Steve Krug is a usability expert. Basically he is hired to evaluate websites and see what possible can be improved on usability issues. Web designers normally do not have a budget for usability reports. Therefore we need to do that part in the design process ourselves. Luckily, Mr. Krug just re-issued a second edition (2006) of his book on the very subject of usability matters — entitled Don’t make me think - A common sense approach to Web Usability.

Book info

• Don’t make me think - A common sense approach to Web Usability

• Written by Steve Krug, published by New Riders & Peachpit

  ISBN-10: 0-321-34475-8; ISBN-13: 978-0-321-34475-5. 224 pages

• Order? From Amazon UK | Amazon US
• Official book site: sensible.com second edition

Summary

In the introduction the author explains the main goal of usability for the web. Websites should offer simple language and visual communicationsto avoid any bad user experiences. In How we really use the web we learn about how users read pages.

And the author points in the next chapters to design conventions, sensible use of words, findability (eg. breadcrumbs) and the importance of the homepage. In the Farmer and the Cowman should be friends Krug explains how teams should communicate effectively about usability issues. Last chapters are about how simple user testing should be, accessibility and company related communications about usability. And some recommended reading for dessert.

Criticism

The book has a very funny tone, filled with humour and cartoonish illustrations that go beyond being just funny. An example of the writing style from the chapter Street signs and breadcrumbs.

Just click your heels three times and say: “There is no place like home.”

The fat dark reddish hilarious headings and key sentences are just hilarious and funny. A good technique to make any points made to stick in your memory. Further, the author makes good use of diagrams, illustrations and cartoons work.The book has screen-shots of usability issues in websites, with Krug’s reworked version with solutions.

Who should read this book

This makes this publication a serious must-have for any web designer that needs a outspoken concise and well-written guide on usability design for websites!!

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