Steve Krug

Don't Make Me Think

1. IDEA 1

   Good websites need no thinking

   Krug's main rule for web design is that a page should be self-evident: users should understand it without having to think. Every question a user has to stop and puzzle over adds frustration.

2. IDEA 2

   People scan pages

   Krug explains that users do not read web pages carefully; they scan for what they need. Designers should make key information easy to spot. In his view, people are usually in a hurry, so a page that is clear at a glance is far more useful than a clever one.

3. IDEA 3

   Users choose the first reasonable option

   Krug describes satisficing: users often click the first link that seems good enough rather than the best one. Design should make good choices obvious. In his view, people do not weigh every option, so a good page makes sure the first reasonable choice is also a good one.

All 8 ideas from Don't Make Me Think →