Usability.gov is the primary government source for information on usability and user-centered design. It provides guidance and tools on how to make Web sites and other communication systems more usable and useful.
The CR blog extends the reach of the Creative Review magazine, dedicated to all aspects of visual communication, from advertising to digital media. Launched in 1980, the UK-based magazine has readers online in over 120 nations. The CR blog doesn't just talk about design - it makes art, as in the annual cover created from blog stories and photos.
This blog publishes promotions, book recommendations and debates you can comment on, like "Arial vs Helvetica: War is Hell." Designs to enjoy include "31,000 Flights Over Holland." Through Observer Media, the site also dabbles in audio and video design. Design Observer originated in 2003 thanks to Michael Bierut, William Drenttel, Jessica Helfand, Rick Poynor and Ruby Studio.
Since 1995 Core77.com has served a devoted global audience of industrial designers ranging from students through seasoned professionals. Core77 publishes articles, discussion forums, an extensive event calendar, hosts portfolios, job listings, a database of design firms, schools, vendors and services. Core77 provides a gathering point for designers and enthusiasts alike by producing design competitions, lecture series, parties, and exhibits.
Khoi Vinh has used this domain since 1997, first as a portfolio and showcase for non-commercial design work, and later as a blog. Former Design Director for NYTimes.com, Vinh also co-founded Lascaux Co., which launched the free iPad app Mixel, described as the world's first social collage app. Posts span design, publishing, technology, pop culture and real life. Aspiring entrepreneurs can read "What I Learned When I Started a Design Studio" or "In Defense of Client Services."
Initiated by Xavier Encinas, this blog focuses on typography and graphic design, with posts on advertising, fashion and Helvetica. One book review looks at how companies like Apple make design a competitive advantage and an integral part of business. Illustrating the tension between print and digital publishing, a post on Process Journal shows how a print publisher redesigned its content to create an iPad app.