DevSource has published the first episode of an online video series entitled “Great Minds in Development.” This first installment features Dr. Jakob Nielsen, reputed to be the top Web usability guru, according to DevSource.

In the 16-minute interview with Ziff Davis Media executive editor Mike Elgan, Nielsen addresses the challenges of designing for usability, and discusses ways to maximize application usability for average users. He covers a wide range of topics, ranging from the proper attitude for programmers, to the importance of prototyping in design, to the reasons why PDF, Flash, and local search engines can hurt more than they help.

While much of the discussion focuses on web design, many of the principles discussed — such as prototyping, and simple strategies for usability testing — are equally applicable to embedded software design.

The interview can be viewed by clicking here. (Sorry, it's in Windows Media Player format!)

 
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