There lay a vast chasm between concept and production. Between thought and reality, between wireframe and beta. It is here, in this vast but dark space – where specs are fleshed, usability is tested, corners are cut – where we find the distinctions between the good and the bad, the regal and the pedestrian, the whole and the half assed.

It is the province of excuses, of multi-generational plans, of technology limitations, and compromise. It is the home to assumptions, expectations, and laziness.

This land of details, where an impressive concept can descend to a mediocre product, that differentiates a great user experience from a horrid one. This land of details is the battleground of all designers, the time and space between the hatching of the proposed design and the release of the product, is where we earn our stripes.

First, the design must be tested. It is true that great design is instinctual. Yet, even the best amongst us needs to vet our concepts to some degree. Second, rough edges need to be smoothed and details must be explored and brought to light with the same passion and innovation of the original design. Finally – and most difficult – comes the hardest, least glamorous work of most designers – presenting and fighting for your design.

Between bean counters, programmers and project managers, it seems there is never a shortage of people with ideas on how to dumb down simplify your design, or streamline it, or bring it in line with corporate standards, or modify it for the sake of implementation, until it might bear no resemblance to your elegant concept.

That battle represents the holy grail of great customer experience. That result – or lack thereof – is what I will spend my time and effort looking to celebrate (or despair over, as appropriate) – within the columns of Eye Forward.

I look forward to sharing my thoughts, criticisms, and insights with my readers. I hope that I am able to find and celebrate those details that make my job so exciting. And I hope you find my thoughts and analysis worthwhile, and join me on this journey and exploration.

Welcome!