Zef’s Management Ethos
Now that I have over seven years experience leading and managing Design/UX teams, I’m clear on what works and what doesn’t. I’ve never been a “command and control” manager – the type who … MoreZef’s Management Ethos
Recent Posts
You’ve mastered UX. Where to next?
While User Experience is, like, at least six occupations rolled into one, it’s still possible to reach a point in your career when you’re asking yourself – “There must be … MoreYou’ve mastered UX. Where to next?
I’m going on a power trip
After a wonderful five-plus years as the “UX Guy” at Click Suite I’m making a move to the pink palace in Newtown – Powershop HQ. I’ve continuously looked ahead to … MoreI’m going on a power trip
Walking Wikipedias
Experience Design is a constantly changing landscape where many of us get to temporarily step inside the protective bubble of organisations and industries most people only ever read about.
NZ Govt Set to Mothball Economic Powertrain
In a myopic move the New Zealand Transport Agency has nixed a proposed rescue package that could have saved the long-running Capital Connection rail service. In the process they will … MoreNZ Govt Set to Mothball Economic Powertrain
Keeping sucking and carry on
DJ FiESTA! 1995. Photo Otago Daily Times. To others I apparently appear self-confident, but in reality I suffer from a fairly regular sprinkling of self-doubt. Too often I … MoreKeeping sucking and carry on
So it’s about time I updated my blog isn’t it?
Well… …I don’t have a plan but it looks like I’m back. I think I’m going to be less glossy and a bit more gritty from now on. You’ll not … MoreSo it’s about time I updated my blog isn’t it?
Answers to those Questions
Occasionally I get emails from aspiring User Experience professionals asking a bunch of questions about the industry and how I got into it. Over the years I’ve had people contacting me from … MoreAnswers to those Questions
World’s First Bearcam
In 1995 I took part in what was arguably one of the first webcams in New Zealand and certainly the one and only bearcam on the planet! The innovation took place … MoreWorld’s First Bearcam
Government to review ‘wild west’
Inquisition, Theosophy and Tools Minister John Wayne has ordered a review into the ”wild west”, he announced today. The Minister will examine the adequacy of regulations around how cowboys and … MoreGovernment to review ‘wild west’
My Day Job
During the day I work at Click Suite – a little new media company based in Wellington which picks up some strange and wonderful projects. I frequently write articles for … MoreMy Day Job
Milking the Climate
The above infographic was created for the Science Media Centre to coincide with the launch of the revised New Zealand emissions trading scheme (ETS) which came in to effect last … MoreMilking the Climate
What’s Hot for UX?
There appears to have been a slight upsurge in recent months of companies looking for User Experience (UX) people in New Zealand. But taking a peek at the advertised jobs … MoreWhat’s Hot for UX?
The Money In Mining
In March 2010, New Zealand’s Energy and Resources Minister Gerry Brownlee and Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson released a discussion paper containing a suite of measures to facilitate development of New … MoreThe Money In Mining
50 vs. 80
[+] Enlarge The above infographic is the first I’ve created for the Science Media Centre. Their aim is to promote accurate bias-free reporting on science and technology by helping the … More50 vs. 80
Good Onya!
On Friday night I was the proud recipient of an ONYA – awarded to this website for ‘Best content (personal)’. The other finalists in the category were Alison Green of … MoreGood Onya!
The Pollinator
Click Suite // Auckland Museum: The Pollinator from Click Suite on Vimeo. Using touch-screen technology visitors could tap into a world of pollination. Auckland Museum and Click Suite took three … MoreThe Pollinator
A Suite Makeover
Ever heard the saying “you’re your own worst client?” In our industry it’s common knowledge that a DYO (or “Design Your Own“) website is one of the trickiest things a … MoreA Suite Makeover
I Like Visuals
Here’s some of the information graphics I created in 2009 while working at Click Suite. These featured in various reports such as online strategies and concepts. I started to experiment … MoreI Like Visuals
Tap Dancing on Paper
When it comes to creating a user experience specification for a website, it\’s usually a straight forward exercise. You create wireframe diagrams and show the web pages in different states. … MoreTap Dancing on Paper
User Experience Outside the Square
User Experience professionals need to get their heads out of the computer screen and look at the bigger picture.
