Patterns

We recognize patterns in our work and patterns in the work of others we aspire to employ. We'll start with a list but expect this to grow into a system called a pattern language.

An experienced user is limited by the number of things you require them to consider, but not the originality of those thing. Therefore, Experience Simple before you make something more complex.

A community needs a critical mass of participation. New communities are more likely to form when viral effects are present and apply quickly. Therefore, Have Fun First so that the potential rewards of participation are apparent while one performs necessary chores.

A computer feels responsive when results appear as fast or faster than the requests for them can be issued. Therefore, offer Predicted Results as a stand-in for real results and update the predictions as new information becomes available.

Although we each author in our own place, we expect what we write to travel. Therefore, write Welcome Pages that fit in where ever they eventually land.