With it's 6th version, Drupal was unveiled with some very welcoming improvements in usability, and if you ask me.. it's about time! As a new Drupal user ( after all, I've known about Drupal for only a year.. ) I would have to say that the usability done in Drupal 5 was only fulfilling the minimum requirements that were needed.

A great example would be in regards to form submission during content creation: a never-ending journey of page scrolling. In my opinion, the majority of contributed modules end their development when functionality is completed. Generally, a very small amount of time is dedicated into improving the user experience.

Now that contributed modules and their functionality are becoming more complex, the packaging of a good UI is not just an added featured anymore but is becoming mandatory.

As you've likely noticed, the Raincity Studios squad are out n' about, presenting and representing at plenty of events around Vangroovy.

Most gigs get a recap of their own but, in the interest of convenience, here are a few other posts and blurbs popping up here and there.

Drupal Themeing

Great reviews so far for Mark and Steve's themeing spiel at Vancouver Drupal Users' Group - January 2008: Drupal Theming, From Design Draft to Theme there's even rumours of an impending follow-up.

Their Drupal themeing presentation slides are available web-licly via the Google.

Web Directions North

Boris Mann wraps up his presentation at WDN08 Web Directions North 2008: 3 stages of dynamic systems, wrap up (preview at: Speaking: Web Directions North 08 - Three Stages of Content Management)

Boris' 3 Stages of CMS Slides are Slideshared for your recapping pleasure (audio coming soon perhaps).