I received a book from my older brother in preparation for my new job as a UX Specialist (fancy talk for website tester). It is called Don't Make me Think by Steve Krug, who is an expert on Web usability. His whole premise of the book is to construct a website so simple that the user doesn't have to think. In essence, the website is so self-explanatory that the user can easily browse to wherever he or she needs to go.
I started thinking about this principle and how it could apply in everyday life. The principle is to communicate effectively, whether in writing or speaking, that the message is 100% completely understood by anyone.
Let me illustrate with an example.
You're walking through a mall, and suddenly you get one of those instantaneous urges to use the restroom. You have no idea where it came from, but all you know is that you have to go. What do you look for? Obviously a sign that directs you to the nearest bathroom. You point one out and it says something like...
- The Bathroom is located (your hopes begin to rise) next to that one jewelry store (your brows cinch in puzzlement) adjacent to the candy store (anger and frustration set in) in the Southwest corner of the mall (pants are wet).
You'd rather go to a clothing store and buy a new change of clothes after those ridiculous instructions. Our minds react quicker to images and symbols. That is why when we see a sign like this...
we know exactly where to go. No thinking necessary, and no wet pants.
I think that it is good practice to convey messages, directions or instructions in a clear and concise way that can be understood by anyone. Certainly the task is more daunting when a complex subject needs explaining; however, I believe that each message should contain a simple tag on it that says "No thinking necessary".
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