Because Design Matters....

Why does design matter? This is question I believe is getting asked more than ever. We constantly see articles in magazines about how society "that would be you and me" are more interested in design. Well speaking for myself I know I am more aware of design and this is not only because of my work as a instructional designer but in everyday life. For example I love iPods and own several, the way they look and feel and even more important how they work.

In my earlier career I worked as an automation specialist designing both hardware and software interfaces for refinery control system. I learned that the function of buttons and controls and their locations where very critical to the safe and efficient operation of any system. Form, function, colors, and ergonomics these all mattered and I see this level of attention to detail in the iPod design and it's software and hardware interfaces.

This is why I have constructed this page because I want to promote good instructional design. I want to promote the design of courses that contain collaborative workspaces that use sound educational design, good ergonomics and great workflow. Designing in the online course environmnet can be complex and can require multiple skillsets and can include many design disiplines. I hope you find the articles, links to resources and feeds useful and I will see you online.