Neat!

My new job started 2 weeks ago, UI Developer. One task I’m assigned to right now is choosing the typography for the new redesign underway.

This it got me checking old bookmarks including this one. This article is a good introduction to the main typeface families and how mixing them in contrasting combinations can be use to great effect.

The secret is reading…

But_how_ you read matters too.

You need to be critical and always thinking. You need to do the mental work required to hold an opinion.

Actions allows developers to embed quick actions to allow users to execute directly from their inbox in response to an email. For example, add a movie to a queue, review a movie already watched or check in to a flight.

I checked the API and the most flexible one is the Go-To Action because it allows the email to start a complex process directly from an email. But I love the power of the simplicity of the One Click Actions.

Wonder if these will be supported by other email clients.

I lost 20kg last year by commiting 100% to a low carb paleo diet. Now the last 5kg are being stubborn because I’ve allowed cheat meals and reduced my commitment to the low carb part. Also exercise hasn’t been part of the commitment.

From the article:

The difference between 99% and 100% is never actually that mathematical comparison. As the “sweet of the weak” indicates, most people who don’t commit 100% to a task do not end up with 99%. They commit only 80% or worse, which is a far cry from the discipline that they need in order to be successful.

Didn’t know about the list and the datalist elements.

Ryan Singer from 37signals on the term UX (User Experience) :

It means too many things to too many different people. Instead I focus on individual skills. Once you understand the individual skills, you can assemble them into a composite system without blurring them together. For software design, the core skill among all user-facing concerns is user interface design.

The term UX should be used only by people that run the whole gamut of tools and techniques; words are cheap. Looking at the see also list , there’s even more to cover, out of the top of my head: accessibility and usability testing.

But a good UI should take the front line.

But for software makers, I recommend starting with a strong understanding of UI by itself. The fundamentals can take you very far.

Skip the car talk to get to a great message. Starting after the 56:00 mark, they start to talk about “Idea Guys”.

I miss Build and Analyze.

I got hooked on reading very young, back then number 4 was the main reason:

It Improves Your Imagination

I don’t read as much these days but I think 7 is the main reason I read.

It Reduces Stress

I’ve become used, when working, to have noise on my headphones. It used to be music but lately it’s been people playing video games.

I found this music via one of those gamers, specifically Frankie’s DayZ episodes . Great game, and very entertaining videos.