Design references for decisions that need a reason

Go beyond visual inspiration with a small shelf of usability research, accessibility guidance, interaction principles, and typography lessons.

A beautiful reference can show what a screen looks like without explaining why it works. When a design review turns into a contest of preferences, it helps to have sources that make the decision discussable. This collection moves from user behavior to access, interaction, and the details of reading.

Try this first

Choose one real screen and one question: Can people find the action? Can they operate it with a keyboard? Is the text comfortable to read? Use the references below to propose one change, then check it with the people and devices the screen is meant for.

Keep in mind

Treat principles as starting points for inquiry. A named law is not a substitute for understanding a task, and following a checklist does not by itself establish that everyone can use a product.