Amazon.com
Usability design is one of the most important--yet often least attractive--tasks for a Web developer. In Don't Make Me Think, author Steve Krug lightens up the subject with good humor and excellent, to-the-point examples.
The title of the book is its chief personal design premise. All of the tips, techniques, and examples presented revolve around users being able to surf merrily through a well-designed site with minimal cognitive strain. Readers will quickly come to agree with many of the book's assumptions, such as "We don't read pages--we scan them" and "We don't figure out how things work--we muddle through." Coming to grips with such hard facts sets the stage for Web design that then produces topnotch sites.
Using an attractive mix of full-color screen shots, cute cartoons and diagrams, and informative sidebars, the book keeps your attention and drives home some crucial points. Much of the content is devoted to proper use of conventions and content layout, and the "before and after" examples are superb. Topics such as the wise use of rollovers and usability testing are covered using a consistently practical approach.
This is the type of book you can blow through in a couple of evenings. But despite its conciseness, it will give you an expert's ability to judge Web design. You'll never form a first impression of a site in the same way again. --Stephen W. Plain
Topics covered:
- User patterns
- Designing for scanning
- Wise use of copy
- Navigation design
- Home page layout
- Usability testing
Book Description
Five years and more than 100,000 copies after it was first published, it's hard to imagine anyone working in Web design who hasn't read Steve Krug's "instant classic" on Web usability, but people are still discovering it every day. In this second edition, Steve adds three new chapters in the same style as the original: wry and entertaining, yet loaded with insights and practical advice for novice and veteran alike. Don't be surprised if it completely changes the way you think about Web design.
Three New Chapters!
- Usability as common courtesy -- Why people really leave Web sites
- Web Accessibility, CSS, and you -- Making sites usable and accessible
- Help! My boss wants me to ______. -- Surviving executive design whims
"I thought usability was the enemy of design until I read the first edition of this book. Don't Make Me Think! showed me how to put myself in the position of the person who uses my site. After reading it over a couple of hours and putting its ideas to work for the past five years, I can say it has done more to improve my abilities as a Web designer than any other book.
In this second edition, Steve Krug adds essential ammunition for those whose bosses, clients, stakeholders, and marketing managers insist on doing the wrong thing. If you design, write, program, own, or manage Web sites, you must read this book." -- Jeffrey Zeldman, author of Designing with Web Standards
Customer Reviews:
eye-opening analysis.......2007-10-07
I'm not a designer and I would by nature make many of the mistakes Krug points out in this great book. Krug's reasoning and reasoned approach that he presents in this book is invaluable.
Fantastic - Easy to Understand and Use.......2007-10-06
This book on internet usability has not only changed the way I design websites, it has changed my thinking on many areas of life. The other day I was asked to review a print media item and I kept saying to the designer - "Don't Make Me Think!" The idea of designing easy to use, simple to understand websites is so simple that it is often overlooked. This is a fantastic read. I'm halfway through my second reading of it.
Mandatory reading for developing on the Web.......2007-09-28
As it promises, Steve Krug's Don't Make Me Think: 2nd Edition, is a quick, but extremely usable, guide to Web usability and design. The book took me less than a day to read (less than 3 hours), but has become, in my mind, a requirement for even beginners (like myself) of Web design. Since everyone who develops for the Web should have some idea of design and usability, this book should really be a mandatory requirement for said work.
In short, there's no reason not to read this book if you're developing for the Web (writing content, programming, etcetera), or working with a team that does so.
Good content, poor binding.......2007-09-27
Others have said that Krug's book (2nd edition) is for those with little experience. That is exactly why I found it so useful. There are lots of concepts that are common sense, sure. But until they were pointed out I had not even considered them. His point about the usefulness of tabs was particularly useful to me. I am creating a site now and will incorporate them into my design.
My only complaint is with the binding. The book was so poorly produced that pages began to loosen and fall out before I was finished with the first reading. I am now looking for a big rubber band to hold everything together. I just hate it when that happens.
Simple--Concise--Easy to Read.......2007-09-27
As an owner of two online businesses I found this book to clarify and outline what most owners and developers fail to understand...which is usability / navigation of their sites..this book nails it. A must read for anyone involved in managing of paying for a web site. JLW.
Book Description
For over 70 years, Architectural Graphic Standards has been the bedrock design reference for generations of architects, builders and engineers. Now comes the most complete design tool yet--the completely updated and expanded Tenth Edition. You'll find a wealth of information, complete with 10,000 drawings.
