This is simply one of the most entertaining, visually appealing, useful applications of Flash on a website that I’ve ever seen.

Unscrew America –> [via NotCot]

This is a theme that’s very close to my heart – close as in, it’s in my shoulder. And neck. And elbow. And wrist. And fingers. I’ve got a repetitive strain injury (RSI) from using the computer improperly many years ago, and unless I’m careful it can flare up quite easily and ruin an otherwise lovely day (or week, or month..).

It’s a bit of a pet project of mine to make sure everyone in the office has their workstation set up properly and isn’t creating a problem for themselves. So I was very glad to come across these workstation setup graphics on an Illustrator website that I’m able to share with you.

Do yourself a favour and make sure your setup is correct!

Workspace Ergonomics –>

Fascinating website done in Flash that encourages exploration.

Nonaology –> [via webcreme]

I don’t often recommend books here, but this one has such an appropriate website I couldn’t help myself. I actually don’t even have this book, but the website makes me wish I did. When you rollover each of the principles where the navigation usually is, instead red notes appear showing actual examples of each principle used on the site itself. Genius, pretty, usable, and totally web-standards friendly.

If you don’t buy the book, at least check out the site!

The Principles of Beautiful Web Design –>

I found this through a commenter on 37signals’ weblog: it’s a page where the team at 37signals doesn’t just whine about a design or usability problem, they create a solution. At 37Better, you’ll find their idea of a better PayPal experience (see above), a better bank experience, a better Google experience, and more.

As a student, you should be looking at these as examples of how improving a site’s usability will almost always improve its design as well. The 37BetterPayPal site above is not only much clearer – you can read how much you’re sending even in the tiny thumbnail of the better page – but it is actually more visually pleasing.

Always think about usability, and your design will follow.

37Better –>