An Introduction to Creative Problem Solving
Charles's rating:
  4.0
On Aug 9, 2014 Charles Bess wrote: Think like a programmer
The author’s goal was to share strategies that help with problem solving, but from a programmer’s perspective. It starts with some classic and simple problems and builds from there. Each chapter has exercises that help the reader apply the techniques. I thought he hit the mark. Full Review >
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An Authoritative Review of Network Programmability Technologies
Charles's rating:
4.0
On Oct 19, 2013 Charles Bess wrote: SDN: Software Defined Networks
I found the material in the book to be a useful orientation to the current state of the SDN market as well as develop a contextual understanding of the flexibility provided and the approaches needed to build value through an SDN. One point made clear through reading the material is that one of the key benefits is flexibility. You’ll only internalize what that means to your organization through experimentation and using SDN. Full Review >
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Interaction Design Lessons from Science Fiction
Charles's rating:
4.0
On Aug 17, 2013 Charles Bess wrote: Make it so is on target for those interested in design,
Make it so is a book that looks at design and the related issues, using examples based on science fiction TV shows and movies. It is a great book to read and reference if you have strong interest in both areas. If your primary interest is science fiction and would like to understand the constraints the prop designers need to live within, it is interesting and entertaining. The book does delve into a level of detail that those with only a cursory interest in design will find tedious, at times. Full Review >
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Charles's rating:
3.0
On Jun 15, 2013 Charles Bess wrote: Plain and simple as defined
This book is a high-level, fully illustrated summary of the most common functions that users of Microsoft Lync will consume. It doesn't go into anything about programmatically accessing the underlying functions, but with a title including the words "Plain and Simple" you shouldn't expect that. I liked the fact that the book started out with what's different about Lync 2013. I've used previous version of Lync before so when the 2nd chapter address what's new, I was happy. Full Review >
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A Guide to Engineering Experiences
Charles's rating:
4.0
On Apr 14, 2013 Charles Bess wrote: Designing Games -- How to make an interesting game...
If you are looking for information about the coding algorithms and technical structure of a game, this book is not for you. However if you are interested in the game experience, the concept of game flow and determining tradeoffs of what elements a game should have -- these issues are covered in detail. This book focuses on the basic game architecture elements that need to be thought through long before coding starts. It not only covers what elements make a game interesting, it explains why humans respond to those elements the way they do. Full Review >
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Java Programming for the New Generation of Mobile Devices
Charles's rating:
4.0
On Jan 17, 2013 Charles Bess wrote: A good book for those moving from another platform to Android
I have programmed on many platforms over the years, including mobile platforms like Windows mobile. I was looking at this book to bring me up to speed on Android and not spend a great deal of time on the basics of programming… Full Review >
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Using Game Mechanics to Build a Better Business
Charles's rating:
4.0
On Oct 30, 2012 Charles Bess wrote: Good overview of games in the enterprise
Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to read Enterprise Games--using game mechanics to build a better business. I have read a number of books on gamification and found this one to be the best discussing the issues of gamification in business. This book discusses the relationship between the game world and the real world and provides useful guidance on embracing game techniques in business. Full Review >
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Charles's rating:
3.0
On Jul 16, 2012 Charles Bess wrote: Playful design is good, but not focused on business application of gaming techniques
This book is good overview of the design issues of games and gameplay. I was looking for a book focused on the application of game techniques in business and this is definitely not that book. It does a great job though of covering the foundational issues of game design, but it is in the context of traditional gaming. Full Review >
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Implementing Game Mechanics in Web and Mobile Apps
Charles's rating:
4.0
On Jun 21, 2012 Charles Bess wrote: Gamification a good foundation for a complex area
Everything in life is a game. Someone is always keeping score and being measured, whether we like it or not. Gamification takes the concept of measurement, behaviors and engagement into the business setting in ways that can enable organizations to meet their objectives. This book serves as a solid foundation. Full Review >
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A Designer's Guide to Processing, Arduino, and openFrameworks
Charles's rating:
4.0
On Mar 3, 2012 Charles Bess wrote: Programming Interactivity, by Joshua Noble; O'Reilly Media
This huge book (the PDF I was reading weighed in at over 700 pages) appears to be targeted at the non-technical hobbyist or possibly an artist or designer covering the basics of programming, Arduino Microcontroller environment, Processing (subset of Java and IDE) and openFrameworks. It even has some circuits for the hobbiest building with embedded devices. The main focus is interaction design, looking at how to enable better computer/human interaction from a technical perspective. Full Review >
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