Checking the "Feel" of Your UI with an Interaction Audit

Josh Damon Williams is user-experience designer currently working for Hot Studio, Inc., an award-winning design firm based San Francisco, USA. Since the late 90s, he’s designed and developed web sites; his involvement on projects has ranged from developing content and business strategies, to designing and coding prototypes, conducting usability studies, and documenting project requirements. His work includes projects for LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc., Hotwire.com (operated by Expedia, Inc.), The World Heritage Alliance (a partnership between the UN Foundation and Expedia, Inc.), eBay.com and Architecture for Humanity.

Prior to moving to San Francisco, Josh studied film production in Los Angeles, USA, and worked in the animation industry, supervising the digital composition of animation productions for TV, commercials and video games for 7 years. More recently, he completed a Masters degree in creative writing from University of San Francisco.

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Peter Stahl is Lead User Experience Designer at eBay, where he focuses on design patterns, interaction design, and holistic site experience. He led the recent, groundbreaking interaction audit of the site, and is applying that work to implement a coherent “feel” for the user experience. He leads the notorious Pattern OPtimization Squad (POPS) that reviews design patterns, and is also impresario of eBay’s Polynesian-themed Page Parsing Parties, where designs are deconstructed into their constituent components.

Peter’s earlier work at Netscape/AOL included AOL Radio, and his designs for PlaceWare online conferencing can be seen in Microsoft Office Live Meeting. He has also created experiences for application management at Business Signatures, interactive television at SGI and PowerTV, and tablet computers at GO Corp. In his spare time Peter offers advice on California ballot propositions and plays oboe in a local orchestra. He holds a degree in music theory and composition from Harvard.

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