On Rejection

Recently I had the privilege of reading a book proposal which the author shared in hopes of being published. It was a beautifully written treatise, well structured, nicely paced, logically argued, and thoroughly researched. The author had clearly poured time, thought, and years o … | Continue reading


@zeldman.com | 6 years ago

The Cult of the Complex

“IN AN INDUSTRY that extols innovation over customer satisfaction, and prefers algorithm to human judgement (forgetting that every algorithm has human bias in its DNA), perhaps it should not surprise us that toolchains have replaced know-how.” Our addiction to complicated toolcha … | Continue reading


@zeldman.com | 6 years ago

For your pleasure

For your listening pleasure, I have prepared a 15-minute playlist composed of ten short songs. Before I share the URL, here are the requirements: You must have Spotify. (Sorry.) To enjoy, in Spotify Settings: Advanced, you must turn on Crossfade: 12 seconds. Half the trip is list … | Continue reading


@zeldman.com | 6 years ago

Transcript: Intrinsic Web Design with Jen Simmons (The Big Web Show)

The following is a transcript of  The Big Web Show Episode № 176: Intrinsic Web Design with Jen Simmons. Jeffrey Zeldman: Hello, and welcome to the Big Web Show, everything web that matters. I’m Jeffrey Zeldman, your host, and my guest today is the amazing, the incredible Jen Sim … | Continue reading


@zeldman.com | 6 years ago

On practice

Over the decades I’ve used computers, my drawing skill has all but vanished—along with my ability to do calligraphy or even write legibly. Which is why I’ve started forcing myself to sketch again every day. Practice is the best form of hope. Also published on Medium. | Continue reading


@zeldman.com | 6 years ago

Cossack

“Are you here with your child?” It’s a Sunday and my daughter is visiting her mom. I’d spent the morning lugging my daughter’s old clothes and toys to a donation bin, where they’ll be given to some of New York’s neediest kids. Now I was on a photo walk, shooting places in my neig … | Continue reading


@zeldman.com | 6 years ago

We need design that is faster and design that is slower.

During a recent conversation with  David Sleight, Design Director at ProPublica, I found myself realizing and saying “we need design that is faster and design that is slower.” Who are we and what is this thing called design? When I say  “we,” I mean our whole industry, when I say … | Continue reading


@zeldman.com | 7 years ago

Beyond Engagement: the content performance quotient

The content performance quotient is an index of how quickly you get the right answer to the individual customer, allowing her to act on it or depart and get on with her day. It is a measurement of your value to the customer. | Continue reading


@zeldman.com | 7 years ago