Will you answer rude questions?

Sure, take a look here. And if your question isn’t answered, just email me or post it in the forum.

Where can I learn more?

From the book, of course :-). But also sample chapters, my ACM tech talk, an article on the 3 stages of concept enlightenment, a series of gentle intros and a comprehensive summary. To join in discussions about concept design, visit the forum!

Why did you write this book?

Some software is a delight to use—powerful, flexible, easy—and some is clunky and complicated. I wanted to figure out why, so I spent ten years studying good and bad features of well known apps in the hope that I could find some general principles. This book is the result.

Is this a practical book?

Yes! In a series of short chapters, using examples drawn from over 100 familiar apps, I explain the key ideas and principles and show you how to apply them. Then for readers who need more, there’s an extensive collection of free-standing ’explorations’ that delve more deeply into design subtleties and explain how concept design relates to everything from data abstraction to design thinking.

Who is it for?

The book is written for everyone who creates software—programmers, software architects, product managers and UX designers; for all those who guide its development—VCs, CTOs, startup founders, marketers, analysts and consultants; for novices and experts, students and researchers; and for all of us who would like to have a deeper understanding of the software we use every day.

Do you teach workshops?

Yes. I offer a variety of teaching sessions and workshops of varying size and focus; contact me for details.