New rule: if I have to google “how to [do something],” your UI needs improvement. While redeeming an iOS app, I couldn’t figure out where to enter in the app code. I instinctively went to the Search section, as I know that has a text input section at the top: No dice. So as with [...]
From the one and only, Jeffrey Zeldman: Zeldman says: Little tip. People don’t want apps to look and work more like websites. They want websites to look and work more like apps. My gut reaction to this insight is mixed. On one hand, many new websites are in essence single serving apps. They have no [...]
I’m currently taking the free Intro to Databases course taught by the excellent Professor Widom. The course consists of video lectures with homework exercises, quizzes and midterms. There is also a helpful Q&A forum for students when you get stuck. In the beginning of 2012, there are more free online courses available, including: Design and [...]
A take on the Google Reader update from former Google Reader Project Manager, Brian Shih: Google released the previously announced set of changes around G+ integration and UI updates today, and boy is it a disaster. He continues on visuals: Taking the UI paradigm for G+ and mashing it onto Reader without any apparent regard [...]
This post is all semantics and concerns Google Reader. Knowing fully well that most people have never heard of Google Reader (this guy uses it), allow me to rant. Once upon a time, Facebook rolled out the Like button. It was widely adopted across the web. Facebook defines the like button as: The Like button [...]
From a Wired profile of Yuri Milner: The theory holds that the Internet is an advertising medium where users themselves create the vast amount of content. In other words, as Milner understands it, the same ocean of advertising revenues that have gone to traditional media might now go to the Internet, but without the offsetting [...]
When you think of a thermostat, what comes to mind? I picture an old, off-white colored box that’s dusty and sort of works. You know the kind I’m talking about that exists in American homes which nobody gives any thought to. Nest Labs, ran by Tony Fadell (of Apple iPod fame), just introduced their new [...]
Starting October 10th, 2011: A bold experiment in distributed education, “Introduction to Databases” is being offered free and online to students worldwide, October 10 – December 12, 2011. Students have access to lecture videos, are given assignments and exams, receive regular feedback on progress, and participate in a discussion forum. Those who successfully complete the [...]
Finding housing online needs to be disrupted. Lots of sites have tried, but craigslist is still the only site that matters. I’m currently living in NYC and have 9 days to find housing before I become homeless. That’s why solving housing is a painkiller and not a vitamin. Finding housing is stressful, especially in a pricey market [...]