users purpose than device resolution.
For instance, if a user is known to spend an low amount of time on the site show them headlines and a single image to maximize their uptake of content. Users who are known to bail on the homepage should get a big beautiful image sucking them in. Users only watch video, give them a grid of video instead.
“Responsive Curation” is the future of keeping simple stupid.
Learn to speak the languages of developers, designers, executives, marketers, content producers, and customer service experts.
A UX designer who can grasp the complexities of engineering problems, the subtlety of design, the power of great content, interaction design principles, and the value of a well considered taxonomy can properly navigate the challenges of a project that transcends platforms.
http://uxmag.com/strategy/the-expanding-role-of-user-experience-design
http://berglondon.com/blog/2011/06/02/icons-rethink-turning-receipts-into-paper-apps/
The smurfs all had different traits. Brainy, vain, handy, grouchy, etc. So do users. Design like you’re addressing Smurf-townhall with equal amounts of emotion and facts and you’ll appeal to them all.
http://blog.usabilla.com/these-smurfalicious-personas-will-engage-your-user
Sometimes making sense of the complexity of large datasets is as simple as applying physicality.
http://www.fastcodesign.com/1663913/blooms-vision-for-computer-interfaces-worlds-not-windows
Users memorize interaction patterns. Don’t reinvent a pattern, invent better responses to their behaivors.
http://thinkvitamin.com/design/10-user-interface-design-fundamentals/
Rapid prototyping can help you blueprint a a plan that affords you the opportunity fail early and often.
http://method.com/detail/10×10/rapid-prototyping-wright-fail