The Voices That Matter web design conference ended yesterday, and I must say, it was probably the best event I’ve been to this year. The speakers were excellent, the content was compelling and valuable, and everything went off without a hitch.

Among other unforgettable moments, the legendary Steve Krug had a conversation with Peachpit’s Nancy Ruenzel in front of 200 people, and he even critiqued Jakob Nielsen’s web site during his session later that day.

Nancy also led a conversation with Jakob Nielsen, who had some interesting insights on his next book, which is about the use of eye-tracking as a usability testing tool. (I still haven’t decided if eye-tracking is going to be a useful tool or not, but I’ll check out the book to learn more.)

Dan Brown’s session was particularly excellent - he’s very funny and has so much experience it’s impossible not to believe every word he says. Nathan Shedroff was also amazing. He’s gotta be one of the smartest interaction designers on the block.

I could go on all day about the incredible sessions, fantastic conversations I got to have with other speakers and attendees, or the endless opportunities there were for attendees to meet with speakers and get their questions answered (including several round-table breakfast discussions). But one moment in particular was the most memorable for me.

Just before my editor, the amazing Wendy Sharp, introduced me at the beginning of my session, she quietly asked me a very simple question.

“Does it make you nervous that Steve Krug is sitting in the second row?”

I paused and looked around the room. Yup - there he was.
“It does now. Thanks for pointing that out.”

Krug’s classic Don’t Make Me Think was the first book I ever read on web usability, and it is a large part of what inspired me to head down the crazy road that has become my career. Several years after first reading it, there I was, presenting a session at Voices That Matter while the man himself sat in the audience.

My, how strangely the wind blows.

New Riders is going to do this again next year. Start saving your nickels now. You simply can’t beat this conference.

Posted by Robert on October 26th, 2007