Customer Reviews:
Achitectual Graphic Standards.......2007-08-27
The reprsentation was not clear this is a reproduction of a 1935 published book. This is not usefull in todays building enviroment.
I find it indispensable........2007-07-05
A must have for anyone working or having an interest in architecture. As a companion to the current edition, it provides guidelines for laying out domestic serving pantries and other forgotten features. Should one wish, it also provides superior graphics as models for fixture symbols.
excellent book.......2007-05-13
I am a Civil Engineer ( 25 years of design ) and I have found this book excellent. I have worked with the previous edition and the new one is more complete. Is a a book rich of details useful for the profession.
Great Guide for Construction Designs........2007-05-13
This book has a great deal of information about anything you would need to know for designing.
Very Pleased.......2007-03-12
We received the book in a timely fashion, and in excellent condition.
We are always satisfied with everything we have ever gotten from Amazon!!
Thanks guys!
Book Description
Photoshop is one of those programs that's so cool you just want to dive right in and start creating–but by plunging in head-first, without any guidance, you're likely to miss a lot. There's a solution: With this book, you learn by doing, getting your feet wet immediately as you progress through a series of hands-on projects that build on your growing Photoshop knowledge. Simple step-by-step instructions, review questions at the end of each chapter, and a companion CD with all of the book's project files make learning a breeze as the Adobe Creative Team takes you on a self-paced tour of the image-editing powerhouse. This bestselling guide has been completely revised to cover all of Photoshop CS2's new features, which include advanced tools for digital photographers, such as a new Spot Healing Brush for correcting scratches or blemishes, and Smart Sharpen for fixing photo blurring. Photoshop CS2 also includes loads of new creative tools, such as Vanishing Point and Image Warp. This comprehensive guide starts with an introductory tour of the software and then progresses on through lessons on everything from Photoshop's interface to more complex topics like color management, Web graphics, and photo retouching.
Customer Reviews:
The Title Says It all.......2007-08-17
If you want to go back to your school days and have no interaction with the subject matter then this book is OK. But to work on your photos and learn what you want to do to them forget it. Way to structured, more suited to a textbook in a real class room where you can ask the teacher "how do I do this", forget it.
UGH! Frustrating and too project driven........2007-08-06
I imagine this book would be fine for someone who has never used Photoshop, and just wants to be walked through a tiny bit of the program. This was a required text for a graphics class on electronic imagery, and I found it to be frustratingly limiting, to say the least.
For instance, one project has you going into a folder to access the background and other images for a collage. This is fine if that is what you want to do, but what if you want to find your own background, add your own images, or heaven forbid, explore some of the possibilities with the huge selection of tools Photoshop offers? This book covers just a tiny portion of a drop in the proverbial bucket, and I found myself supplementing this text with SEVERAL other books, as it is a very "think inside the box" kind of text. There are a myriad of ways to do things within the Photoshop program. (Just one of the great joys, in my opinion, of working with Photoshop) I don't believe this book in any way, shape, or form, relays that to the reader.
If you are looking for a good introductory text for Photoshop, keep looking! This one is sadly lacking!
Nice.......2007-07-05
This is an excellent product for any beginner. I had no clue about CS2 until I started this book. This should be in your library if you're using CS2
Adobe Photoshop CS2 Classroom in a Book.......2007-06-10
This book is the worst photoshop book I have ever used! In almost evey lesson he leaves out intructions. He acts like you did the lesson before. He does eveything the hard way. I hate this book and I would not give it a star. It takes forever to finish and I have to go to my NAPP help to do it the right way. I have not learned anything from this book. Don't buy it. Deb
Amazing.......2007-06-09
Along with the disc, the step-by-step instructions to do certain exercises, is just what I needed!!! This book was a requirement for school, and I know I'll be using it for a VERY long time to come!!!
