Get Smashed: The Smashing Book Review

When I first heard that the Smashing Magazine was putting together a book, I naturally wondered what it could possibly contain. Pages filled with 100 Outstanding Websites that are Yellow? 50 Really Cool Wine Websites?

Perhaps they were putting together an inspiration picture book?

For those that have been following Smashing Magazine over the years you have probably noticed a subtle shift recently towards less Digg bait and more solid article writing. It is fortunately this style of writing that makes an appearance in the Smashing Book.

What’s in the Book?

The book itself is broken down into 10 chapters. Each chapter contains original, non aggregated content, covering some of the fundamental topics on design and development for the Web. Each topic has been hand-picked based on suggestions from the Smashing community.

So let’s take a brief look at each of the chapters:

User Interface Design in Modern Web Applications

The book jumps right into things with a quick walkthrough on usability and user interface. What makes a good user interface and how you can you best display information using location, color, and size are all discussed.

The chapter is quick but it gives a good run-through on an often overlooked, yet highly important, design element.

The Art and Science of CSS-Layouts

I’m not sure what design or developer still needs encouragement to use CSS, but this chapter must be for them.

The author reviews some of the common layout options for design and how these come together using CSS. Fixed, fluid and elastic layouts are discussed with the pros and cons for each. In the end, you will be in a better position to decide which will work best for your site.

Typography: Rules, Guidelines and Common Mistakes

For the typography lovers among us, this chapter is pure gold. I’ve purchased entire books dedicated to typography on the web that didn’t deliver as much as the 55 pages from this book.

The chapter starts with a brief discussion of typographic terms and elements. It then moves on to which type faces are available and teaches you how to use them to your best advantage when designing. Popular font stacks, styling suggestions and punctuation are all discussed.

Usability Principles for Modern Websites

One could make the argument that this chapter could have been combined with the other chapter on usability. Think of it like a continuation of what you learn in Chapter 1.

Important usability rules and principles while designing your site or application are well covered. It discusses the dreaded drop-down menu giving examples of how to do it right. It doesn’t have to turn into a drop-downright annoying menu with endless branches and hundreds of options.

The Ultimate Guide to Fantastic Color Usage

This chapter could be considered more typical of the Smashing Magazine of the past. Stuffed with pictures, the chapter takes you through a brisk review of color theory by providing you with website examples.

Optimization for Websites

Developers will feel right at home with this in depth chapter (designers may have to put their geek hats on). It provides good information for stretching your bandwidth dollar with tips on how to optimize your site through proper development and testing. If words like Apache and MySQL set your head spinning, you may want to skip this chapter.

Design to Sell – Increase Conversion Rates

If it’s time for a marketing refresher course, you’ll enjoy this chapter. The author outlines how you can bump your conversion rates by building trust and displaying your product properly.

How to turn a Site into a Remarkable Brand

Branding takes a good design and turns it into a great design. It explains how to develop your own style and other important factors towards developing a remarkable brand.

Learning from Experts – Interviews and Insights

All the big names are out to offer tips on improving your skills. Smashing Magazine asks their panel of 24 top designers and developers some valuable questions on ways you can advance in your field.

Behind the Curtains: The Smashing Magazine Story

Although not necessarily a design or development related article, The Smashing Magazine story is still a very enjoyable read. It really shows that while great ideas and timing are important, hard work and persistence have made Smashing Magazine the success it is today.

Conclusion

The Smashing Book is a very enjoyable read. With its wide variety of subjects, you may find you are finished the book before you know it. No doubt you will take something valuable away from it.

Hopefully this is just the first of many Smashing Books to come our way.