Kathy writes that many users are stuck using P mode, or the automatic mode of their favourite tools simply because they don’t know how, or don’t know why they’d like to use those extra features.
I link to this usability article here because she used camera terminology to describe how a user approaches a complex application. Even if you’re not interested in the usability of stuff, and web apps in particular, then reading this article may inspire you to learn about why you haven’t used the A, S, or M modes on your fancy, expensive camera.
If you’re still interested, then read Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera by Bryan Peterson. It’s my favourite book on photography and it will change the way you use your camera!
6 replies on “Still stuck in P Mode?”
Hadn’t heard of that book before, just had a look and it seems to be great, just ordered my copy of it! Cheers for the heads up!
Hehe. Yes you have! 🙂
Glad you ordered it though, it’s a great read. I’m still on the lookout for a book that will be as eye-popping for me as that one was!
LOL, no way! Damnit, I’m getting old, the memory just ain’t as good as it used to be!! ;o)
Now, to check my book cabinet and make sure I haven’t bought it already…..
[…] Phil Wilkinson has a great post on “The Feature Arms Race” over at the Crowdstorm Blog. He refers to the same “Creating Passionate Users” blog by Kathy Sierra that Donncha linked to recently too. […]
If you want to take pictures that will make you proud, getting Understanding Exposure is just the ticket.
[…] has a good post about exposure. Donal, you should read Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera by Bryan […]