Freedom of Choice

We often think that choice – more options – is good, but maybe not. Check out this excellent TED talk video.

Psychologist Barry Schwartz takes aim at a central tenet of western societies: freedom of choice. In Schwartz's estimation, choice has made us not freer but more paralyzed, not happier but more dissatisfied.

www.ted.com/index.php/talks/barry_schwartz...

Add an option; go to jail.
 

Wired to Care

WIRED to CARE
by Dev Patnaik

Patnaik claims that companies prosper when they create widespread empathy. He's so right.

At Hewlett-Parkard we called this next bench, creating products for the person at the next workbench – someone we knew well. At Apple we aimed to create products for mere mortals, often our not-so-tech-savvy mothers.

At Aplia we ask what challenges our instructors and students are facing, and look for ways that technology might help.

In each case, the key is empathy - walking a mile in our users shoes. The book's a great read.

White Pixels Are Free

Why the name "White Pixels"?

Think of it like this. Most visual design can be improved just by cleaning things up – by removing what's not really necessary.

Pretend that every pixel – every single little dot – on the screen costs you $1000. Every line, icon, or bit of text must justify it's existence, because they're all really expensive.

But white pixels are free!