Future of Web Design - Brendan Dawes

Halfway through the Future of Web Design Conference in Kensington. I am sitting outside, the sun is shining and I haven't seen so much as any html code. I was hoping for a bit of a brain storming session of best practices and solutions for creating better websites, and by that criteria, I am pretty happy. No, I haven't had to examine doc types, DOM or anything else remotely techie, but instead the focus has been on the user experience. How can we add value to what we already do? Here are some of my notes that I have made on the conference.

Brendan Dawes - Finding your creative vein

Magnetic North

I have had the pleasure of witnessing Brendan talk before, at a Flash Forward Conference a few years ago. Then he talked about design, from some observations he made about his cooker. Not exactly rocket science, but entirely appropriate. Once again, Brendan didn't launch Flash or BBEdit, but instead talked about cowboy films, litter found on trains and good old fashioned bookshops that still prevail, because of adding value, or creating an 'experience' for their customers.

Insert Silence

One technique, Brendan called "Insert Silence". He showed how this delay, this slight delay in user gratification, actually could reap larger rewards in the overall experience. He then showed a clip of the 1952 cowboy film, 'Shane'. He showed his edited version first, then showed the original. The original was more powerful, and in this instance, the baddie, used this pause to create a cruel, and meditated murder, Brendan's edit made it seem like a regular western shoot out.

He also showed examples of how WordPress makes a cool red flash when you delete a comment. Confirming to the user, that the operation has been dealt with, in a slick and reassuring manner.

Priceless.

Silence

I believe in the power of silence. Silence is the part of a song that gives the rhythm section space and notes to form. It is this silence that defines the actual sound. Silence is an important part of buddhist teachings, and I am sure many of my own recordings could do with a lot more of it, oh, and if you ever listen to my neighbour, you'll know just how much, I value the sound of silence.

Nice one Brendan
Peace