Book Description
The market-leading text for the art history survey course, GARDNER'S ART THROUGH THE AGES has served as a comprehensive and thoughtfully crafted guide to the defining phases of the world's artistic tradition. With this book in hand, thousands of students have watched the story of art unfold in its full historical, social, religious, economic, and cultural context, and thus deepened their understanding of art, architecture, painting, and sculpture. By virtue of its comprehensive coverage, strong emphasis on context, and rich, accurate art reproductions, GARDNER'S ART THROUGH THE AGES has earned and sustained a reputation of excellence and authority. So much so, that in 2001, the Text and Academic Authors Association awarded both the McGuffey and the "Texty" Book Prizes to the Eleventh Edition of the text. It is the first art history book to win either award and the only title ever to win both prizes in one year. The Twelfth Edition maintains and exceeds the richness of the Gardner legacy with updated research and scholarship and an even more beautiful art program featuring more color images than any other art history book available. The Twelfth Edition features such enhancements as more color photographs, a stunning new design, and the most current research and scholarship. What's more, the expanded ancillary package that accompanies GARDNER'S ART THROUGH THE AGES, features a wealth of tools to enhance your students' experience in the course. With each new copy of the book, students receive a copy of the ArtStudy 2.0 CD-ROM--an interactive electronic study aid that fully integrates with the Twelfth Edition and includes hundreds of high-quality digital images, plus maps, quizzes, and more.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent book that covers art through the ages!.......2007-09-13
I purchased this book for a class; Ancient Art history. This book really is beautiful. Most of my textbooks I would resale once my class ended, but I definitely plan on keeping this one. The authors did a great job of giving high level overviews and thorough descriptions for each work; both in artistic form and historical context. I would highly recommend this book for both art enthusiasts and students.
Excellent pictures but not quite reliable text.......2007-08-07
The main strength of this book are the pictures - most of them in colour and all of superb quality. To each picture corresponds a section in the text which describes the displayed work in a vivid and informative way, cultivating the reader's ability to look at art, understand and appreciate it. Another excellent feature are the "boxes", containing e.g. a description of an artistic technique or an excerpt from an original written source.
However, questions arise when it comes to more general parts of the text, e.g. chapter introductions aimed at conveying a broad picture of art and society of the epoque. Simplifications are expected, but they shouldn't be misleading - here are just some examples of the contrary: it's not correct to include Merovigians among the barbarian tribes (Goths, Franks, ...) that invaded the Roman empire! This is absent in the 11th edition but present in the 12th. Or, one cannot say that the Treaty of Westphalia granted religious freedom in Europe: that freedom mostly applied only to the local sovereigns, while their subjects were forced, sometimes quite brutally, to follow the religion of their boss. The Centre Pompidou in Paris is not quite a place of "popular entertainment", etc.
Conceptually, the book follows a certain point of view, emphasizing e.g. the question of gendre - the reader learns, for instance, that the communities in ancien Grece were dominated by "white males" ... The authors have also decided to include some works which are not generally accepted as art - but is an introductory textbook like this a good place to redefine the notion of art?
In summary, if you want in the first place to enjoy splendid pictures described in revealing yet understandable terms, go for this book. If you are looking for a more solid and reliable information, look somewhere else.
Gardner's Art Through the Ages (with ArtStudy Student CD-ROM and InfoTrac ).......2007-06-29
Wonderful Art History textbook. Very comprehensive. CD-ROM quite useful. Used this text for Advanced Placement Art History course in high school for 2006-2007 school year. Liked the book so much I purchased one from Amazon in May. The copy I bought is bound upside down (the cover is upside down compared to the text inside).
Solid Choice.......2007-06-08
Gardner's Art Through the ages covers a lot of material. The writing is clear though at times stilted. The images on the CD-ROM are beautiful and the link to the website with quizzes was even useful. However, my professor warned us repeatedly not to trust the information too much. As the text needs to cover a lot of ground there are sometimes errors and simplifications. That said, I enjoy the book immensely and find it suits the purposes of a survey text very well.
Great Learning Tool!!.......2007-05-15
I bought this book for an art history class I was taking and planned to sell it after the class. But I was really impressed with the details and photos and the true 'learner friendly' quality. The CD is an amazing tool! I learned more from this book than all three of my art history classes combined. Great for Art Students and Art Lovers!
Amazon.com
Good software starts with a good design, and the subtitle of Applying UML and Patterns, "An Introduction to Object-Oriented Analysis and Design (OOA/D) and the Unified Process" reinforces that that's what this book is about.
The first edition of Applying UML and Patterns became a standard. The second edition uses the unified process (UP) as the iterative process within which OOA/D is introduced, and extends the case study used in the first edition. Other changes have been made to reflect the growing consensus on the most effective ways to work with OOA/D and patterns.
Although you will learn UML, this isn't what Applying UML and Patterns is all about. It's designed to teach you to think of software as a collection of objects with properties and to manipulate the relationships between them. This is far more profound.
