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Must-read book for all interaction designers. It's main selling point is the breadt of the subject: the book is really chock-full of best-practice design solutions. Patterns are categorized in larger pattern groups: Site Genres, Creating a Navigation Framework, Advanced E-Commerce, etcetera. And each pattern is linked to other patterns - a real pattern language! It also does not omit the small patterns like Fast-downloading images and Separate tables.
The book's weak point is its lack of depth at times. Large sections are directed towards beginning (interaction/visual) designers, probably to appeal to a larger audience. And the section on searching is almost completely missing.
Opinion
One of the books I used to dream of writing was "a pattern language for the web." Well, now I don't have to: The Design of Sites: Patterns, Principles, and Processes for Crafting a Customer-Centered Web Experience is that book. As I first sat down to read it, I didn't care for it. But sitting down and reading it not the right use for it-- instead leave it on your desk and as you approach any standard web element, from log-in box to global navigation bar, crack it open. The authors have done a masterful job of listing the key problems each element addresses, and shows examples from several "best practices" websites. It's like having a competive analysis on your desk for almost everything. Esoteric issues, like my current interest (entire-web search) are not addressed, but pretty much all the common ones are, and insightfully. An excellent tool for any IA, Interface or Interaction Designer. - Christina Wodtke
Don't try to read this cover to cover, it's not meant to be used that way. Instead the authors present a collection of design issues and potential solutions, similar to the approach Christopher Alexander's ìA Pattern Languageî took for architecture. You may not use their advice, but it's good for crystallizing a nagging issue and jump-starting your thinking about solutions. - George Olsen
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-- ArthurClemens - 31 Jul 2003
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