User Interface Design for Programmers
Joel Spolsky – Apress (2001)
This book does exactly what it says on the cover. It is a concise (144 pages including index etc) introduction to the areas of UI design that matter to programmers (as opposed to designers and HCI types).
The 18 chapters are all less than 10 pages long enabling the book to be digested in small portions. Each chapter focuses on a specific area and delivers some sage advice in a humorous and entertaining way.
I read this book over the course of a very busy few days reading a new chapter whenever I had 10 minutes spare. The principles taught within are all well conveyed and thought provoking although the book does show it’s age in some areas – particularly the chapter on web design.
Regardless, the content is still valuable and the best introduction to the area that I have experienced.
I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone that already knows about UI design but for those that are interested in beginning to learn about the area the book offers a sound introduction.