5 Steps to becoming a Silverlight Expert
July 4, 2009 Category: Blog 5 Comments »
Recently I noticed something interesting on google searches and especially on bing. If you search for “Silverlight Expert” I show up near the top! Well… when google thinks that you are a Silverlight expert, then it’s time to start blogging more I guess. So here are my top 5 steps to becoming a Silverlight Expert. These are some of the most valuable steps that I’ve used as an Expert Silverlight Consultant and Trainer. We try to introduce as many of these resources in our Training and Consulting.
5. UX Skillzes
Sorry for the haxx0r lingo… but I’ve been liking it a lot lately. So, what are UX Skills? In short, this has nothing to do with Silverlight. Silverlight (or Flash, or WPF) are technologies that make it easier to create a better User Experience. At the end of the day though, it is the developer / designer that has the responsibility of creating the experience. the platform just makes it easier to realize that designers vision. No tool can completely make up for a lack of skill.
User Experience (UX) is made up of multiple areas and disciplines. Including concepts like Information Architecture (IA), Interaction Design (ID), Visual Design, Human-Computer Interaction studies, Human Interaction Psychology, etc…
Silverlight at the Big Design Conference
May 24, 2009 Category: Events 1 Comment »
I’ll be speaking at the Big Design Conference in Dallas. From the website:
The Big Design Conference is an intense day of learning within the scope of Strategy, Social Media, User Experience, and Code Development. Experts from across the country will gather to present theories, research, experiences, and best practices to students, professionals, and executives looking to stay on the bleeding edge.
My 1pm topic is “Bring Back the Sexy: What’s New in Silverlight 3 and Why Everyone Should Care”. Basically I’m going to be walking through some of the awesome goodness that’s been added to Silverlight 3 like 3D Support, hardware acceleration, custom shaders and behaviors, offline/out of browser integration, Blend 3, plus the new line of business features like data forms and WCF integrations. You know, all the awesome Silverlight sexy that I can get in to my allotted hour. it’s gonna be awesome.
Be sure to register today (tickets are selling fast!) – See you there!
- Big (D)esign Conference
- Big (D)esign After Party
- (Free) Style & Travelocity Design Challenge
MSDN DevCon Dallas is this Monday – Hope to see you there!
January 23, 2009 Category: Events No Comments »
Microsoft has put on several of these events all over the US. If you missed the Microsoft PDC Conference then the Dallas event on Monday is the best local place to get a lot of the same information on what’s new with .NET and the future roadmap of the Microsoft Platform. (Rich UX, RIA’s, Cloud Computing , Visual Studio 2010, etc…)
From the official site:
Missed the PDC? Catch the content LIVE at the MSDN Developer Conference. Register Today!
We’re bringing the PDC to you!
I’ll be there speaking about Developing Data-Centric Applications Using the WPF DataGrid and the new WPF Ribbon Controls with Visual Studio 2010. (I know… that’s a mouthful!)
I’m looking forward to it and hope to see you there!
Adobe TV and Adobe Media Player launch with xTrain content
April 10, 2008 Category: Events 1 Comment »
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xTrain is a super high quality, web based, training company focused on designers that I have created a “Developer Designer Zen” series with. Yesterday they launched a ton of content featured on Adobe’s new Adobe TV. Here’s a clip from the release:
“Adobe just announced Adobe TV and Adobe Media player today. Adobe TV is your on-line source for expert insight and inspiration. Feed your passion for Adobe products with insider tips, innovative techniques, and behind-the-scenes tours. Get to know Adobe personalities by tuning in to Russell Brown Photoshop Laboratory.”
I’m very excited to be a part of this launch and to be featured along side some of the best UX presenters and trainers in the industry! Here’s the “official” digg link