Feb 6, 2018Create UWP apps with VB.Net and Windows Template StudioThe majority of my open source software contributions over the last few months have focused on adding VB.Net support to Windows Template Studio (WTS). WTS is a Visual Studio extension that provides a better File>New experience when creating UWP apps. The aim is to help new developers start in a…Windows 103 min readWindows 103 min read
Dec 22, 2017Cherry picking work is slow and unproductiveThe IT Director would work with the sales team and choose a set of new features, functionality, and prioritized bug fixes to include in the next release of the software the company made. Individual developers would then choose an individual item to work on from the list. When they’d done…Software Development2 min readSoftware Development2 min read
Aug 10, 2017I accidentally started doing my dream job as a side projectI recently found an old list of things I’d want from an ideal job. There were 11 items on that list and I realized that the work I’ve been doing on Windows Template Studio covers all of them. They are: Help other people make/improve things. Making things myself is great…Open Source3 min readOpen Source3 min read
Jul 1, 2017Updating online bios is hardCircumstances change. How you want (or need) to identify yourself online changes over time. Such as today when I want to change my public bios. The problem is, how do I even find everywhere I have an account and public bio? Step 1. Start a list of all my online…1 min read1 min read
May 30, 2017Is a “bug bash” for finding or fixing bugs?Disclaimer: I’m thinking this through as much as anything. Don’t expect any amazing conclusions but I’d be interested to hear your thoughts and opinions on this. Microsoft uses the term “bug bash” (example — but I first heard them use this a few years ago) to mean to hunt for…Software Development3 min readSoftware Development3 min read
May 24, 2017XAML Standard isn’t really a new standardIf you’re in certain circles you might have heard a lot about XAML Standard since it was announced earlier this month. There’s a common misconception about this project you may not be aware of though. Some people want this to be a re-imagining of what XAML should be like or…Xamarin1 min readXamarin1 min read
Apr 26, 20173 reasons to use the MVVM patternMVVM (Model — View — ViewModel) is a separation pattern that was based on the MVP (Model — View — Presenter) pattern. It’s very popular in XAML and some web development camps but is frequently abused. As a separation pattern MVVM aims to provide 3 specific benefits: #1 Collaborative working By separating the…Windows 103 min readWindows 103 min read
Apr 24, 2017Who is using the app?In this article, you will learn why it is important to take users’ potential differences into account when creating your application, as well as what things are important to keep in mind during the design process. Save 37% off Usability Matters with code intmobux at manning.com. People aren’t all the…Design8 min readDesign8 min read
Dec 12, 2016UX is like cleaningIf you invited someone to your house you’d clean it first to make a good impression. If you want someone to use your app you should create a good user experience (UX). People don’t notice when things are clean. Think about it. When was the last time you went somewhere and…UX3 min readUX3 min read
Sep 22, 2016Enabling simpler and more accurate app inputThis article is excerpted from Chapter 6 of my book Intuitive Mobile UX. The chapter covers: The underlying principles behind good form design Alternatives to typed entry Optimizing form entry Performing validation and reporting errors Focusing on how people make contact with the screen is a small part of handling…Design18 min readDesign18 min read
