August 2020

Brian Dys

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Conducting a UI Review

18:42:57
18:42:57
Brian Dys Avatar Brian Dys
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A UI Review is a testing methodology conducted by a designer (UI/UX/Front-end) on web products prior to Usability Testing.

The first aspect to be reviewed is visual design and the second is usability.

This is conducted primarily to ensure that the obvious negative findings in a Usability Testing are lessened.

Consider this scenario:

  • a working mobile app is available for testing prior to production (launch)
  • a designer will conduct a UI Review
  • the reviewer will take note of visual design inconsistencies and usability difficulties
  • the designer will revise the design based on the findings
  • the mobile app is ready for Usability Testing

It is recommended that a UI Review is conducted on a working product rather than on a prototype or mock-up because this puts the reviewer in the context of actual usage and not just a replicated one.

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Working with Chikka Design Team

15:43:51
15:43:51
Brian Dys Avatar Brian Dys
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Working with Chikka Design Team has given me an opportunity not just to grow in terms of career but also with personal development.

Before I started working at Chikka, I didn’t have any confidence with my design and front-end skills because I know that I was a bit behind with all the new stuff that has been going on with the design industry, but because I’m passionate with what I do, I decided to challenge myself to be open to new things.

Everyone in the team has their specialization and common knowledge when it comes to UI/UX but this didn’t hinder them to learn new things and make design as a lifestyle. I like that we’re open to discussion and our team lead wants us to be innovative. I felt like I was in college because of the environment – in college we were trained to have the courage to talk about our design ideas and  be able to defend our designs – like every detail should have a purpose and not just design something and put it in an empty space as filler. That’s what I felt with the team.

I am grateful that I was part of it. What I learned is that being humble is the most important thing you need to have if you’re working for a company because we learn to admit to ourselves that we’re not right all the time. I know there were times that maybe I try to defend my designs too much but it has taught me that sometimes it’s okay to just listen and accept other people’s perspective.

I think that this is, so far, the best team I have ever been to. I hope everyone the best of luck in the near future.

—

Karin was part of Chikka Design Team as front-end designer. She has graduated from the position and currently pursues web design.

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Notes on User Research

10:16:14
10:16:14
Brian Dys Avatar Brian Dys
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User Research

  • Input – research and requirements; output – design artifacts, actual product
  • How did we come up with the problem and solution?
  • Have one solution and validate with users
  • Set target users; create personas
  • Continuous user research
  • Improve the product for both the business and the users

UI Review/Usability Testing

  • Refer to Components Masterlist
  • Refer to Usability heuristics
  • Create metrics
  • Create activities and tasks
  • Create directions on how to assume a persona
Categories

Sounds of Us

00:00:26
00:00:26
Brian Dys Avatar Brian Dys
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Months before the big day, I’ve heard a song, ‘Good Morning’ by Jah Rule – right there and then, I imagined it to be one of our wedding songs. In fact, it inspired me to compile all the songs that I dedicate to Jaycelle. One of those was ‘Hold My Hand’ by Hootie and the Blowfish. From there, the compilation grew and grew that I was able to categorize it by Preparation, Ceremony, and Reception. Over the years we’ve shared so many songs together, mostly from me and when I dedicate it to her, she would instantly like it. Some songs were soundtracks from movies we mutually like upon watching.

In fact that is how we started. During her 1st few weeks at LWS, we have gotten each other’s Yahoo! Messenger IDs and I would share some MP3s with her – songs that I find with mushy lyrics – songs that only sentimental types would like. These songs didn’t have consistent genres – from Tracy Chapman’s The Kiss to Chances by Athlete.

Now, on our 1st wedding anniversary I chanced upon a very apt song by Ed Sheeran – Thinking Out Loud. It prompted me to compile another 28-track mixtape for our 1st year. Came in second is Rico Blanco’s Time for You. Stars aligned for me to hear these songs and dedicate it to her.

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Garage Selling: OLX and Tackthis

20:20:25
20:20:25
Brian Dys Avatar Brian Dys
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OLX vs Tackthis
A graphical representation of Tackthis and OLX websites.

I’m in the process of letting go/disposing of/getting rid of/selling stuff that I no longer need around the house. In line with this activity, I signed up for two online shops, namely: OLX and Tackthis. Both offer free registration so I went on to set up my online shops.

Just a disclaimer, this blog post does not intend to rigorously compare the two services – I would simply like to document my experience as a user/seller – specifically the noticeable stuff whether positive or negative. Also, this could be an ongoing piece of “review” as I go along with this new adventure of garage selling on the internet.

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Visual Variables and Animation Diagram Teaser

12:29:50
12:29:50
Brian Dys Avatar Brian Dys
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Visual Variables and Animation Diagram Teaser

We’re working on two projects that we’d like to share with you – Visual Variables and Animation Diagram – both of which aim to bridge communication between visual and front-end designers working on web projects.

Check back on Monday for updates.

10/8/2014

Visual Variables and Animation Diagram are available!

See Visual Variables

See Animation Diagram