I have been designing applications (what is now referred to as user experience) for more than 35 years. That predates the mobile, internet and even IBM PC desktop computers.

So in the early days, I was commissioned by governments, military or large international enterprises. That meant I cut my teeth designing heavyweight, complex applications, such as satellite navigation, weapons control systems, surveillance and communications.

Every design, on every platform and device, brings its own sense of achievement. But one of the designs that gives me a genuine sense of pride is that for clinical trials data in the pharmaceutical industry.

Until then, new drug applications for regulatory approval were paper-based (literally tens of millions of pages for each drug). I designed the system for delivering clinical trials data digital (from the information architecture, through to the user interface itself).

As a direct result, new drug treatments and therapies are approved far more quickly; meaning that countless patients have enjoyed a better quality of life and lives saved.

I am not embarrassed to say I feel good about that one.

The last few decades have seen remarkable evolution in technology. First, desktop computing, then the internet, and then smartphones, tablets, wearables – what's next?

As a designer, another new channel or device is just another exciting challenge – I haven't been bored in decades.

I love the mission-critical nature of B2B application design. All business applications are task-based and there is no hiding place for a designer.

I designed the world's first trading platform for investment banking, the tender management system used by Government, and many other ground-breaking solutions of which I am proud.

B2C, on the other hand, is an entirely different prospect with its own design demands. The audience is as uncompromising as it is demanding. I have designed applications that touch virtually everyone around the world (see the client list).

Design excellence is the dividing line between commercial success and failure. And if that were not true, Nokia would still be bigger than Apple. I am proud to have delivered a superior experience to users and commercial success to my clients.

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Cracking Information Architecture

The definitive field guide for architects, designers, business managers and project teams.

Book cover - Cracking Information Architecture

Every information system that has a visual user interface is built on information architecture. That is true, whether the system in question is a website, train indicator board, ATM, or the display on your microwave oven. All require information architecture to drive the interface.

And information forms part of our daily lives - we need it in order to function. Without information, we cannot make a phone call, order a pint of beer, catch a bus, or buy a pair of shoes that fit.

So the quality of information - how well it is structured, exposed and manipulated - dictates how effective and productive we all are. When it comes to electronic systems, the best-performing are all driven by exacting information architecture.

In this book, you will learn the essential skills - and practices - necessary to deliver quality information architecture time after time. In fact, all you need to conceive, plan and create information systems for the web, mobile and desktop software. This book covers:

  • What is Information Architecture?

  • Organising Information

  • Navigation Systems

  • Taxonomy and Labelling

  • Creating Sitemaps

  • Creating Wireframes

  • Creating Prototypes

Good information architects are difficult to come by. The methods and techniques set forth in this book have been tried and tested over many years. Use them, and you will surely excel in your chosen, rewarding career as an information architect.

ISBN: 978-0-9954838-0-4

303 pages

Cracking Accessibility on Mobile Devices

Complete reference of accessibility and digital inclusion for tablets and mobile.

Book cover - Cracking Accessibility on Mobile Devices

Around the world, it is a legal requirement that digital systems be equally accessible to those users with disabilities. Obviously, that includes apps on mobile devices. But accessibility also means dramatically improved usability and convenience. Accessibility techniques are what allows us to have emails read to us by a phone while we are driving.

But delivering accessibility can be a challenge, especially on smartphones and tablets, which support mobile web, hybrid apps and native apps.

Cracking Accessibility on Mobile Devices:

Who should read this book?

  • Company officers

  • Business managers

  • Project managers

  • UX designers

  • iOS and Android developers

  • Front end web developers

Cracking Accessibility on Mobile Devices is an essential addition to the toolset for any digital project for apps or services to be delivered to smartphones and tablets.

ISBN: 978-0-9954838-1-1

258 pages