Design theory, thinking, and handy shortcuts to help programmers learn web design. Part one teaches visual and UI/UX principles in a down-to-earth and easy to understand matter, and part two walks you through the process of creating a design from scratch. Raised over $22,000 on Kickstarter, comes in eBook, paperback, and video formats.
I bought the ebook version via Kickstarter. I was extremely satisfied with the book, and fascinated to learn more about Tracy's perspective on design. An excellent read.
Pros:One of the best design books I've read (and I say that having written a few myself!)
Cons:None. Really!
I've been a huge fan of Tracy's work on other guides so have been waiting for this to come out for some time. Tracy shows an unusual level of learner empathy in this and the rest of her "Hello" guides. Easy to understand and with enough of value for tech veterans, this is my new go-to resource to share with aspiring and new web designers.
Pros:Well written and designed for immediate use
Cons:It's only coming out now!
I needed to see the screenshots to solidify and learn based on examples and Tracy didn't let me down. She shares a lot of insight into design which my developer brain never quite understood before. Now I feel like I know the basics and I know what's wrong with my old designs vs. just not liking them. I highly recommend this book.
Pros:I enjoyed this book and the format a lot. Tracy walks the reader through learning design skills which can improve anyone of any skillset.
Cons:There wasn't any for me. The book was a deal.
Another fantastic self published book by Tracy Osborn. If you are interested I would highly recommend checking out her other books on coding on her website.
Pros:Very simple, straight to the point explanation, practical UI/UX concepts that is very easy to follow along.
Cons:Honestly none that comes to mind at the moment.
This books is a blast, full of practical advice how to make things look good, while not trying to make it you career. Actionable from the first pages. If you are a developer and want your project not looking like it been designed by a dev, but this book.
Pros:Short, practical, actionable
Cons:People will take advantage of your new skills
I feel like this book can help "programmer designed" websites leap forward with the same rapidity that bootstrap did, another giant leap forward. Except now, instead of everything being immediately recognizable as a stock bootstrap site like so many 5 years ago, everyone can have the tools and skills to immediately make their sites look good AND unique. Cannot recommend highly enough.
Pros:Clear, to the point advice and easy to read. Very helpful in many different areas
Cons:It is short, so not able to go very deep in most topics.
I'm a programmer, and tend to towards the, er, functional, utilitarian style of website. Making something that looks fun and interesting, and that people want to read has always been hard for me.
Hello Web Design covers all of the important parts of design, and avoiding the usual developer tag salad: color choice, layout, fonts, writing clear content, finding inspiration, etc. And it does that in a very hands on, practical way. There's no point in this book where I've wondered why I'm learning something, or how it would apply to one of my websites.
It'd also be a good choice if you find yourself working with or managing designers, and you need to get a handle on how they work and what's involved in designing.
Pros:It's a clear, down-to-earth, concrete design guide
Cons:Short if you're expecting very detailed design theory (but that's exactly why most of the rest of us should buy it - no filler)
I do QA work for corporate systems in many sectors. I think many of the people who design systems that I test and use should read this book. There are so many poorly designed systems from a user perspective.
Pros:A great overview on Web Design. Lots of great advice and useful tips
Cons:None so far. Offers other sources to get more insight.
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