I make things that run on the web (mostly).
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and my PROJECTS.
In The Inmates Are Running the Asylum, Alan Cooper introduces the concept of "polite software" and the 14 characteristics it exhibits. While the book has started to show its age given it's come out in the 90s, the 14 principles still hold true and I try to keep them in mind as much as possible.
Here are the 14 characteristics along with a semi-regularly updated list of examples of each.
It asks for information to personalize the experience. (264)
It does not make decisions on the users behalf. (188)
It shows the user all the relevant information that pertains to their current task. (278)
It has common sense similar to a person. (294)
It often guesses correctly what the user is going to do next. (436)
It gives the user an output or a confirmation of input quickly. (200)
It does not make excuses about why a technical failure has occured. (149)
It has information that is useful to the user beyond what the user enters themselves. (259)
It notices slight changes in input or repetiveness. (120)
It nows what it does and that it's correct and accurately conveys that to the user. (67)
It provides context but is zoomed into the specific task at hand and it removes other distractions. (111)
It has ways to bypass its own restrictions and validations. (311)
It does so by clearly and quickly indicating the success and outcome of the action performed. (191)
It produces the correct results and stores them appropriately. (139)