I am challenging myself to not check out of one of my classes. The focus of the course is on how to design documents, and we're learning a lot about how to do that. For my money, however, I want to know which design elements to include to effect change and comprehension in the reader. I understand no one will read my document if the colors, font, etc are off putting. However, show. me. the data. that says complementary colors hold attention twice as long as contrasting colors.
I sent the professor an email with an article form the NYT that summarized a recent paper in Cognition about this very thing. I've even brought it up in class, now, because I think it is an important caveat to what we're learning.
Now? Now, I've moved to the last row of the class. I'm trying to reconcile myself that what this guy is selling, I'm not buying but it's still worth my time (and money) to attend.
How have you challenged yourself to be patient?
I am learning a new and totally pain-in-the-ass but useful computer program/programming language which makes me want to throw my computer out the window in frustratio .... so I wrote a note to myself, I deliberately place it beside the computer before I log on every morning, it says (in all caps):
ReplyDeletePLAY
EMBRACE TRANSITION
LEARNING IS FUN!
PS What kind of document are you designing? If it's a web page, take a look at Jakob Nielsen's useit.com. He's a usability expert.
ReplyDeleteProf made us do a write-up of his tips! I'm redesigning the Medication Guide for an anti-schizophrenia drug. In the next 1/2 of the class, we'll be re-designing webpages and I need users to test. Care to volunteer? I pay in foot rubs and cervezas delivered Pacific-side :)
ReplyDeleteSure, I'll do some testing for you if you'll do some for me : ) We are redesigning our site too.
ReplyDeletewait, I want foot rubs and cervezas...how do i get in on the action?
ReplyDeleteand if you want to challenge yourself to be patient, hang out with my 2 year old, the easter bucket. you can't drop out of that class!