The case study enables Craig Larman to carry the design through to Java code. In practice, you will need a basic understanding of OO programming to benefit from Applying UML and Patterns, though you needn't know Java--you can implement the designs in the OO language of your choice with equal facility.
When it comes right down to it, Applying UML and Patterns is all about providing you with a language in which to think about software design. This is quite different from learning a language in which to code a design.
A facility with OOA/D will enable you to design and discuss programs independent of code, to produce more elegant and maintainable software, and to take a 30,000-foot view of the way your software interacts with the world. In effect, it can shift your viewpoint from that of a mechanic to that more sophisticated viewpoint of an engineer. Recommended. --Steve Patient. Amazon.co.uk
Book Description
“People often ask me which is the best book to introduce them to the world of OO design. Ever since I came across it, `Applying UML and Patterns' has been my unreserved choice.” —Martin Fowler, author, “UML Distilled” and “Refactoring”
The first edition of “Applying UML and Patterns: An Introduction to Object-Oriented Analysis and Design” quickly emerged as the leading OOA/D introduction; translated to many languages and adopted in universities and businesses worldwide. In this second edition, well-known object technology and iterative methods leader Craig Larman refines and expands this text for developers and students new to OOA/D, the UML, patterns, use cases, iterative development, and related topics.
The book helps newcomers to OOA/D learn how to “think in objects” by presenting three iterations of a single, cohesive case study, incrementally introducing the requirements and OOA/D activities, principles, and patterns that are most critical to success. It introduces the most frequently used UML diagramming notation, while emphasizing that OOA/D is much more than knowing UML notation. All case study iterations and skills are presented in the context of an “agile” version of the Unified Process -- a popular, modern iterative approach to software development. Throughout, Larman presents the topics in a fashion designed for learning and comprehension.
Among the topics introduced in Applying UML and Patterns are: * requirements and use cases, * domain object modeling, * core UML, * designing objects with responsibilities, * “Gang of Four” and other design patterns, * mapping designs to code (using Java as an example), * layered architectures, * architectural analysis, * package design, * iterative development, * the Unified Process.Foreword by Philippe Kruchten, the lead architect of the Rational Unified Process.
“Too few people have a knack for explaining things. Fewer still have a handle on software analysis and design. Craig Larman has both.” —John Vlissides, author, “Design Patterns” and “Pattern Hatching”
“This edition contains Larman's usual accurate and thoughtful writing. It is a very good book made even better.” —Alistair Cockburn, author, “Writing Effective Use Cases” and “Surviving OO Projects”
Customer Reviews:
A great reference, had to get the UML 2.0 edition.......2007-10-06
I found the previous edition 5 years ago, and completely marked it up. This book was instrumental in passing the OOAD test certification.
I continued recommending this book to my colleagues.
Then found the UML 2.0 edition, and plan on using this book as much as I did.
First book for anyone learning to create business software.......2007-08-11
Craig Larman's classic has reach 10 years of prime position on my professional book shelf, the 1st edition now replaced with the 3rd. Whenever anyone asks for an introduction to UML, this is always my first recommendation. Though the book focusses on software construction from scratch, it still contains much brilliant guidance for enhancement work or implementation of software packages.
This book takes you in a logical, distilled process through pragmatic application of Unified Modelling Language on real projects for which people pay. Of course the examples are simple, but relevant and helpful. The book is chock full of diagrams and little text, which makes it quick to read and easy for reference.
You could do little wrong if you used only this book to guide your first application of UML to a real project.
Review of Applying UML and Patterns: An Introduction to Object-Oriented Analysis and Design and Iterative Development (3rd Editi.......2007-07-19
I have 30 years in the industry (and in different industries in IS management) and one thing I dislike is the author's persistence do down-grade the waterfall or modified waterfall models. He should be more objective on his comments since the waterfall and modified waterfall do have their merits on projects -- refer to "Rapid Development, Training Wild Software Schedules" by Steve McConnell, Microsoft Press, ISBN 1-55615-900-5. I have used them very successfully on big programs. The key here is, with any model, in order to be successful you need quality communications with ALL stakeholders. Just like in our personal life's, communications is everything; the models can be secondary.
The author should also strictly follow the attributes of writing good requirements. On page 72, he wrote for "frequency of occurrence", "Could be nearly continuous". Now, I ask, how ambiguous is that????
The single best book for your OO development team.......2007-07-06
As others have pointed out, the content on OO analysis and design is excellent. Equally important - Larman's book is also an excellent on "process".
