Strange Convergences

Thursday, August 09, 2007  by Gregory Gronbacher
Category: Food

This blog is the product of some strange convergences. For example, why is the Quixtar web editor writing a blog about cooking and food?

Personally, I don't think the combination of web and cooking is all that strange. In fact, I think there's a lot in common. Being a web editor and lover of at-home cooking are really quite similar. It's all about usability. Let me explain.

The theory behind great web design is called User Centered Web Design. This boils down to (pun intended) building websites that users want, can easily use, and have had input helping design. A good web site is designed with the end-user in mind -- their wants, likes, needs, and even tastes.

The same is true of cooking. What home chef doesn't consider his or her "end-user" when creating a menu or meal? I regularly have my guests participate in usability testing with an appetizer, dessert, or main entrée. I'll try something new and solicit feedback. And I know not to make fish for those guests who don't like it and I avoid tree nuts for my friend who is allergic to them. When cooking, I take into consideration my guests' tastes, needs, and preferences.

Another similarity between web design and cooking is the mastering the right mix of ingredients. In the case of websites, it's all about balancing functionality, advertising, messaging, and other web assets to produce an attractive, useful, even trendy site. Cooking is no different. The right mix of ingredients, the perfect balance of flavors and spices makes or breaks a meal.

There's a third reason why I am writing this blog, but it has nothing to do with web design. I simply love food and cooking. I have a passion for home entertaining and creating meals that foster conversation, enjoyment, and memorable socializing. Growing up in New York City, I learned at an early age, that some of the most intimate and enjoyable moments of conversation, friendship, and family involve food.  

So, there are just three reasons why Quixtar's web editor is blogging about food.

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Comments

# rdknyvr said on August 9, 2007 3:22 PM:

Greg, I'm hungry just reading your post!!! A few of us will be over for dinner tonight!!!

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Have just started an interesting web design book, "The Elements of User Experience: User Cented Design for the Web" (Jesse James Garrett/New Riders) which you sound like you're familiar with. Thanks for the great work you do... can you do web design that is the digital parallel of cooking with organic ingredients? :)

# norman gray said on August 10, 2007 10:06 PM:

where's the bread recipe, please

# Brad said on August 13, 2007 2:00 PM:

Welcome Greg!!  I too am an avid at-home-chef and love my iCook knife set and iCook cookware.  I look forward to participating in your discussion!!

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