Tsunami Early Warning Information Graphic
When the recent 6 metre tsunami hit the Samoan region, killing 189 people, there unfortunately wasn’t time to warn their people. But there was time to warn their neighbours … MoreTsunami Early Warning Information Graphic
Tsunami of Confusion
The information graphics created to inform people on the Samoan tsunami about to hit New Zealand didn’t send a clear message. When disaster hits it spreads on the internet like … MoreTsunami of Confusion
Get Real!
Digital content should be there to enhance and extend an already compelling real-world experience, not replace, clutter or dominate it. … MoreGet Real!
Card Sorting Doesn’t Cut the Custard
Why I don’t use Card Sorting Card sorting is a simple technique in User Experience Design where a group of users are guided to arrange subject-headings under pre-determined categories … MoreCard Sorting Doesn’t Cut the Custard
11 Must-Follow Kiwi User Experience Evangelists on Twitter
Being down-under often means we are off the radar. But did you know that New Zealand is also brimming with UX (User Experience) evangelists? This is my list of Twitter … More11 Must-Follow Kiwi User Experience Evangelists on Twitter
Gimme Good Service
Those companies who wrap a service around their product are doing a roaring trade. … MoreGimme Good Service
Tabatha the Service Design Goddess
Business owners, service delivery managers, business analysts and user experience consultants could learn a lot from tacky reality TV shows like ‘Tabatha’s Salon Takeover’. The straight-talking Ozzie, Tabatha Coffey lends … MoreTabatha the Service Design Goddess
User Centred Design with Microsoft Expression
A presentation from my archives – many of the points made in these slides are still relevant today. A brief presentation I did at ‘Microsoft Expression for Art’s Sake‘ – … MoreUser Centred Design with Microsoft Expression
Power to the People!
A presentation from my archives – many of the points made in these slides are still relevant today. Extracts from a workshop at GOVIS 2007. This one-day intensive workshop taught … MorePower to the People!
Kids Clothing Online: Shopping Experience
A presentation from my archives – many of the points made in these slides are still relevant today. Extracts from a 2006 presentation to one of the world’s largest manufacturers … MoreKids Clothing Online: Shopping Experience
Notes From User Experience Week 2008
A presentation from my archives – many of the points made in these slides are still relevant today. Notes From User Experience Week 2008 from Zef Fugaz
Be Very Afraid…
With around 75% of New Zealand homes online that leaves about a million people who do still do not have access to the internet in this country. Worldwide an estimated … MoreBe Very Afraid…
People to the Power
The electricity industry is undergoing a revolution in New Zealand and overseas. Here’s a look at some of the latest activity…
Ze Frank: Hot or Not?
A big hit of Webstock was internet phenomenon and chief chef of Earth Sandwiches, Ze Frank. Ze Frank is an online performance artist, composer, humorist and public speaker based in … MoreZe Frank: Hot or Not?
Feeding the Suite Spot
The SUITE SPOT (as seen at Webstock) takes live data feeds from blogs, Twitter, Flickr and SMS messages then ‘repurposes’ all of this into an exploratory scene. The feeds might … MoreFeeding the Suite Spot
Where’s Your Suite Spot?
Who knew swimming with data could be such fun. In 2009 my employer, Click Suite, is a major sponsor of Webstock. Webstock is a series of workshops and seminars held … MoreWhere’s Your Suite Spot?
It’s Semantic
Throughout 2009 you’ll probably hear a lot of talk about the semantic web, aka “Web 3.0”. The semantic wave embraces previous stages of internet growth. The first stage, Web 1.0, … MoreIt’s Semantic
Don’t Mash the Method
Is ‘process’ the same as ‘method’? Many people seem confused. Does it matter? Sort of. It matters when your job is to take a look at how a company runs … MoreDon’t Mash the Method
Free UX Templates
Just over a year ago I took part in an amazing team competition called FullCodePress to build a website from the ground-up in 24hrs. Read all about it Since then … MoreFree UX Templates
Smokin Little Industries
Recently a few people have asked me why I haven’t formed my own User Experience company. I do think about it and it’s possible that one day I will. But … MoreSmokin Little Industries
MEGA LED
At Click Suite we’re researching the feasibility of an outdoor LED installation at a top secret location somewhere in Wellington. It’s in the early stages but what’s evident is that … MoreMEGA LED
What’s Your Strategy for the Downturnaround?