Unlike many books that simply focus only on "programming", Larman gives you a working examples and excellent advice on overlapping fields like "requirements", "testing", "architecture" and "project management".
Craig Larman's "Applying UML and Patterns, 3rd Ed" is a wealth of practical advise, covering *all* significant aspects of successfully defining and implementing a non-trivial software project. If your team were to choose only one book as your "Bible" - this would be that book.
Excellent Work!.......2007-04-23
As pointed out by many, this book is a very nice introduction to Object Oriented Analysis and Design. The author's explanations were very clear. This book covers agile practices, UML, many patterns including Gang of Four (GoF), and software architecture. Overall I really enjoyed reading this book. From an industry standpoint as well as an academic standpoint, I believe this book does an excellent job. This book will be part of my library for a long time to come. Highly recommended.
Book Description
You're not alone.
At any given moment, somewhere in the world someone struggles with the same software design problems you have. You know you don't want to reinvent the wheel (or worse, a flat tire), so you look to Design Patterns--the lessons learned by those who've faced the same problems. With Design Patterns, you get to take advantage of the best practices and experience of others, so that you can spend your time on...something else. Something more challenging. Something more complex. Something more fun.
You want to learn about the patterns that matter--why to use them, when to use them, how to use them (and when NOT to use them). But you don't just want to see how patterns look in a book, you want to know how they look "in the wild". In their native environment. In other words, in real world applications. You also want to learn how patterns are used in the Java API, and how to exploit Java's built-in pattern support in your own code.
You want to learn the real OO design principles and why everything your boss told you about inheritance might be wrong (and what to do instead). You want to learn how those principles will help the next time you're up a creek without a design pattern.
Most importantly, you want to learn the "secret language" of Design Patterns so that you can hold your own with your co-worker (and impress cocktail party guests) when he casually mentions his stunningly clever use of Command, Facade, Proxy, and Factory in between sips of a martini. You'll easily counter with your deep understanding of why Singleton isn't as simple as it sounds, how the Factory is so often misunderstood, or on the real relationship between Decorator, Facade and Adapter.
With Head First Design Patterns, you'll avoid the embarrassment of thinking Decorator is something from the "Trading Spaces" show. Best of all, in a way that won't put you to sleep! We think your time is too important (and too short) to spend it struggling with academic texts.
If you've read a Head First book, you know what to expect--a visually rich format designed for the way your brain works. Using the latest research in neurobiology, cognitive science, and learning theory, Head First Design Patterns will load patterns into your brain in a way that sticks. In a way that lets you put them to work immediately. In a way that makes you better at solving software design problems, and better at speaking the language of patterns with others on your team.
Customer Reviews:
Not All That.......2007-10-10
The authors miss the point on pg 139 in their description of Dependency Inversion. They say, "It suggests that our high level components should not depend on our low level components; rather they should both depend on abstractions". The real point of the pattern, if you read Robert Martin original description of the pattern, Agile Principles, Patterns, and Practices in C# (Robert C. Martin Series), is that neither should depend on the other. No concrete dependency and no abstract dependency; independent. The description these authors offer does not describe dependency inversion; it instead displays the weakness of dependency on abstractions Mr Martin wrote about in his original description of the pattern. The only dependency should be the object(s) or data passed between them but the authors fail to make this point. Mr Martin's book is brilliant.
Excellent Intro.......2007-10-07
Easy to read and follow.
All the examples are in Java and I'm not a Java programmer, but I can understand the examples.
This books is not a pattern catalog. Only the fundamental patterns are presented.
An excellent place to start learning about design patterns.
Love it or Hate it and I hate it.......2007-10-03
I just felt the strong urge to write a review. I usually don't write reviews. My opinion about this book is either you will love it a lot or hate it to the core. I hated it. Their writing style is not conventional. So please go to a book store and read a few pages and see if you like this style of writing. Even though when I first read, I thought I liked it, I realized I don't like this style of writing for a technical book
Excellent learning style.......2007-09-26
I think the book is great for learning what it was written to teach. I found it easy to read and stay in its pages for a longer period of time. If you've read computer related books you know what I'm talking about. I would definitely recommend this book if you ware getting into design patterns and want to get a rock solid foundation. One consideration though, you really need to know something about Java or C#. If you are completely unfamiliar with OOP languages altogether, you might want to tackle that subject before this one.
