The Standardistas

Today you get two for the price of one, as we put The Craft of Words authors The Standardistas (aka Christopher Murphy and Nicklas Persson) under the spotlight for our Five Simple Questions feature. Read on to find out more about them, what they'll be covering in their next Pocket Guide, and what two words they picked as their favourites.

Tell us about yourselves.

We like to describe ourselves as two tweed-clad gentlemen from Belfast with a penchant for gentlemanly pursuits. In actual fact neither of us are from Belfast: Christopher is of Scottish descent, but born in Hong Kong, and Nicklas is from Sweden. We do love tweed, however, and share a fondness for cultivating facial hair.

What can readers expect from The Craft of Words - Part One: Macrocopy?

Words lie at the heart of all successful brands. Whether you’re working for a large corporation or creating a personal portfolio, words matter.

The words you choose to use will define you, the tone and voice you opt for will ensure your message is distinctive, the language you use will prove as important as any other aspect of your design.

In this, the first of two related books, we explore how words can be positioned at the heart of design. We introduce the principles of words as a design element, before examining a series of case studies that range from small (Hiut Denim), to medium (GitHub) to large (GOV.UK).

We believe words are important, in this small tome we explain why.

How will Part Two, to be published later this year, be different?

Where our first book takes a high-altitude view, looking at macrocopy - words establishing a tone and voice, at the service of the brand; our second book will focus on a more detailed view, looking at microcopy - words at the service of functional requirements.

We’ll investigate the intricacies of functional copy, and explore how words - when used well - can lead to interfaces that both function and delight. We’ll explore how using the right terms can enhance user experience and avoid missed opportunities.

A tough one: what is your favourite word?

Christopher: Engrenages. Nicklas: Nádegas.

What’s next for you this year?

We’re currently working on a chapter for Smashing Book 4, it will focus on the tricky topic of idea generation and creativity, a subject that’s close to our hearts as educators. We’re also in discussion with friends of ED about developing a second edition of the first book we wrote together, which we intend to rewrite to focus on HTML5 and CSS3.

In addition to our writing commitments, we have a number of workshops and speaking engagements lined up – but if you’re in an exotic location, or even one where it just doesn’t rain all the time, we’d be thrilled to talk to you about coming over to delight and entertain you.

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The Craft of Words - Part One: Macrocopy is available from our store for just £2, or as part of Collection One for £6. Part Two: Microcopy will be released later this year.

Two new titles - Andy Croll's HTML Email and Usability of Web Photos by James Chudley - will be available to buy individually next Tuesday 19 March, or together as part of Collection Two