The seeds of the next big thing are being planted now. Are you getting ready to turn the downturn into an upturn? No-one yet knows what the new economy will … MoreWhat’s Your Strategy for the Downturnaround?
leftovers
It has been about six months since I changed jobs and now some of the projects my old team were working on at the time have started going public… This … Moreleftovers
‘Goggle Type’ exposed as fake
A modified typewriter touted as the original Google appliance is, in fact, a well-crafted fake, the Skeptics Society, Mr Vintage and a font expert says. The device, an object known … More‘Goggle Type’ exposed as fake
An interview with Jack Wyndham : Inventor of Goggle
Jack Wyndham invented the Goggle Chrome Appliance and founded the Milton Beekeeping Society. He talks with zef[a]media. You invented the Goggle Chrome Type Appliance? I came up with the idea … MoreAn interview with Jack Wyndham : Inventor of Goggle
Goggle and Google : Side by Side
With the “Goggle Type Appliance” making the TV3 Nightline news last night, many people have been asking “…so what’s the difference between Goggle and Google?” Here’s a side-by-side comparison of … MoreGoggle and Google : Side by Side
Inventor donates browser prototype to ‘Art with a Heart’
After my exclusive scoop last week created ripples on the internet, the original “Type Goggling Appliance” (one of just three prototypes) has been discovered on a dusty shelf at the … MoreInventor donates browser prototype to ‘Art with a Heart’
Google Chrome invented by beekeeper
The creation of this, and over 20 other art works, was made possible by
Click Suite supporting us by donating a day to “Art with a Heart”.
Theres more information at
Proceeds from this auction are going to Save the Children to support
our fundraising efforts as part of the 2008 Vietnam cycle challenge.
Thanks for supporting our cause by
– bid high, coz its all going to charity!
Gesturing Government
A lot of people I’ve been talking to recently are excited by the emergence of NUI (Natural User Interfaces), but are asking “Isn’t this just for gamers?” My immediate answer … MoreGesturing Government
Some Slides to Share
The presentation slides from the UPANZ Wellington Spring Event which took place yestersday – thanks to all who came along… Don’t Get GUI : Get NUI! View SlideShare presentation or … MoreSome Slides to Share
Don’t get GUI : Get NUI!
Have you been getting NUI recently? If you’ve ever used a touch screen then you’re well on the way to the brave new world of ‘Natural User Interfaces’. Well, that’s … MoreDon’t get GUI : Get NUI!
Stamps Licked?
You wouldn’t believe how hard it is to get a stamp for a postcard in San Francisco. Getting a postcard is the easy part. But buying stamps? They should make … MoreStamps Licked?
Flying like a Conchord
On my 12-hour flight to San Francisco, Air New Zealand offered a plethora of inflight entertainment including a grumpy hostess, movies, music and computer games. I’m one of those people … MoreFlying like a Conchord
Make that a double cona
Rex and I are off to the West Coast of the USA this weekend… I’ll be attending User Experience Week in San Francisco and Rex SIGGRAPH in Los Angeles. It … MoreMake that a double cona
Govt details HTML switch-off plans
Technology Minister Dave Cunlife, says the Government will announce a date for the turn-off of HTML websites by 2010 – or sooner, if uptake of rich media hits 55 per … MoreGovt details HTML switch-off plans
blogger blogs blogging
I’ve been contemplating if I should ditch my blog and vanish. What do you think? While my blog subscribers have halved in the past year, the other statistics indicate this … Moreblogger blogs blogging
Back to the Future
The time has come for a change and it is with some sadness to tell you that next week is my last at Provoke. It has been an invaluable experience … MoreBack to the Future
Quantum Theory Perplexes Information Hippies in Nelson
Brendon Ford and I have just returned from a miniature junket in Nelson to present the mechanics behind the award-winning intranet we worked on for the Ministry of Transport back … MoreQuantum Theory Perplexes Information Hippies in Nelson
Search Engine Not Starting!