Theory AND Practicality!.......2007-09-25
I flipped through this book to get a feel for how it will differ from other design patterns works. I immediately realized that the authors are taking a very accessible approach to teaching readers about patterns.
On an individual basis, the text is very accessible. It is written in an easy-to-read style. Instead of avoiding technical jargon, the text improves understanding and retention by coupling technical terms with humorous anecdotes and quips. This approach gives the feeling that design patterns are within reach (and they are) of even readers new to the concepts. It also serves as a built-in mnemonic tool.
The structure of pattern delivery seems to be intentional as well. In the rare case where a pattern is referenced without yet being described, it is almost always in the context of how the current pattern will prove useful in other scenarios. As such, the reader never feels lost. In fact, quite the opposite affect occurs. Readers should feel like they are following a logical approach to learning patterns.
Although it may seem, from the above comments, that the book is elementary, I assure you that even seasoned developers will find the book useful. Even if you know the material extremely well, you may find that the authors' descriptions are useful when teaching junior developers on your teams.
The book layout, like the rest of the book, is broad-reaching. Obviously, it is an instructional work. More than that, however, the book is also a teaching tool. It can easily be adapted by educators and trainers for classroom-style and one-on-one teaching. The book also serves as a workbook. There are exercises and notes pages throughout each chapter. Finally, the book serves me as a reference work as well. If I remember the gist of a pattern but not the specifics, it is easy to find examples and canonical references.
I absolutely love this style. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to learn patterns, refresh their existing patterns knowledge, or just take in a proverbial "breath of fresh air" to the stiff writing style of other books covering complex topics. I also feel that any of the "Head First" books are worth consideration. They provide accessible formats that promote learning.
I have to close this review by concurring with the authors in their note to the "Gang of Four". Seriously, when are we going to see another book? :)
Book Description
Building on the proven pedagogy of its predecessors, Systems Analysis and Design, Sixth Edition presents a clear introduction to systems analysis and design. Students will find concepts easy-to-understand through the clear writing style and full-color figures that illustrated current technology and trends.
Customer Reviews:
Not very good for a new comer.......2006-09-08
This book does contain some good information. The problem, however, is that it is not easy to read or follow. This book contains too many non useful graphics and not enough detailed examples. In other words it's real pretty. At the end of each chapter there are Case Studies for the students. In many cases the book did not give enough information on how to complete them properly. I often found myself searching the internet to find answers. This book might be good for someone that has worked as an IT professional. As a new comer, however, I wouldn't recommend it. I'm going to search for a better book.
Great delivery response time........2006-03-23
The item was shipped promptly and arrived in great condition. Thanks so much for the timely shipping, as the text was used for spring semester at school.
I have not received the product yet.......2005-10-02
I think the process is too slow. I have not received the product since I paid it a month ago. Since there's some statement says it would take 6 weeks, I will wait until that day.
Good overview of SAD but not good for serious SAD study.......2004-07-05
For beginners to Systems Analysis & Design I would recommend this textbook, however do not rely on this for a serious study of Systems Analysis & Design. This book is easy to read, but the "This technique is so great, note - there are some disadvantages" can get annoying at times. Maybe this book could be used as an overview of SAD for managers. Also, the Student Study Guide provided on CD-ROM with the text is not useful for quick review of the text for an exam as each chapter takes up 80 slides and each review of each chapter takes a while to read.
Comprehensive Introduction.......2004-06-20
Ok, firstly this book has excellent presentation and pedagogy. Somebody took some serious care to ensure this book is visually pleasing and well organized. It contains a CD-rom with summaries of each chapter as well as well as weblinks, glossaries of each chapter and chapter outlines. There are no design tools CASE tools however.
Content: This book is a very good introduction to systems analysis and design: the operative word being INTRODUCTION. It paints a very broad picture in reasonable detail. There are enough examples and explanation to be able to extrapolate how to do very basic structured systems analysis. Object oriented analysis on the other hand while covered, is done so in a fairly rudimentary manner (in a toolkit- ie. appendix- rather than in the body of the book). This book is less about the mechanics of how and more about the why and why not and what you're likely to need before you do do some systems analysis. Personally I think the book by WHitten (isbn 0072552360) provides more bang for your buck in that it covers functional decomposition, functional primitives, decision tables, databases, ERDs, prototyping, OO analysis and design in greater depth and with more reality and for significantly less money. WHitten is far less accessible though, the price of being far more technical than this one- and it is fairly old now. This book is very accessible, but that comes at the cost of content. If you want deeper how-to, try Whitten...if you want a easier overview then try this. However the price is quite significant for this book.
