Business

Don't Make Me Think: 8 key ideas

by Steve Krug

The core ideas of Don't Make Me Think, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.

1. IDEA 1 OF 8

   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 OF 8

   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 OF 8

   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.

4. IDEA 4 OF 8

   Follow conventions

   Krug argues that using familiar conventions, like a logo linking to the home page, helps users.

   Breaking conventions confuses. In his view, people carry habits from other sites, so a page that follows them feels easy, while a surprise slows people down.

5. IDEA 5 OF 8

   Create clear hierarchy

   Krug suggests using size, colour and layout to show what is most important.

   Clear hierarchy guides attention. In his view, a visitor should be able to tell within moments which parts matter most and which are less important.

6. IDEA 6 OF 8

   Cut unnecessary words

   Krug advises removing half the words on a page, then half of what remains.

   Less text is easier to scan. In his view, most of the words on a page go unread, so cutting them leaves the important ones easier to find.

7. IDEA 7 OF 8

   Navigation must be clear

   Krug argues that navigation should tell users where they are and how to get elsewhere.

   Clear signposts prevent getting lost. In his view, a visitor who always knows their position on a website feels in control and is less likely to leave.

8. IDEA 8 OF 8

   Test with real users

   Krug encourages simple, cheap usability tests with a few users.

   Watching people use a site reveals problems quickly. In his view, a small test early on is more useful than guessing, and even a few people can reveal the main problems.