Resources

Prior to my time at Microsoft, I spent a lot more time writing code and helping coders.   Now from time-to-time I get asked what resources I used when working on a site, so I thought I would share some. Let me know if I am missing something that might be useful.

Design Tools

This is a list of design related tools I have used in projects.   If you are doing any design (web, print, or whatever) these tools can be inspirational or just very practical.

• Kuler: If you need help with colors and pattern matching this tool is the best.
• Color Palette Creator: I found this when looking for Kuler once
• 4096Color Wheel: This reminds me of the color wheels that the Art Directors at Noble had.
• Colr.org: Generates random or semi-random color systems
• Veer: Almost every font I have ever purchased came from here.
• The Elements of Typographic Style Applied to the Web
• Identifont: This utility is useful for identifying a font
• Character Encoding Chart
• iStockPhoto:  Best low-cost photos and illustrations
• Icon Buffet: Top notch icons for blogs, CMS, and more
• FamFamFam: A high qaulity, massive library of useful UI icons
• Icons for Microformats

Testing

When testing a site or looking for problems, I have found the following resources helpful.

• Browser Cam: Test your site in all browsers on all platforms.
• Screen Size Tester: Test your site at various screen resolutions
• W3C Validator: A must for accessibility
• Usability.gov: A guide for developing usable sites with lots of tools
• Morae: One of my favorite testing tools
• Fiddler: Fiddler is a Web Debugging Proxy

Firefox Extensions

I use a lot of different extensions.  This is my short list of favorites.

• Total Validator
• X-Ray
• Firebug
• User Agent Switcher
• Web developer toolbar

Search Tools

There are lots of tools out there for the publisher.  You would be wise to try them:

• Microsoft Live Search Webmaster Center
• Microsoft AdCenter Keyword Excel Plugin
• Yahoo! Site Explorer
• Google Webmaster Tools
• Google Analytics
• AWstats
• Mint

Other Useful Things

• Visio Wireframe Stencils: Stencils for drawing quick wireframes
• ISO 9241 – An employer’s guide to the Display Screen Regulations
• Usability Toolkit