Pedagogy wise, this book is very good. Lots of pratical examples and expositions of real life situations, review questions (no answers) directions to a web site to chase down further understanding and knowledge. A case study permeates the book which makes it very accessible because the case study I found was interesting and quite 'likely'. The toolkits (ie. appendices) are quite interesting, if somewhat 'lite'. To me, they seemed more of a checklist and point of reference than a substantive learning source.
So, in all, a nice, neat book, if rather expensive though. Look at it if you're looking for a broad overview and/or a jumping off point for systems analysis and design. ELsewhere may provide you with work of a more concrete, down to brass-tacks (leveling) nature. It can also serve as a reasonable adjunct to a more technical text, to clarify concepts and provide a philosophical overview of systems analysis and design as well as clarifying some concepts in a clear, concise way. It probably won't teach you 'deep thought' systems analysis and design however.
Average customer rating:
- Very Well Written; Awkward Size
- Add to your Reference
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Practical Research: Planning and Design (8th Edition)
Paul D. Leedy , and
Jeanne Ellis Ormrod
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Fifth Edition
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Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (2nd Edition)
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Fixing Intelligence: For a More Secure America, Second Edition (Yale Nota Bene)
ASIN: 0131108956 |
Book Description
Written in uncommonly engaging, lucid, and elegant prose, this book is an âunderstand-it-yourself, do-it-yourselfâ manual designed to help readers understand the fundamental structure of quality research and the methodical process that leads to genuinely significant results.
It guides the reader, step-by-step, from the selection of a problem to study, through the process of conducting authentic research, to the preparation of a completed report, with practical suggestions based on a solid theoretical framework and sound pedagogy. This book will show readers two things: 1) that quality research demands planning and design; and, 2) how their own research projects can be executed effectively and professionally.
For researchers and research analysts in any discipline.
Customer Reviews:
Very Well Written; Awkward Size.......2007-06-11
Excellent choice for a short (6-week) graduate research and report writing course. Extremely well written: doesn't put me to sleep immediately and succinctly conveys concepts. Extensive bibliography at the end of each chapter.
Only two observed drawbacks: price and physical size. While I know that (almost) all students think that their textbooks are overpriced, I don't quite understand how a new 8.5 x 11 inch paperback text, running 324 pages, with few line-art illustrations and no photographs or images, and 2 color text should be priced in the $80 range?
The size, 8.5 x 11 inches, as a paperback makes the book awkward for reading in an easy chair or when in bed.
Add to your Reference.......2007-03-08
This book was a require text in one of my research classes during my graduate studies. Its very easy to read, follow and understand. If you are student beginning your graduate studies, I would highly recommend you add this book to your reference.
Helpful guide.......2006-07-27
Although I've written many research papers, I found this book to be a great guide to help me 'fill in' the missing pieces in my work. It provides useful guidelines in all phases of research writing, from picking the right topic to statistical techniques.
Practical Research Book Review.......2006-02-02
Great book, it is very easy to follow and understand. It provides great samples and guides on how to do a research paper. I certainly would recommend it to anyone that needs help or guidance on research project writing.
Required Reading.......2005-09-10
Practical Research actually is required reading for my Ph.D. Since it is a text book is does cost a lot. It was the same price at Amazon as it would have been to order it through my university. However, the shipping was free with Amazon, so I came out ahead. The book is well written, in plain English. The advice is practical. Some of the advice about using technology is a bit behind the times, but that is to be expected. The font size is small, but this would not be a problem for most people under 40.
Book Description
How often have you wished you had access to the team behind your favorite software--in this case, Adobe Illustrator--so that you could really pick their brains about all of its coolest features? With this book, you do. In these pages, the Adobe Creative Team gives you a guided tour of the graphics powerhouse, Adobe Illustrator CS2. Best of all, it does so at your pace. Whether your beautifully designed graphics end up in print, the Web, broadcast video, or even cell phone displays, this book shows you how to get them there--easily, elegantly, and efficiently. You'll find step-by-step, project-based lessons in all of Illustrator's key features, including those that are new to CS2: Live Trace, Illustrator’s powerful bitmap-to-vector tracing tool; Live Paint, a revolutionary paint tool that lets you apply color to vector graphics intuitively and easily; the new Control Palette, which makes tools easier to locate and select, the Adobe Bridge file browser, tighter integration with Photoshop CS2, and more. Each chapter contains a project that builds on your growing knowledge of the program, while the companion CD includes all the files you need to complete the book's lessons.
