Don’t Make Me Think, Revisited
Essential guide to user-friendly web design principles.
Summary of 6 Key Points
Key Points
- Principles of intuitive navigation
- Importance of clarity in design
- Conventions in web usability
- Mobile usability
- Accessibility and usability testing
- How users really use websites
key point 1 of 6
Principles of intuitive navigation
Intuitive navigation is based on the principle that a website should be as self-evident as possible. Users should be able to ‘get it’—what it is and how to use it—without expending a lot of thought. This means that navigation and site architecture must be logical and clear, as users spend minimal time trying to figure out where to find things. The author emphasizes the importance of clear visual hierarchies and straightforward language to indicate where links lead…Read&Listen More
key point 2 of 6
Importance of clarity in design
Clarity is paramount in design because it ensures that users can navigate and understand a website without confusion. Websites should be self-evident, so users can find what they need without effort. Any design element that requires users to think too much about how to use it can lead to frustration and a higher likelihood that they will abandon the task at hand. The book emphasizes the need for clear visual hierarchies, straightforward language, and recognizable links that make navigation intuitive…Read&Listen More
key point 3 of 6
Conventions in web usability
The concept of conventions in web usability is akin to the idea of ‘street signs’ within the digital landscape. They guide users by leveraging familiar patterns and elements that users have come to expect based on their past experiences with other websites. This familiarity allows people to navigate and understand new websites with minimal cognitive strain. Instead of needing to learn a new system of interaction for each site, users can apply their knowledge of common conventions such as underlined text indicating a hyperlink, a shopping cart icon for e-commerce, or a magnifying glass representing search functionality…Read&Listen More
key point 4 of 6
Mobile usability
When discussing mobile usability, the author emphasizes the necessity of understanding that users should not be made to think too much while navigating or using mobile websites or applications. The smaller screen and touch interface of mobile devices require a different approach to design compared to traditional desktop websites. This means that buttons, links, and other interactive elements need to be larger and easier to tap, and content should be streamlined to present information in a clear and concise manner…Read&Listen More
key point 5 of 6
Accessibility and usability testing
Accessibility in web design refers to the practice of making websites usable by people of all abilities and disabilities. This involves designing web content that can be navigated and understood by users who may have visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments. Making a website accessible ensures compliance with legal standards and improves the overall user experience. It requires thoughtful design choices like providing text alternatives for non-text content, creating content that can be presented in different ways without losing information, and making it easier for users to see and hear content…Read&Listen More
key point 6 of 6
How users really use websites
Steve Krug in his book emphasizes that when users interact with websites, they prefer a clear and self-evident navigation over an elaborate design that requires thinking. Users are inclined to scan pages quickly rather than read everything in detail. They glance at each new page, scan some of the text, and click on the first link that catches their interest or vaguely resembles the thing they’re looking for. There’s usually not much point in trying to guess the user’s intention; they want to find what they’re looking for with minimal effort…Read&Listen More