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 Don't Make Me Think : A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability (2nd Edition) :: 0321344758
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| Usability design is one of the most important--yet often least attractive--tasks for a Web developer. In Don't Make Me Think, author Steve Krug lightens up the subject with good humor and excellent, to-the-point examples. The title of the book is its chief personal design premise. All of the tips, techniques, and examples presented revolve around users being able to surf merrily through a well-designed site with minimal cognitive strain. Readers will quickly come to agree with many of the book's assumptions, such as "We don't read pages--we scan them" and "We don't figure out how things work--we muddle through." Coming to grips with such hard facts sets the stage for Web design that then produces topnotch sites. Using an attractive mix of full-color screen shots, cute cartoons and diagrams, and informative sidebars, the book keeps your attention and drives home some crucial points. Much of the content is devoted to proper use of conventions and content layout, and the "before and after" examples are superb. Topics such as the wise use of rollovers and usability testing are covered using a consistently practical approach. This is the type of book you can blow through in a couple of evenings. But despite its conciseness, it will give you an expert's ability to judge Web design. You'll never form a first impression of a site in the same way again. --Stephen W. Plain Topics covered: User patterns Designing for scanning Wise use of copy Navigation design Home page layout Usability testing Editorial Descriptions are usually submitted by the manufacturers, publishers and authors. Contact us if you are one of them, and wish to change the above description. |
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Author: Guest
When we design Web sites, we often overlook the simplest things because we're too wrapped up in the design. After working on Web sites for a while, some of us have slowly moved away from what we know is usable to adding or removing elements that may enhance the `look' - and also break a site's usability.
Steer back on track with the new edition of Krug's highly referenced book. Novice, intermediate, expert. No matter where you are on the scale, the book provides value to everyone - even managers, testers and project managers. Management likes to get their hands a little dirty when it comes to Web design projects and sharing this book may make the team's life easier.
Anyone involved with Web design or usability will recognize most, if not all, of the concepts covered in the book. What makes Don't Make Me Think usable is that it's a great checklist to ensure you've covered all the basics.
Krug provides many before and after examples to show how a few changes can enhance a Web site's usability. The illustrations reinforce the concepts covered as well as how visitors use and read a Web site.
As for the differences between the first and second editions, the second addition has three new chapters while usability testing shrinks from two chapters to one and with good reason.
The testing chapter breaks down the testing process into digestible steps; complete with a script between the tester (user) and the person watching the tester. Too often, we've seen testing get mangled or ignored. With this chapter, teams might find themselves empowered and eager to do testing.
The chapter on "Usability as common courtesy" explores how a site can make or break the "reservoir of goodwill" as Krug puts it. We arrive at a Web site with some goodwill and depending on how well the site meets or misses our needs; the goodwill level goes up or down. It may only take one mistake to propel visitors to flee.
Another new and short chapter is "Accessibility, Cascading Style Sheets and you." Krug captures what developers and designers hear when it comes to accessibility and addresses what they fear. He lists five things designers and developers can do make a site accessible without a lot of effort.
Finally, the book closes with "Help! My boss wants me to..." Krug has received plenty emails and questions on the topic to identify two questions that repeatedly come up. He provides email examples for free re-use, so no one has to explain it to the boss.
It only takes about two hours or a plane trip to read. The writing is conversational, clear and packs a punch with a dash of humor thrown in. Reading the book is not much different than reading fiction because it flows well and the information sinks in without much effort.
If you get this book and have the 1st edition, I recommend keeping both. You might find helpful stuff in the original material not found in the new edition.
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Author: Guest
I've been working in the web industry for over 5 years now, and pretty much thought I had it all figured out, as far as usability is concerned.
Wow, was I wrong. Reading Krug's book opened up my eyes to several important aspects of web usability that I had overlooked. I especially found the section on user testing useful.
This is one of the best investments you can make for your career!
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Author: Guest
This is the best book I have read for designing effective web page interfaces. Steve Krug systematically marches through a no-holds barred, common sense approach that will have you building more effective web sites immediately. While the book may be thin (200 pages), it's chock full of excellent, time-tested concepts on practically every page. There is a downside to the book though--after reading it, you will undoubtedly look at any interface, whether digital or structural, and ask, "Why did they design it like that? It should be like this". That's about the biggest complement you can give a book.
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Author: Guest
This slim book will give you deep insight and highly practical advice about creating an effective web experience.
Thanks to the author's use of humor and his clear writing style, the principles are easy to grasp and simple to implement. You will not be disappointed!
I have read countless books and articles on creating effective websites. This one is "hands down" the best book I have read on the subject.
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Author: Guest
I have to say that I was less than excited to sit down with a mug of coffee & a book on web usability on a weekend afternoon. But within the first few pages, I found myself grinning and laughing at Krugs thoughts, especially his footnotes. I kept interrupting my family to read bits and pieces, and we all laughed along to Krugs anecdotes and stories. Along with the laughs, I learned a great deal about web usability and site optimization. This book comes HIGHLY recommended to all!
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