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Don't Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability, 2nd Edition (Paperback) (平装)
by Steve Krug
| Category:
Internet, Web, Software, Design |
| Market price: ¥ 398.00
MSL price:
¥ 368.00
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| Stock:
Pre-order item, lead time 3-7 weeks upon payment [ COD term does not apply to pre-order items ] |
MSL rating:
 Good for Gifts |
| MSL Pointer Review:
A guide for Web designers, programmers, project managers, and anyone else creating a Web site, clearly explaining what is needed to make good decisions about creating a usable Web site that people want to visit. |
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AllReviews |
1 2   | Total 2 pages 11 items |
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E. Kao (MSL quote), USA
<2007-06-29 00:00>
First off, let me preface this by admitting that I am not a web designer or information architect expert by any means. I work in tech being a "jack of all trades" with internet applications where we are always strapped for resources (ie we don't have designers or web producers for this side project, all those resources are devoted to the cash cow at our company). At some times I'm an acting site product manager other times I'm a product marketer.
Steve Krug distills "everything you need to know" into a short book that is written colloquially and deals with real-life web team scenarios, and gives some really simple exercises for reviewing a website.
I especially appreciate his beginning most chapters with a real-life example (ie a designer vs a developer disagreeing about the use of a pulldown menu). This shows me he's been in the trenches before, and keeps me interested in what his solution is.
His chapter on how to run usability tests on a shoestring budget will help not only me (who'll have to run the tests), but also will provide a lot of background on scenarios where usability efforts tend to not take off within a company. Additionally he provides solutions on how to mitigate these excuses -- he's about how to get things done, not about theorizing.
Thanks Steve - another new fan has joined the fold.
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Ed Uyeshima (MSL quote), USA
<2007-06-29 00:00>
For those of us who do not design Web sites but must distill what makes them effective, this is a great resource. Design and usability expert Steve Krug has pulled together an easy-to-read book that is not only instructive but visually appealing and often amusing. His tenets are basic, but he is smart enough to recognize how everyone has an opinion on Web design and not necessarily a very informed one. Krug's philosophy is that the most effective Web sites come from solid, integrated design that addresses a need tangible to the user. He spends the bulk of the book proving just how valid his philosophy is.
The author cites successful examples recognizable to even the most mundane surfer, for example, the tabular navigation structure of Amazon. But he doesn't shy away from those sites he finds lacking like the now-defunct Productopia site, which I agree had a confusing home page. Krug even presents site redesigns given his druthers, and the improvement is quite discernible. Using the helpful analogy of street signs, the author identifies the criticality of using persistent navigation, clear site sections and utilities and a search tool as components of a highly usable site. In order to engage the reader, Krug provides what he calls "trunk test" sites in which he tests us to identify missing elements and attempts to elicit site improvements. I particularly like this approach since it helps make Krug's guiding principles resonate more clearly.
The last part of the book provides a precise overview of usability testing. He provides helpful examples of questions to ask users and even includes a session transcript he conducted himself. Krug strongly believes in not structuring the testing to the point where honest feedback cannot be attained. In fact, he feels that instead of placing the onus on one expensive scientific test that it makes far more sense to conduct many simple affordable tests from beginning to end. I agree with Krug that the value of testing does not come from the collection of quantitative data but rather the qualitative findings that lead toward better design decisions. Krug expresses some similarly strong opinions about home page design and the credibility of so-called subject matter experts. Fortunately, with a decade under his belt at leading Internet companies like Netscape and AOL, he is certainly someone that deserves your attention.
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Freeman (MSL quote), USA
<2007-06-29 00:00>
Don't Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability is to a web designer what a rifle is to a soldier.
If you've ever been involved in building a web site that will serve as the virtual world shingle for a corporation or government entity, you should have had this book with you during the project. Get it now if you'll be building such sites in the future.
Web sites don't become popular because someone in a meeting says, "Woudn't it be great if..." They become popular because they are focused and usable. Don't Make Me Think takes you step by step through the process of making a web site focused and usable. Once your web site is focused and usable, you will find that your web site will attract the only thing that justifies pouring your heart and soul into a web site - an audience.
If you build it they will come was a very popular moniker in the 90s. It isn't true. It should be, if you build it right, they will come.
The premise of this book is that if you make people think too hard about finding something on your web site, they'll go away and they won't come back. So if you are interested in having people come to your site and then come back for a second visit, this is the right book. I won't tell you what the author tells you about the logic behind keeping visitors. What I will tell you is that Don't Make Me Think follows its own rules. The book is superbly designed. It's full of practical examples of what works and what doesn't. It answers important questions like are we really asking the right questions? It's good. Buy it if you need help building a web site that will actually keep people interested in the content of said web site.
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Meryl Evans (MSL quote), USA
<2007-06-29 00:00>
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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CCUser (MSL quote), USA
<2007-06-29 00:00>
I recently purchased the first edition back in Jan. 2005 after several years designing interfaces for sites (please note that, now, there is a second edition released in Aug. 2005). I found the information provided in this edition useful and I think any web designer will appreciate having this book as a resource for good interface design.
There are enough reviews and editiorial about "Don't Make Me Think..." that I will not rehash what has already been said. However, I do believe that some may buy this book and say to themselves, "I already know that!" I did that too -- at times. Nonetheless, one thing I have found after several years in the business is that we sometimes forget the innate foundation of why we do the things we do when we design.
This book not only reminded me of "why" we "must" design for users of all skill levels, but it taught me quite a lot about some of the things I was doing wrong and thought was correct.
"Don't Make Me Think..." discusses how the majority of users approach and read a page on a site, and how they respond to various elements of a given page (and pages). The illustrations are incredibly helpful and concise in support of the text. The overall text and flow of the book makes for an easy read. Every chapter is a digestible body of great content -- a pleasure to read and/or review.
