![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.tommangan.net\/twoheeldrive\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/glove.jpg\" "\\"glove\\"")
<\/p>\nSome of us who blog get mildly preoccupied with our UI (user interface) — the sidebars, pulldown menus, ad placement, etc. The best UI has just what you need right where you need it. Building a UI requires an intuitive understanding of how people will actually use the end product. <\/p>\n
I think it’s cool when a piece of gear demonstrates a clever, subtle understanding of UI design. Most gear hits the obvious marks: straps to hold ice axes, little nets inside a tent to hold your glasses and watch, etc. But sometimes they hit an unexpected mark that just makes me smile. <\/p>\n
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Case in point: these convertible glove\/mittens from Marmot. They have a flap that folds back so I can take pictures on my winter hikes. But here’s the cool point: when you pull the mitten section back, a magnet snugs it in place. Could be done with snaps or Velcro, but this is much more elegant approach. <\/p>\n
There are countless more examples of clever, elegant UI design in outdoor gear. Please leave a comment if any spring to mind. Some of us who blog get mildly preoccupied with our UI (user interface) — the sidebars, pulldown menus, ad placement, etc. The best UI has just what you need right where you need it. Building a UI requires an intuitive…<\/p>\n
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\nEditing to add: <\/strong>Thanks to a couple of you who reminded me of the shenanigans the magnet will do with a compass. I checked with my little hand compass and sure enough, the magnets made the needle dance something fierce. It’s notable enough you’d have to notice something was amiss. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"