I brought a new book yesterday and wanted to recommend it to anyone who either designs websites, or develops them ( but has the power to recommend or decide design ) . Brought it solely on basis of browsing bookshelves at local books e.t.c.

The book is
Designing the Obvious: A Common Sense Approach to Web Application Design
Author : Robert Hoekman Jr.

Very slim and small in size but browsing shows a lot of good solid information. Also very easy layout and great illustrations. Authors bio seems to show a lot of actual experience on major websites.

There is no code in the book ( as far as I can see ), nor information on CSS or HTML or AJAX. Rather its about designing your website so that users will find it easier and more pleasant, less stressfull to use to achieve the tasks they need.


Amazon reviews : http://www.amazon.com/Designing-Obvious-Common-Approach-Application/dp/032145345X/sr=8-1/qid=1166531805/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-5449075-6683651?ie=UTF8&s=books

I dont buy many IT books now, I used to buy lots but rely more on my electronic safari bookshelf now ( http://safari.oreilly.com ) - much better value as I can keep changing what books I have on my bookshelf for a monthly fee.

Can read books in a browser or download a limited number of chapters a month as PDF files.

I tend to do most background reading on the sofa at home using my PSP ( PlayStation Portable )