Don't Make Me Think! (Book Review)

Rona Kilmer - 9.16.2009 1:00 PM

Steve Krug’s Don’t Make Me Think was popping up in so many “must read” lists, I couldn’t pass it up. This book outlines Krug’s “common sense approach to Web usability,” and is indeed a “must read.”

Don’t Make Me Think does not cater only to Web usability professionals. Anyone who manages a Website will find the material to be easily digestible. You do not need the vocabulary of a seasoned Web professional to get value out of this book.

The book’s title is also what Krug refers to as, “Krug’s First Law of Usability.” If there is nothing else you take away from the book, “don’t make me think” is a principle that will get you far. Basically, Websites should be self-explanatory. Users should “get it” without having to work at it.  Users should not have to “think” to get around your site.

Often it is hard to look at your own site and clearly see what could be a stumbling block for your users. Krug gives many examples of good vs. bad usability and explains how people navigate through Websites. He illustrates how to organize, label, and design your site to keep your users from having to “think” too much (if at all.)

• Get rid of half the words on each page, then get rid of half of what is left.
• When arriving at a home page, it should take very little effort to answer these questions:
  • What is this?
  • What do they have here?
  • What can I do here?
  • Why should I be here ­– and not somewhere else?

Don’t Make Me Think is a quick, easy read full of useful information that anyone who runs, maintains, or creates Websites will find valuable. You can purchase it on Amazon, a site Krug refers to often to illustrate good examples.

We Want to Hear from You
Have you read Don’t Make Me Think!? What tip/suggestion did you find most valuable?
What other Website usability books do you consider “must reads?”

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