Don’t make me think (Second edition)
by Steve Krug
Book summary
Steve Krug wrote the first edition of the book “Don’t make me think” in 2000, during the time of the Internet boom. The second edition was published in 2006. Although the time had moved on since then, most of the advice Krug gives in his book still continues to be adequate and up to date.
The main idea of the book is already explained in the title. Don’t make me think is the first rule for the web site designers that Krug points out. It means that the web site should be designed in a way that the user should be able to interact with it without thinking what one ore the other action will lead to. The web sites should be built according to the common sense rules that the users are familiar with. For example the menus are usually on the left as a column or on top as tabs, the logo of the site is located on the top left corner of the site and clicking to it leads back to home page. Another thing he points out is that the clickable things should also look clickable, like a button.
The second chapter of the book explains how do people really use the web. While the web designers think about every little detail and text piece in a very thorough matter, the reality is that the users do not read most of it. Instead of reading the web site, they scan it to find the information they are looking for. Krug explains that the users do not look for the best solutions but rather if they find something that even vaguely reminds them of the thing they are looking for they click on it. If it does not satisfy them, they just return to the previous page. Another example Krug brings says that the users do not spend time on figuring out how things work, rather they muddle through and reach their goal in unimaginable ways even though it could have taken seconds to do it as the designer had thought.
Krug goes through the main steps for designing a good web site. He calls it designing pages for scanning, not reading. The site should be visually clear and indicate at first look, which are the more important parts and which are less important. Building a visual hierarchy and using conventions – the familiar design elements which make it easier for the user to understand the page.
One of the chapters is dedicated to the content of the web sites. It is called omit needless words. The web sites are often crowded with texts, introductions and instructions, which do not give any actual value to the site. Therefore Krug suggests to get rid of half of the words on a site and then to get rid of half of what is left.
Considering the navigation part of the site, he gives valuable advice about the use of breadcrumbs, tabs and navigation menu. The user of the site should always be aware of what site he is on, how to move to another page or how to get back to the home page. The navigation part should be clear and understandable and seen on every page. The web site should also indicate at a first look, what is the point of this site, where can the user start to look for the information he needs.
One of the most important parts of designing a web is testing the usability of the site. Krug advises to test often and simply. Instead of using carefully picked samples, renting cameras or a special room for testing, all that are necessary are a computer, a test subject and a simple camera to record the process of testing. The facilitator asks questions and gives tasks. At the same time the camera records the process and the results can be later seen and analyzed. Krug emphasizes that the results should be reviewed right away and solutions should be offered. Testing should be done once every month. The mornings are the best time – 2-3 user tests in the morning and debrief over lunch.
The chapter “Usability as common courtesy“ says that in addition to having a web site that works and is clear to users, the designer should also ask, does the site have a human touch. This mainly goes for the content of the site. The web site should be meant for people. It means that the page should offer the things that the users expect and lack the things that they don’t like. For example Krug explained what things tend to make users feel like the people publishing the site do not have their best interests at heart. These include for example hiding the wanted information, asking for information you do not need and an amateurish site. He also brings out the things that increase the value of the site for the user. For example knowing the main things that the users are looking for and making them obvious, putting effort into solving the problems of the user or knowing what questions the user might have and answering to them.
One of the last chapters of the book concentrates on the accessibility of web sites. He explains how to make the web site user-friendlier also for disabled people. The very last chapter helps the designers explain to their boss why it is not good to ask too much personal data from the users or why to not add too much animation, background music or large photos to the site. He has even published his e-mails that the designers can use as an expert advice for convincing their bosses that it is not a good idea.
Don’t make me think is a useful book for every web designer. Although written over 5 years ago, it still carries a lot of information, which could be still used today.
References
Krug, S. (2006). Don’t make me think! A common sense approach to web usability. Second edition. New Riders.
