Smashing magazine has a good compilation of (web) usability findings and guidelines, among which "Most users do not scroll" and "Blue is the best color for links". If you're on top of the subject it's not particularly new information, but its written down accessibly and attractively and it's very actionable information.

Placebo buttons are 'false positives'. They're design elements that look like controls, but that actually don't do anything except to give you the illusion that you are in control. Both the NextNature and Design With Intent blog provide an interesting discussion on the subject. See also this 2004 story in the NYT on placebo buttons at pedestrian crossings.

[picture from NextNature]

In contrast to the somewhat opaque sign in the Beijing subway of the previous post, this sign - found in what is supposedly one of Beijing's Beijing duck restaurants - is very, very clear: no shit.

While on the subject of signage, be sure to check out this English/Welsh sign, and the background story on how it came about. (Thanks to 'anonymous' for posting it in the comments of the previous post).

Ran into this little gem of a sign while riding the Beijing subway.