Initially I thought this book would cater more toward beginners -- however, it caters to experienced designers as well. As a matter of opinion, I think this book may very well benefit more those who have at least some experience under their belts than beginners since points made by the author can be applied to previous experiences. "Don't Make Me Think..." is filled with practical advice, supporting educational material, common sense and affirmations for all levels of educational or professional experience.
Just a note: This is not a tips and tricks book but a practical educational resource for web usability.
Summary:
"Dont' Make Me Think" has a lot of great information in a well laid-out publication supported by excellent examples, charts and graphical illustrations. An essential resource for the novice webmaster and a great reference (reminder and affirmation) for those experienced professionals interested in efficient interface design.
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D. Sanoy (MSL quote), USA
<2007-06-29 00:00>
when reading a technical book. You will find yourself busting out with "that's so true it's hilarious" laughter fits. It is truly amazing to me how we can be such "designer's and engineers" when building our own websites, but such "end users" when using other's websites. I have always had the "Don't make me think" frustration underlying many website (and software for that matter) experiences and frequently my website feedback and reviews would reflect this sentiment.
This book will prove itself to you because Steve causes you to draw on your own experiences as a web user to understand what your users want from your site.
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A reader (MSL quote), USA
<2007-06-29 00:00>
My situation: I'm a strong OO server-side developer who has suddenly been thrust into the presentation world of web site development. On all past projects, I've always had specialists on hand to deal with web site design and usability. Now I have to do everything (front-to-back) myself. I needed resources to get me up to speed quickly. This book has certainly fits the bill!
Lets face it, in today's world where we all have to do more with less (in less time), we don't have time to research all we'd like about web usability. Per Krug's 3rd law of usability ("Omit (needless) words"), he's done a fantastic job of doing just that with this book. If you want "the bullet" on good design and usability, this is an exceptional read. There is very little fluff and lots of tangible "meat" to this book.
I found the chapters on how people use the web and how to write for the web especially useful. He brings to light many design techniques I've encountered (as a web user), but I never realized the principles on which they were based. The home page chapter did a great job of highlighting some of the cultural/political challenges assoicated with home page design, as well as the laying out unique design constraints of the home page.
Many technical design books (I've read) do a good job of presenting practical design techniques, but leave it up to the reader to figure out what the underlying design principles are. This makes it difficult to customize techniques unless you understand the principles. I walked away with a good understanding of the general principles, as well as some techniques for designing usable web sites. For me (a top-down kind of learner), this was extremely useful.
While this book is not the be-all, end-all solution, its a great jump-start to web design and usability. It's extremely practical, uses solid real-world examples to illustrate both good and not-so-good designs, and Krug manages to interject some humor throughout.
After reading this, you'll never look at web pages the same way again!
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A reader (MSL quote), USA
<2007-06-29 00:00>
This book walks it's talk. It is written and arranged exactly as a useable web site should be, clear and concise, with scannable (as well as enjoyable) text. The clean attractive design and graphics accurately and efficiently illustrate the text, which is easy to read and to understand. I love the use of cartoon people with thought balloons to suggest how people think while using a web site.
There is no clutter of technical gibberish or endless verbose rambling on statistics. The chapter on usability testing takes us step by step through the process and is descriptive and instructional instead of theoretical. Steve Krug doesn't feel he has to sacrifice creativity, visual interest, individuality, or effective advertising in order to develop a usable web site. "Good tag lines are personable, lively, and sometimes clever. Clever is good, but only if the cleverness helps convey - not obscure - the message."
I can't agree with those who dismiss this book as nothing but common sense. While I see nothing wrong with publishing a reference and instructional manual that is full of common sense, this book also presents the reasoning behind every method that is suggested. The clashes between designers, programmers, and advertisers are explored and addressed. While I agree that the simple and obvious conclusion is that the focus should be on the user, it is refreshing and helpful to find a book which distills information from all of the varied and opposing developer viewpoints, and applies to them to that end. The book is, after all, subtitled "A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability." Also, like most common sense, it isn't really so obvious until after someone has pointed it out to you.
Here are a few things you won't find in this book, which makes it all the more effective and convincing. You won't find anything that claims this is the "right" way to design web sites. There will be no discussion of business models or predictions for the future of the web. The best omission of all is that there is no bad mouthing of poorly designed sites. According to Steve Krug "Designing, building, and maintaining a great web site isn't easy. It's like golf: a handful of ways to get the ball in the hole, a million ways not to. Anyone who gets it half right has my admiration."
This book gets it more than half right.
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Cynthia Pinsonnault (MSL quote), USA
<2007-06-29 00:00>
This is such a good book for anyone developing a Web site, from do-it-yourselfers to pros. It is very easy to read and digest - well organized, with good illustrative examples, and not a ton of techie jargon.
If you're looking for a technical reference, this isn't it. But if you want to know the most important things to keep in mind when developing a Web site, if you want to know the difference good usability and an intuitive user interface can make in the success of a site, this is the book for you.
Read and follow the advice in the chapter on designing navigation; that chapter alone is worth the price.
I develop Web sites and I keep this book within easy reach on my desk for quick reference.
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Janice Schwarz (MSL quote), USA
<2007-06-29 00:00>
This is a good book for the new web designer. If you are an advanced user looking to expand your knowledge of useability, etc., then this book may be less than useful. UNLESS...you are a designer with cantankerous clients trying to get you to do something you know is a bad idea. Then you can refer them to this book.
This is also a great book for those in Marketing or other departments working with web designers. It's a great book for a small business owner working with a web designer for the first time. The information isn't too complex and is laid out very simply...even non-tech folks can find this to be a great resource.
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1 2 | Total 2 pages 11 items |
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