Hi all, I've been following the themes that have arisen in this discussion with great interest. They've all cropped up at my office.
At my company, Leapfrog toys, we discuss and use interactive patterns constantly. They're integral to how we work. I honestly don't think we could get our work done and ship on time without them. Time/Money/Resource constraints necessitate patterns. In the best use cases, patterns help us compromise between art/efficiency and create something delightful, on time and on budget. In the worst use cases, patterns create toys with no soul. Seems like that's the struggle many are dealing with? I've found the following to be true about patterns. Do you all agree? 1. Patterns improve efficiency in design documentation. 2. Definition of a "Pattern" is debatable 3. Copying patterns can be used to train juniors. 4. Patterns can be a standards bible; you can use them to codify desired but mundane behaviors. (Just "Copy/Paste" instead of asking others to internalize the rule.) 5. Patterns can be synthesized to create highly creative and original outcomes 6. Patterns can be abused (straight copying without understanding the problem that needs to be solved can lead to HORRIBLE results) 7. Its best to look at the problem FIRST, before you go to the pattern library. And another question to the group - do you have best practice suggestions for using patterns to free up time for solving bigger, more interesting problems? And still successfully avoid the "cookie cutter design" trap? Patterns need to be used properly, or they're trouble.... For example, I keep seeing junior designers on my team apply patterns without understanding the intention/context behind the pattern. Then, when I suggest changes to the design, they will debate me citing my own pattern as evidence "But you did it here!" without understanding the context of the problem...Sigh... Just curious if others have this experience, and if there's advice on what to do about it. Other than becoming more patient, I mean :) -Wesley ________________________________________________________________ Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ....... [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe ................ http://gamma.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines ............ http://gamma.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .................. http://gamma.ixda.org/help
