If you've been following along with the last few articles, I have described how I lay down foundation code for an application by:

1. Defining base markup and styles
2. Choosing a mobile content delivery strategy

Now it's time to build a user experience: how your users will understand your [whatever you're building] and how they will [whatever they will do]. The key to being successful in building your applications user experience can be summed up in one word: Storytelling.

Back in 2008, at "An Event Apart: Boston," I listened to Jason Santa Maria – then the Creative Director of Happy Cog Studios – give a presentation called "Good Design Ain't Easy." In his presentation he described how stories were being told by design, with the designer in effect becoming the narrator. Another presenter that same year – at Fidelity Investments where I worked at the time – also talked about storytelling and its importance in design. I can't remember his name for the life of me, but I do remember the talks thesis: people understand and remember stories.

These talks have stuck with me over the years, and they have become the way I view information architecting and visual design; as storytelling...

The other way to persuade people—and ultimately a much more powerful way—is by uniting an idea with an emotion. The best way to do that is by telling a compelling story. In a story, you not only weave a lot of information into the telling but you also arouse your listener's emotions and energy.

- Storytelling That Moves People by Robert McKee and Bronwyn Fryer

Moving Forward

Up until now my articles have been largely about building an underlying base foundation to start a Ruby on Rails project out right. I believe doing so is absolutely essential, but it is only half the story (no pun intended!).Over the next several articles I will describe how to build a website using the theme of storytelling as your guiding light.

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