This is the first book on user experience that I have not liked. I’m sorry Bill Buxton, but however gifted you are in design, you are not a writer, and a horrible presenter. Rather than buy this book, I would recommend you stroll on down to your local library and simply browse this book. There’s good information here, but nothing you can’t glean in a single afternoon.

One point Buxton really tries to drive home, is that not everyone is a designer. That if you don’t get “design,” you can’t be part of our little club.

While I agree that being a designer does take a certain person, I think it’s wrong to not invite more people into the discussion. As Buxton himself so aptly points out, “design is compromise.” And, making the design process this great intangible, will only alienable the very people who’s feedback and cooperation to so desperately need.

What I did like about this book was Buxton’s views on sketching. I like the sketch iterations that he discussed. That it is important to leave certain designs in a state of “incompleteness.” If designs that you’re working on looks too well thought out, it can prevent further discussion.

Again, don’t buy this book. Borrow it, read it at your local library, whatever. Once you’re done with it, you won’t find yourself desiring to read it again.