Shaping Web Usability: Interaction Design in Context / Hot Text: Web Writing That Works / Back to the User: Creating User-Focused Web Sites

Abstract

Badre, Albert N. Shaping Web Usability: Interaction Design in Context. Addison-Wesley. 2002. 276p. ISBN 0201-72993-8. pap. $39.99. Price, Jonathan & Lisa Price. Hot Text: Web Writing That Works. New Riders. 2002. 507p. ISBN 0-73571151-8. pap. $40. Sachs, Tammy & Gary McClain. Back to the User: Creating User-Focused Web Sites. New Riders. 2002. 360p. ISBN 0-73571118-6. pap. $34.99.

Badre, Albert N. Shaping Web Usability: Interaction Design in Context. Addison-Wesley. 2002. 276p. ISBN 0201-72993-8. pap. $39.99. Price, Jonathan & Lisa Price. Hot Text: Web Writing That Works. New Riders. 2002. 507p. ISBN 0-73571151-8. pap. $40. Sachs, Tammy & Gary McClain. Back to the User: Creating User-Focused Web Sites. New Riders. 2002. 360p. ISBN 0-73571118-6. pap. $34.99.

There is no shortage of material on web site usability (see Computer Media, LJ 3/1/02). Hot Text shines in its comprehensive coverage of online writing. One will find information on XML and writing for database-driven sites; creating FAQs, blogs and newsletters, and online resumes; and becoming a web writer or editor. Although it does not break any new ground, Back to the User is a solid summary of current thought on the "user-centered" approach, covering both writing and design. It largely focuses on business sites, with additional information on e-commerce and branding. Both titles are appropriate for public libraries. Shaping Web Usability, while more academic, also addresses specific issues such as designing for older adults and handheld devices. Recommended for larger public and academic institutions.