If you are new to the idea of user experience (UX), perhaps you found me because of my trauma-informed design work. If so, the best place I can tell you to start is to read “Don’t Make Me Think.” This book by Steve Krug is terrific.
It’s the first book I use in my UX classes. It’s the first book I recommend when a friend tells me they are about to create a website. It will point you down the right path when you want to be more trauma-informed, inclusive, or accessible.
I love this book because:
It is short.
It is clear.
It has pictures.
It has excellent tips on both design and content.
Non-technical people can understand it.
Steve Krug is a funny guy.
It might be found in your library because it’s not new.
This book will give you a foundation of understanding of UX design. The principles of UX have significant overlap with being trauma-informed in your design work. For an understanding of being more trauma-informed in research practices, see the Code for America Qualitative Researcher’s guide. Many of the suggested practices are trauma-informed.
So start with the Don’t Make Me Think book to get a foundation, then check out more trauma-informed resources here.
Any questions? Contact me.
