Computer Science

• The author descibes his own unique pattern language 'WU' which includes 79 individual web usability patterns. 
• Concepts covered range from understanding requirements to detailed design
• Covers areas relevant to the patterns and human computer interaction (HCI) communities.
• Diagrams help the reader navigate between patterns.

1 An introduction to patterns

1.1 What are patterns?

1.2 Patterns in software engineering

1.3 Organizational patterns

1.4 Other pattern types

1.5 Patterns or pattern languages?

2 Designing user interfaces

2.1 Introduction to HCI and GUI design

2.2 Designing interaction

2.3 Usability patterns

2.4 Bibliographical notes

3

The wu pattern language

3.1 Getting started on your site

3.2 Enhancing usability

3.3 Adding detail

3.4 Dealing with workflow and security

4 Examples of using the Wu language

4.1 Designing a workflow-centric site

4.2 Designing the wu site

4.3 Designing and improving other kinds of site

Appendix wu patterns in brief

References and bibliography

Name index

Subject index

Web Programming and Design: Numerous Mark-up / Scripting Language  [PTG: NEW RIDERS]   (Computer Science)

Ian Graham is an industry consultant with over 20 years experience: a practitioner in IT for over 25.  He is internationally recognized as an authority on business modelling, object-oriented software and software development processes.  He is the author of 13 books including the bestelling Object Oriented Methods 3ed from Addison Wesley.

 

          

A Pattern Language for Web Usability

Despite the astronomical number of hours invested in developing websites for commercial and other uses, it is now clear that many websites are poorly designed and have floundered as a result.

There are four main aspects of website design that can affect a sites success: usability, content, navigation and aesthetics. The last three aspects all contribute in some way to the first. One possible solution to the problem of ineffective website design is to develop and follow a set of guidelines for designing usable websites.

One of the most important recent ideas in software development is that of design patterns. Design patterns are standard solutions to recurring problems, defined to help people discuss them easily and to share solutions to common design problems. This book introduces and details a pattern language that will help you to address all four aspects crucial to website design success.

As well as defining the 79 patterns that make up his pattern language, Ian Graham provides a handy reference to existing best practice, organized in a way that reflects the structure of a typical web design project. The book is lavishly illustrated with examples of good and bad websites to help you grasp clearly the essentials of successful website design. The full color pattern language is ready for you to apply to your own design projects.

This book:

• defines 79 web usability patterns linked into a comprehensive pattern language;
• will help designers write better sites and avoid errors of omission;
• covers everything from understanding requirements to detailed design guidelines.

 

A Pattern Language for Web Usability

is a practical guide for web designers and managers of website development projects and can be used as a simple checklist to aid the design process and ensure that websites are usable and successful.

About wu (please insert symbol)

WU in basic terms = Web Usability. This pattern language originated at an Object Technology conference in Oxford, England. Wu is also a natural language, or rather a group of dialects spoken in Eastern China, and also a common family name. We have used the simplified Chinese character for Wu as a graphical motif throughout this text.

About the author

Ian Graham is an industry consultant with over 20 years experience, and has been a practitioner in IT for over 25. He is internationally recognized as an authority on business modeling, object-oriented software development methods, software development processes, and expert systems. Ian is currently Principal Consultant with TriReme International Ltd. Previously he spent six years in senior management positions with Chase Manhattan Bank and the Swiss Bank Corporation (now UBS Warburg). Ian is well known as a public speaker and writer on advanced computing and has published over 60 articles and papers. He is the author or editor of 13 books on the subject and has lectured in 16 countries across 4 continents.

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