I’m working on a new information architecture for a transport-related website. I’m presenting the first cut tomorrow and wondering if this one will get past the critics… Wouldn’t it be … MoreSearch Engine Not Starting!
sliding around
I’ve started uploading some of my presentations to SlideShare… Here’s the one from kiwi foocamp… Visualisation techniques for workshops where you need to get a consensus in the room … Moresliding around
who wants to save the world?
The Imagine Cup encourages young people to apply their imagination, passion and creativity to technology innovations that can make a difference in the world today. Now in its sixth year, … Morewho wants to save the world?
Seven Deadly Design Sins
Designers who don’t pick up on their users’ confusion to the environment in the interweb may be risking more than a fine – they may be putting their souls at … MoreSeven Deadly Design Sins
by jimi ! the critics have their say…
Tom Coates Rowan Smith Zef conjured a web persona into Jimi Hendrix before we knew what was happening. The real Hendrix was better (I was hoping for Star Spangled Banner) … Moreby jimi ! the critics have their say…
Getting it On! (@ Webstock 2008)
Thank goodness Webstock is over! Too much of a good thing can corrupt the senses… Photo by wasabicube On Jimi Was that pre-recorded? No Was that his real hair? Yes … MoreGetting it On! (@ Webstock 2008)
FullCodePress: User Experience Perspective
Occasionally I get emails asking about the (rapid) information architecture process I followed for FullCodePress last year. Steve Batey from Meld Consulting asks all the right questions and has … MoreFullCodePress: User Experience Perspective
We’re On the Front Seat!
Another little secret I’ve been sitting on for a while now (and can now reveal) is that Front Seat Media and Provoke Solutions have partnered to develop an innovative internet … MoreWe’re On the Front Seat!
Jakob’s Top 10 Provoked!
I’ve been hinting for a while that we had big news for 2008 : and now the word is out! Provoke – Project Management, Information Architecture, Implementation, Development. Capiche – … MoreJakob’s Top 10 Provoked!
It’s about the experience…
While Provoke has a golden reputation for being leaders in Microsoft-driven solutions, this doesn’t restrict our dUX (Design & User Experience) team from crafting an awesome experience for other technology … MoreIt’s about the experience…
provoke strikes again
Hang on a mo? Was that Mason ‘Chopper’ Pratt on the TV?
auckland spoolfly buys lulu
In case you’re wondering what I’ve been up to recently, here’s a quick update… Fly Buying The new site has a fresh visual design and an improved user experience. This … Moreauckland spoolfly buys lulu
We’re Finalists!
After years of hiding in the dark I’ve been recently making an effort to submit some of Provoke’s Design & User Experience work to industry publications and awards. One we … MoreWe’re Finalists!
re-Gathering
The Gathering was New Zealand’s biggest and best outdoor dance party, which was held every New Year for six years between 1996 and 2001. This is the first Gathering documentary … Morere-Gathering
How Robust?
I have a lot of respect for Jared Spool – but I almost choked when I received this invite… Building Robust Personas in 30 Days or Less Jared M. Spool, … MoreHow Robust?
Unravelling Visual Design
At Provoke we’re increasingly focussing on visual design and how this influences a user’s comprehension of content, interactivity and pathways. Moments before unravelling…Coming up with a nice-looking visual design usually … MoreUnravelling Visual Design
busy beavers
My design team at Provoke have been busy creating mayhem… Congrats to Alastair who picked up Silver at the Best Awards last week for his Social Ticketing concept… Isha (pictured … Morebusy beavers
Microsoft Awards Provoked
Provoke took top honours at Microsoft New Zealand’s partner awards last week… Provoke won both the premier award for ‘Partner Solution of the Year’ (for our work on the Ministry … MoreMicrosoft Awards Provoked
Gadget Neglect
Canon TX1 : Ingenious or insane – I’m not sure which…I’ve been so busy recently that my new (and first ever) digital camera sat unopened on my desk for 7 … MoreGadget Neglect
{press release} PROVOKE OPENS NORTH OF THE BOMBAYS
Provoke’s new Auckland office has just opened on the back of six years significant growth in the Wellington market. Provoke Auckland have already started working with a selection of new … More{press release} PROVOKE OPENS NORTH OF THE BOMBAYS
Crazy idea archives : part one
My perfect job would be sitting around sipping soy lattes and coming up with bright ideas for the next “killer app”. Now, from the archives of the legendary zef[a]media bondi … MoreCrazy idea archives : part one
reinventing dux
I’ve been reinventing the deliverables for the Design & User Experience (DUX) team at Provoke… The many facets of design and user experience – user requirements, business goals, content models, … Morereinventing dux
FullCodePress : The Aftermath
On Saturday 18 August 2007, teams from Australia and New Zealand competed to build a fully-operational website for a non-profit organisation in 24 hours. No excuses, no extensions, no budget … MoreFullCodePress : The Aftermath
FullCodePress : We Begin!
