Introduction:
"Don’t Make Me Think, Revisited" written by Steve Krug is a highly acclaimed book on usability and user experience. The book provides valuable insights on how to design user-friendly websites and applications that are intuitive, easy to navigate, and require minimal thinking from the user. A revised and updated version of the original book published in 2000, "Don't Make Me Think, Revisited" holds true even in today's fast-paced digital world. This summary will cover the key takeaways from each chapter of the book with real-life examples.
Chapter 1: Don't make me think!
The first chapter of the book sets the foundation for the rest of the book by emphasizing the importance of keeping websites and applications user-friendly and intuitive. Krug explains that in order to achieve this, designers should aim for a website or application that is self-evident, self-explanatory, and requires minimal effort from the user. This can be achieved by reducing the number of options and choices, making important elements stand out, and using conventions and standards that users are already familiar with. This chapter also highlights the principle of "don't make me think" which means that users should not have to think about how to use a website or application.
Real-life example: Google’s homepage is a great example of following the principle of "don't make me think". The design is clean and simple, with only one search bar and a few links. The search bar is the focal point of the page, making it self-evident and self-explanatory to the user. The use of familiar elements such as the Google logo and colored links also follows the principle of using conventions and standards that users are already familiar with.
Chapter 2: How we really use the web
In this chapter, Krug explains how users behave when they visit a website and how they make decisions on what to click and where to find the information they need. He emphasizes the importance of understanding user behavior and designing websites keeping this in mind. Krug also introduces the concept of "happy talk" which refers to unnecessary and meaningless text that adds no value to the user's experience on the website.
Real-life example: Amazon’s product page is a good example of understanding user behavior. The product title, price, and reviews are placed in strategic locations that are easy for the user to find. On the other hand, the "Add to Cart" button stands out and is placed in a prominent location, making it easy for the user to make a purchase. The website also avoids using "happy talk" and instead uses concise and meaningful text to provide useful information to the user.
Chapter 3: Billboard design 101
This chapter delves into the importance of creating effective navigation and visual hierarchy on websites and applications. Krug stresses the importance of making important elements stand out and making it clear where users should focus their attention. He also mentions the importance of avoiding clutter and using visual cues such as headings and subheadings to guide users.
Real-life example: The New York Times' website uses effective navigation and visual hierarchy to guide users. The main headline and featured articles are given priority, followed by sections and sub-sections in a clear and structured manner. The use of headings, subheadings, and bulleted lists also adds to the visual hierarchy, making it easy for the user to scan and find the information they need.
Chapter 4: Animal, vegetable, or mineral
This chapter focuses on creating well-organized and well-labeled categories and navigation menus on websites and applications. Krug explains the importance of using clear and consistent naming conventions and organizing information in a way that is logical and intuitive for the user.
Real-life example: The navigation menu on Spotify’s website is well-organized and labeled with clear and consistent naming conventions. The main categories are displayed in a horizontal bar with subcategories listed below. The use of icons also adds to the clarity and intuitiveness of the navigation.
Chapter 5: Omit needless words
In this chapter, Krug talks about the importance of using concise and meaningful content on websites and applications. He explains that users scan rather than read word-for-word, so it's important to use clear and concise language to convey the intended message.
Real-life example: Dropbox’s sign-up page is a good example of using concise and meaningful words. The instructions and form fields are brief and to the point, making it easy for the user to understand and complete the sign-up process quickly.
Conclusion:
"Don't Make Me Think, Revisited" provides designers with practical and valuable insights on how to create user-friendly and intuitive websites and applications. By following the principles and examples mentioned in the book, designers can ensure that their designs require minimal thinking from the user and lead to a positive user experience.
