Everything in Moderation: Using Content Units to Manage UX

I’ve found that separating client requests into content units removes uncertainty and offers clearer direction, while helping your client recognize each individual request as a deliverable, requiring assignments and responsibilities. To do this, I follow a four-step process that helps delineate what content units each section of a Web site must cover—as opposed to content that acts as filler, or filler units.

LaFerriere, Keith. UXmatters (2008). Articles>Project Management>Planning>User Experience

Hat Heads vs. Bed Heads

Calm tension, communicate more easily, and run your projects more efficiently by applying the right relationship management techniques.

LaFerriere, Keith. List Apart, A (2007). Articles>Management>Collaboration

Why Did You Hire Me?

Remembering why you were hired—and identifying whether or not you belong—is just as important as getting the gig. To sustain career and mental health, you must work within your means and know how to navigate ambiguous workplace situations. Using client and project management techniques is one part of the solution. Using your talent is the other.

LaFerriere, Keith. List Apart, A (2008). Careers>Advice>Project Management

Flexible Fuel: Educating the Client on Information Architecture

Information architecture (IA) means so much to our projects, from setting requirements to establishing the baseline layout for our design and development teams. But what does it mean to your clients? Do they see the value in IA? What happens when they change their minds? Can IA help manage the change control process? More than ever, we must ensure that our clients find value in and embrace IA—and it’s is our job to educate them. If we want our customers to embrace IA, we must help them understand why we need it.

LaFerriere, Keith. List Apart, A (2008). Articles>Information Design>Collaboration>Web Design

Successful Project Management: Using Time Management Tools

In this introductory column, I’ll discuss time management and some ways in which you can use quick-reference sheets and project-management tools to help you maintain some semblance of sanity in your busy life.

LaFerriere, Keith. UXmatters (2009). Articles>Project Management>Management>Planning