As a UX/IA strategist, it’s my job to understand and execute a well-crafted user experience for both websites and mobile devices. Part of this job description is understanding what users are drawn to and what they prefer during different stages of their customer journey. However, on the other hand, I’m also responsible for understanding what users hate and what frustrates them throughout their journey. Understating both ends of this spectrum allows me to develop a new and improved experience for all users.
 

On June 12, 2009, the FCC enforced the switch to “digital transmission only” for all broadcast television stations. Moving from the antiquated analog broadcast methods was about more than a step into the digitalization of America. It was a part of the fulfillment obligation to the wireless companies that had been a part of the Analog Spectrum Auction in 2008. The auction sold the UHF portion of the spectrum to the highest bidders and…

 
As interactive designers, it’s crucial to consider new ways in which we pursue website design. Diving deep into our digital design, it’s important to keep in mind not only the brand and site concept, but also the experience the website offers to its users. In our industry, it’s critical to use visual design to enhance functionality and usability, while strengthening the client’s brand; and not to see visual design as the center of the universe. This article will walk designers through some key factors in creating a better user experience for websites, without compromising the quality of their final design.
 
The ways in which a brand embodies a certain look and feel happens through defining the brand’s personality traits and their voice, while also taking into consideration who their audience may be and what is appropriate for their subject matter.  Once the personality traits and voice have been defined, the visuals can come to life through the brand’s website, which gives even more life to the brand through the interaction design, the incorporation of video and animation and the ways in which the brand takes advantage of its messaging opportunities.
 
Robert Cialdini is a renowned social psychologist who is particularly well known for his research on persuasion and influence. He is the author of numerous, heavily cited academic papers on the subject, and his book, Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion focuses on how to influence your audience’s decision making. He distills his many years of research on the subject into six principles of influence.
 
Whatever the size of your business, hosting events with a purpose is great for your overall marketing strategy. In fact, 85% of consumers stated that they have a more positive perception of companies after attending an event. Additionally, hosting an event gives you direct access to connect with your core audience and/or community and allows you to have in-person conversations. 95% of marketers agree that live events provide attendees with a valuable opportunity to form in-person connections in an increasingly digital world. Here are six steps you should take when considering hosting an event, no matter the type of event or size of your business.
 
Think back to when you were a kid, and you would stand with your back to the wall to measure how much you’ve grown. You’d put a mark for how tall you were, and you’d do this every few months, or every year. You’d then compare the marks over time to see how much you grew. While a micro example of benchmarking, we apply the same basic techniques to everything we do here at Zion & Zion, and user experience (UX) is no exception. Benchmarking is the process used to measure how much something has improved by comparing it to previous standards.
 

Guest blogging is one of the most contentious topics in the content marketing sphere. You’re either pro-guest blogging, and have followed your own formula to see some success with your blog or business, or you’re anti-guest blogging, and you can’t seem to understand why anyone would write for someone else—often for free.

If you’re here, you’ve probably already read the same old spiel bloggers regurgitate on the many pros of guest blogging. They tell you that guest blogging can grow your writing skills, can help you network when you’re just getting started, and can aid you in developing your…