Episode 298: Design of APIs, UIs & Algorithms
Summary
In ADSP episode 298, hosts Connor and Ben explore the parallels between API, UI, and UX design, emphasizing principles like making easy tasks intuitive while preventing misuse. They discuss Don Norman’s concepts of affordances and the "perpetual intermediate" user, arguing that great systems support ongoing discovery rather than just beginners. The conversation also covers design literature and why some software remains clunky due to market differentiation rather than technical necessity.
Topics discussed
Intro: API design principles and performance
Episode intro and 'Easy to use, hard to misuse'
UX vs UI: Definitions and overlaps
Design literature recommendations
Typography books: Just My Type and Brighurst
Affordances in physical and digital design
API primitives and algorithm specialization
Designing for the perpetual intermediate
User experience in podcast players
Market differentiation vs. good design
Clunky software and new series announcement
Outro and show notes
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