On Saturday 18 August 2007, teams from Australia and New Zealand will compete to build a fully-operational website for a non-profit organisation in 24 hours. No excuses, no extensions, no … MoreFullCodePress : We Begin!
FullCodePress : The Day Before
On Saturday 18 August 2007, teams from Australia and New Zealand will compete to build a fully-operational website for a non-profit organisation in 24 hours. No excuses, no extensions, no … MoreFullCodePress : The Day Before
FullCodePress : Getting There
On Saturday 18 August 2007, teams from Australia and New Zealand will compete to build a fully-operational website for a non-profit organisation in 24 hours. No excuses, no extensions, no … MoreFullCodePress : Getting There
geeks gearing up for website olympics
It\’s not often that the geeks get to represent their country in a team sport. That\’s an honour usually reserved for the rugby types, the netballers, and the all-round action … Moregeeks gearing up for website olympics
Provoke chief wins (another) award
Mason (‘Mase’) Pratt, chief executive of Provoke Solutions, has has been named NZIM/Eagle Technology young executive of the year. How young? Well, he’s first boss I’ve had who is younger … MoreProvoke chief wins (another) award
Press Release: Kiwi team gears up for Geek Olympics
On Saturday 18 August 2007, web teams from Australia and New Zealand will compete in Sydney to build a fully-operational website for a non-profit organisation in 24 hours.The All Blacks … MorePress Release: Kiwi team gears up for Geek Olympics
smatterings
No, this isn’t the name of my latest usability technique, but a ‘smattering’ of news from the frontline here at New Zealand’s toastiest Interaction Design kitchen… Kitchen? Why yes… Provoke’s … Moresmatterings
I’m Full Code Press Ahead!
The wait is finally over! The following names from both teams were drawn from a hat*: The Australian team: Marla Mitelman – Project manager Ruth Ellison – User experience /IA … MoreI’m Full Code Press Ahead!
When Greens Go Bad
I’m surrounded by brand new Prius’ in traffic. My neighbours have installed solar panels. Organic food is now trendy. Can I afford to be “green” anymore? THEN (the past 20+ … MoreWhen Greens Go Bad
Blobbing-Up Users
We’ve been going all gooey over ‘blob charts’ – our answer to persona data analysis – a godsend when faced with dozens of interview transcriptions and observations. When analysing users … MoreBlobbing-Up Users
We’ve Been Skin’n
The Provoke Design & User Experience team had some fun last week when we were given the opportunity to design some ‘skins’ for a beta of the new Sharepoint Community … MoreWe’ve Been Skin’n
Feedback from Power to the People
Apologies to my regular subscribers – I’m not keeping pace with my goal of two blogs a week. Part of the reason is the return of my dj turntables (I … MoreFeedback from Power to the People
Good News Zealand
I’m going a little off topic from ‘User Experience in IT’ this week to user experiences of a different sort… It has been an interesting week for New Zealand with … MoreGood News Zealand
Reflections on Power to the People
Today I co-presented a full day workshop at GOVIS 2007 here in Wellington. I didn’t think I’d make it having spent the last few days in bed with an aggressive … MoreReflections on Power to the People
stuck in a reality distortion field
If you haven’t heard from me in recent weeks it’s because I’m stupidly busy, and when I get extra busy I often end up in a strange ‘reality distortion field’ … Morestuck in a reality distortion field