Books & writing
My books are written for students, educators, and working professionals who want to understand the fundamentals of design for the screen. They’re grounded in real practice, and written to be approachable, practical, and confidence-building.
Bestseller
#1 on Amazon’s Web Design list, two editions runningIn the classroom
Used as a textbook in design programs across the countryPublished by
Simon & Schuster, second editionAbove the Fold
Above the Fold teaches the fundamentals of graphic communication in a screen-based world: how to plan, structure, and design websites that work for the people using them. Both the first and second editions reached #1 on Amazon’s Web Design list and became standard reading in design programs across the country.
From readers
“This is the first book I’ve found that does a good job of walking the reader through the entire thought process of planning and creating a structured strategy for designing websites.”
“Above the Fold provides everything that you need to build a strong foundation for a successful website.”
“If you’re looking for a tool to focus existing talent into a career in web design, this book is an excellent place to begin.”
Principles of Web Design
Years of industry change and feedback from educators and professionals went into Principles of Web Design. It builds on the original with a deeper focus on user experience, accessibility, and responsive design, and continues to serve students, educators, and design teams.
Order on Amazon
Articles
Through a long relationship with HOW Design, I’ve published articles on branding, UX, and creative strategy. Two favorites:
One soda machine put my change off to the right. The other put it right next to the can, exactly where my hand already was. Simple, convenient, and easy to miss unless you’re paying attention.
“That’s information architecture.”
My dad once brought home a microwave and toaster oven in one big brown box. It didn’t toast well and it didn’t microwave well. Too many web design students end up in the same place: caught between learning code and learning to communicate through design, without mastering either.
Why focus beats a little of everything.
Type Directors Club
As chair of TDC58, the Type Directors Club’s 58th international typography competition, I selected a jury led by Paula Scher and oversaw the judging of the year’s best typographic work. I also wrote the introduction to the competition annual, Typography 35. It was an earlier TDC annual that first drew me to the Club in the mid-1990s.
“It is a constant. It’s an old friend. A mentor. It’s a beacon.”
Signed copies
When I speak or teach, attendees can receive signed copies of my book. Ask about it when you book a talk.