Final project
Steve Krug
Don’t make me think
Principle #1 How we really use the web
• Have something on the page that catches the readers
interest.
-Users typically don’t read a whole page. Generally users will scan the
page till they see a word, phrase or image that grabs their attention
• Make choices clear on what they are.
- Users usually skim the page and pick an option that seams like the first
reasonable choice. By giving links a title on what they actually will talk
about, users will receive the information they are looking for quicker.
• Don’t make the page difficult to navigate.
-Most people are in such a rush they don’t take the time to stop and read
directions. By making your website as easy as possible it will be more user
friendly and less time will be lost.
Principle #2 Street signs and breadcrumbs
• Be direct.
-If users can’t find what they are looking quickly they will be less likely to
use your website.
• Group similar topics together.
-If a person is looking for information on a certain topic they maybe able
to find it quicker even if they go to the wrong page first because they are
in the right area/section/department.(ex. Main section- Jeans Subsections-Levis, miss me, True religion and Wranglers.
• Have a Search box.
- for the users who have no idea where to start this will allow them to find
what they are looking for without endless browsing.
Principle #3 Making the homepage
• What is this website.
- The homepage lets the user know the name of the website and what
information the rest of the website provides.
• Keep the Homepage discrete.
- It’s okay for the homepage to have a slightly different format than the
rest of the pages. Some things to keep in mind are make enough space
and to keep things consistent (location of navigation bar, names and
colors).
• Avoid pull down menus.
They’re more drawbacks to having a pull down menu than not. A user can
not scan the page for the topics, you have to locate the pull down menu
and they can be difficult to read.
Principle #4 Usability testing on 10 cents a day
• Testers don’t matter.
-who you recruit to test the site doesn’t matter as long as they have basic
internet skills. Having a diverse group of users and grading on a curve will
give you a more accurate result.
• Location isn’t a big deal.
- As long as you have the proper equipment (a PC, Internet connection and
a camcorder) and the tester you will be able to complete the test.
• When is a good time?
- The sooner you start running tests the more likely you will be able to
catch smaller problems early in before they become larger ones. Have the
testers perform a task and see how well they do.
Principle #5 Usability as common courtesy
• Representation
- The website represents you/the company. By keeping users informed on
events that are happening or changes that may occur will show
consideration for the user.
• Preserving goodwill with users.
- Goodwill is a way to get users to like your site. Some ways to increase a
users level of goodwill are by putting in the effort, apologize for mistakes
or errors and have answers to common questions.
• Reducing goodwill.
-although this is something that every web designer wants to avoid the
truth is, is that it will more than likely to happen among users. Some ways
you can avoid this is by giving all the facts, making the website look
professional, and only asking for what you need.
The end!
• Contact information
- aplants@buffalo.edu