What design discovery feels like
Sometimes your job is to do the figuring-out so others can start building and designing the actual thing.
ReefPoints
DockYard’s blog about digital product development, user experience, design, engineering, and innovation.
Measuring the unknown
Estimating the size of an unknown project can be tough. But you know more than you think you do.
Gotta Catch 'em All!
DockYarders' take on Pokemon GO with some UX flavor
Answering questions early with design sprints
Learn how using Design Sprints to validate assumptions in the initial planning stages of your project helps ensure its success.
Today, User Experience is King—Why Your Technology Choices Should Reflect That
Users expect both the responsiveness and functionality of native apps, but users also appreciate the convenience of the web. Learn how choosing single-page applications allows you to deliver both.
Is design really just decoration?
What exactly is design? What does it mean to take a design-first approach to solving problems?
How to make sense of a complex project, fast
The time and effort we spend together in up-front sense-making may not feel like “design.” But it’s one of the most important and best investments you can make.
How does project communication become complex?
Learning about communication patterns in larger teams
Building a Space: Chart a Course
A short series about transforming the DockYard workspace.
Building a Space: Learning the Ropes
A short series about transforming the DockYard workspace.
A learning experience in web application design (part 2 of 2)
A speculative project that challenged me to fully consider a range of interface states.
Is it time to call a designer?
Since its beginnings in the 1800s, design as a profession has grown to the point that it now touches almost every aspect of our lives. But we still often assume it’s just about decoration.
Some user involvement is good for design. But is more better?
Collaborative design is being touted as the next level of user-centered design. But it doesn't guarantee a better outcome. Learn about some of the pitfalls — and how to avoid them.
A learning experience in web application design (part 1 of 2)
A speculative project that would challenge me to confront the differences between print and web application design.
How we taught an intro to UX design workshop
Earlier this week, Amanda and I taught a workshop for the Northeastern University Women in Tech group.
How to have a side project
Focus on one project at a time. Bonus: see what DockYarders do outside work!
The Self-reflecting Designer
Using self-reflection as a means to build character and confidence as a designer.
Pens, Paper, Scissors
Reintroducing materials into a web design process.
Home away from home
A short reflection
How to uncover hidden assumptions
Spend the time to talk about assumptions upfront. You'll save effort and frustration on any project.