Customer Reviews:
Low rating not product, but Amazon crappy service!.......2007-10-03
Two different orders made on same day, Amazon charged me for product twice and sent me two copies of the book I had ordered. I despise overseas customer service! Could not understand them, period! Website said they would not need verification of my account since I had contacted them through the website, Wrong! I am curious I they were dinking around or if the website is wrong. I do not trust them now with my information. Second attempt got english speaking person, maybe American, but seemed the be standoff-ish as if they could tell I had called before. Said my problem could have been a cookie that was on my computer from the Amazon website and this was why the item was sent twice. Given a couple of drawn out solutions. Very frustrating! Found link to send book back to Amazon as a wrong ordered item. I was not given this option on the phone. I want them to have their property back and I want it done quick so I don't have to pay interest on the charge on my account for this item. Absolute nightmare! I could have bought local, saved money and my time! I'll go elsewhere!!!!
SEE SPOT RUN.......2007-09-29
I signed up for a computer graphics illustrator class at the college and after the first week almost dropped out. A friend sugested I buy ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR CLASSROOM IN A BOOK. With the aid of the book I learned the program, applied my creative skills, completed the class with an A grade. The ADOBE CLASSROOM IN A BOOK series has been a real help to me.
Great Book.......2007-09-22
I really like this book because it helped me learn new things that wasn't taught in school. I which I had bought this book and others like it before I spent so much money going to graphic design school online.
If you are interested in learning graphic design, get this book.
Thorough, Easy to Follow.......2007-09-14
This books gives a very thorough walk-through of Illustrator CS2. If you already have knowledge of other design software, or have lightly used Illustrator previously, the chapters are set up in a methodical manner that are easy to follow and cover all of the options available in this powerful software. The book comes with a CD containing practice files, which further enhances the learning experience.
Over the past year I had taught myself how to use Illustrator, but going through this book has completely raised my level of expertise.
It does help if you are not a complete novice, but if you are, you will learn everything you need to know to create vector art.
Good Intro to CS2.......2007-09-09
I have CS2 and found this to be a solid introduction to the basics of this complicated program. Much in the tradition of the Photoshop7 book. Do every lesson 2-3 times if you are new to Photoshop.
Book Description
The tools needed to create and manage a thriving interior design practice
This essential sourcebook provides all of the information needed to establish and manage a productive, profitable interior design firm. Filled with savvy business and career advice, Professional Practice for Interior Designers, Third Edition delivers updated and expanded coverage of the full range of legal, financial, management, marketing, administrative, and ethical issues faced by sole practitioners, firm principals, and managers.
This comprehensive reference lays out clear, practical guidelines on how to structure a contract and prevent legal problems; work with other designers, allied professionals, clients, and vendors; and calculate fees that are both fair and profitable. Recommended reading for NCIDQ candidates, it offers easy-to-follow tips and instruction on how to:
- Write and implement a successful business plan
- Choose the right form of business to fit specific needs
- Institute strategic planning
- Develop effective promotional tools
- Manage finances and set up a computerized accounting system
- Manage employees and team members
Establishing a comprehensive foundation for effective business practice, Professional Practice for Interior Designers, Third Edition is the one-stop resource that no interior designer can afford to be without.
Customer Reviews:
Read before you practice.......2005-09-23
I have practiced interior design for over 20 years and still found this book to be invaluable. The information about legal ramifications and insurance coverage was enlightening but also sobering. It's a must read for any design firm principal or freelance designer.
Get It!.......2004-07-03
This book reads like a friend whispering all the good advice and secrets of the interior design business in your ear. I wish my Professional Practices class had used this text. It's a lot of information but Christine Piotrowski truly takes you by the hand and lets you know what you need to prepare for in a budding interior design business as well as how the interior design business is done in general. I will be referencing this book again and again. A huge thank you and bravo to Christine Piotrowski
Must Have!.......2002-12-16
This book was used for both Business Practice For Interior Design & Sales and Marketing. I had no need to consult any other source. "This is a great book" THANKS..
Fantastic!.......2002-10-28
Outstanding, fabulous, fabulous book. Extremely helpful to me in starting my own firm. Well written. Well organized. Invaluable.
A must-read.......2002-07-09
This one is a must read if you are considering a degree in interior design. I found it extremely helpful in planning my career path.
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- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
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