Software Ergonomics and Web Design - The Manual of User Interfaces by Jean-Francois Nogier Synopsis This book is for all those involved in designing and developing software or websites, especially those responsible for specifications and the man-machine interface, but also project managers, product managers and the trade. As powerful as it might be, no software or website will be successful unless it is also easy to use. Usability has become a key to business success in the computer world. Deliberately pragmatic, this book is a synthesis of studies in the field of software ergonomics and websites. Including such things as the choice of colors and fonts, the organization of interface components, the design and navigation of a website, and the choice of graphics for a web page, the author offers methods and gives practical advice to make the human-machine dialogue the easiest to understand and the most effective possible. A design guide for the real world, the book includes several checklists that will enable web development teams to easily apply ergonomic principles.

Review 1 The study of this book should be mandatory for any web developer or even any general interface developer. Blessed is he who can say "we already knew that!" I can assure you that developers who leave school do not know and even project managers do not know. That is why computer scientists are universally disliked by those who are condemned to use their apps. We continue to hear "the user only has to get it right," "but why would we need this" or "as long as the program writes well in the field it is needed all is OK.” At best, we consider ergonomics like frills or flowers, as I have heard it said. Certainly, this book is not plunging in at the deep end, but the point is well taken. It is fairly complete, clear, and the presentation is thankfully rather nice. Some screenshots are a little dated, and the chapter on validation protocols with users particularly made me smile; it is so idealistic. The book does not preach that this is what you should do but, unless you have basic modules ready for use, be aware that the development of an ergonomic HMI takes twice as long as a basic interface. One big regret: not a word about the ergonomics of writing programs (yes, there are people who will have to go behind you to fix, maintain, and develop your sources!). This would have to be written in another book, just as indispensable. Within a hundred years perhaps we will truly have ergonomic programs, and well written! (Posted by Mme Pompadour)

Review 2 A book full of visual examples about what to do and what not to do. It reads as fast as it is understandable. The author quickly raises the framework in which to evolve a design to reach its goal: a detailed ergonomics. Absolutely a book to keep on a corner table when developing user interface (web or otherwise). I highly recommend it. (Posted by Newton's Cradle)

Review 3 In my experience, all the HCI and ergonomic research that takes place in universities - all very informative and useful - simply takes a back seat when it comes to companies and businesses designing software in the market place. Pompadour's point “taking twice as long” is the telling one I fear. (Posted by Web Design Shrewsbury)