“Don’t make me think” chapters 1-2

1. The title of the book is “Don’t Make Me Think?” Why does the author feel it important that web designers don’t make their audience think? What is the big deal anyway, especially on things that take only a millisecond to figure out? What effect does forcing web users to puzzle over how the site works have on the user? What competitive advantage does a usable website have over sites that are less usable?

  Its important to make things easy for the user, because every decision that we have to make adds up.  As users we tend to make decisions quickly and every decision, even milliseconds, adds up and can cause us to leave the site.
  Forcing the user to puzzle over how the site works causes the user to struggle when attempting to complete a task.  If a user cannot complete the task they came to the sight for they will leave.  However if the user can accomplish the task successfully, and quickly, they will return to the sight.  Almost more important is that the user will find the sight userful and be satisfied.  Having a satisfied customer is the best way to gain a competitive advantage.

2. Tell of an example not related to web design where you have personally made the decision to “satisfice.” Why did you “satisfice” instead of trying to find the best way to do it?

The best example of “Satisficing” for me is when I am driving in a big city. A lot of times I will take an exit that seems reasonable, like “downtown”, when there maybe a better direction.  I tend to satisfice in this scenario because the best or fastest route may not be clear.