During an interview by workspiration.org, my college alumna, instructor, author and friend, Jen Kramer reflects back on her original web design and development days. Believe it or not, but as far back as the late 90s. During her interview she is asked what her top favorite books are. I have to highly agree with her choices — I have both here next to my desk.

One is Jesse James Garrett, “The Elements of User Experience”. He explains exactly how to plan a website. His process is scalable to any website size. He makes the steps easy to remember.

The other book is “Don’t Make Me Think!” by Steve Krug, now in its 3rd edition. I directly quote Jen: “Every developer should read this book, if only to learn how to get tuned into the voice inside your head that “talks” while you view web pages. You’ll learn that bad design is not your fault, that happy talk must die, and that you’ll learn a ton by testing your “perfect” website design with just a few people.” Perfectly said, Jen.

And I appreciate Jen’s final interview answer that really speaks out to people like me: “I admire those developers who work in anonymity every day, working to provide great service and value to their clients, working to keep up with the latest tools and techniques, and working to keep food on the table.”