This is a summary review of Don’t Make Me Think, Revisited containing key details about the book.

What is Don’t Make Me Think, Revisited About?

“Don’t Make Me Think, Revisited” by Steve Krug is a classic guide to web usability that offers practical advice and insights on how to create user-friendly websites and applications. (Full Summary…)

Don’t Make Me Think, Revisited Summary Review

“Don’t Make Me Think, Revisited: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability” by Steve Krug stands as a timeless and invaluable guide in the realm of web design and usability. Since its initial publication in 2000, this book has become a staple for web designers and developers, offering a witty, commonsensical, and eminently practical approach to understanding the principles of intuitive navigation and information design.

Krug returns with a fresh perspective in this revised edition, reexamining the principles that have made his book a classic. The updated examples and the addition of a new chapter on mobile usability reflect the evolving landscape of web design. Despite the changes, the book retains its characteristic brevity, profuse illustrations, and, most importantly, its enjoyable readability.

The author’s ability to distill complex concepts into clear and understandable guidelines makes this book accessible to a broad audience, from seasoned professionals to those just entering the field. While the visual examples may show signs of aging, Krug acknowledges the dynamic nature of the web, where constant evolution necessitates a book that, in his words, “would have to be updated almost every year to keep up.”

The essence of “Don’t Make Me Think” lies in its capacity to serve as both a revelation and a reminder. Readers may find themselves nodding in agreement with the seemingly common-sense advice, only to realize the ways in which they or their colleagues may have overlooked these principles in practice. The book, in essence, serves as a humbling experience, prompting reflection on neglected rules and advice.

The underlying theme is simplicity – encapsulated by the KISS principle: Keep It Simple, Stupid. Krug emphasizes that attempting to be overly clever can confuse users, leading to a cognitive load that hinders usability. The book’s manifesto is a return to basics, a collection of necessary reminders for designing user-friendly websites and applications.

Krug’s practical insights extend beyond the web design community, reaching anyone involved in creating products or services with a user interface. The principles are not confined to a specific era; they are enduring and adaptable, emphasizing fundamental human behavior and cognitive patterns.

The relevance of this book goes beyond its application in the field of web design. It serves as a guide to clear thinking and effective communication in any domain where user interaction is involved. Whether revisiting the book or reading it for the first time, the reader is bound to recognize its enduring value and applicability.

Essentially, “Don’t Make Me Think, Revisited” stands as a testament to the enduring wisdom of Steve Krug in the field of web usability. Its concise yet comprehensive approach, coupled with the author’s wit, makes it an essential read for anyone involved in the design and creation of user interfaces. This book’s impact is not confined to a specific period; it continues to be a beacon guiding designers toward user-centric and intuitively navigable solutions in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Who is the author of Don’t Make Me Think, Revisited?

Steve Krug is a UX professional based in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. He is best known for his book Don’t Make Me Think about human-computer interaction and web usability, which is in its third edition with over 600,000 copies in print. He also heads a one-man consulting firm called Advanced Common Sense.

How long is Don’t Make Me Think, Revisited?

• Print length: 200 pages

What genre is Don’t Make Me Think, Revisited?

Design, Nonfiction, Business

What are good quotes from Don’t Make Me Think, Revisited?

“If there’s one thing you learn by working on a lot of different Web sites, it’s that almost any design idea–no matter how appallingly bad–can be made usable in the right circumstances, with enough effort.”

“It doesn’t matter how many times I have to click, as long as each click is a mindless, unambiguous choice.”

“Don’t make me think”

“Get rid of half the words on each page, then get rid of half of what’s left.”

“Your primary role should be to share what you know, not to tell people how things should be done.”

“If you want a great site, you’ve got to test. After you’ve worked on a site for even a few weeks, you can’t see it freshly anymore. You know too much. The only way to find out if it really works is to test it.”

“Your objective should always be to eliminate instructions entirely by making everything self-explanatory, or as close to it as possible. When instructions are absolutely necessary, cut them back to a bare minimum.”

“And not just the right thing; it’s profoundly the right thing to do because the one argument for accessibility that doesn’t get made nearly often enough is how extraordinarily better it makes some people’s lives. How many opportunities do we have to dramatically improve people’s lives just by doing our job a little better?”

“Happy talk must die”

“In reality, though, most of the time we don’t choose the best option—we choose the first reasonable option, a strategy known as satisficing.”

“The problem is there are no simple “right” answers for most Web design questions (at least not for the important ones). What works is good, integrated design that fills a need—carefully thought out, well-executed, and tested.”

“If you can’t make something self-evident, you at least need to make it self-explanatory.”