Don’t Make Me Think, Revisited a common Sense Approach to Web Usability Steve Krug

One last thing, before we begin
One crucial thing, really: My definition of usability.
You’ll find a lot of different definitions of usability, often breaking it down
into attributes like

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Useful:
Does it do something people need done?
Learnable:
Can people figure out how to use it?
Memorable:
Do they have to relearn it each time they use it?
Effective:
Does it get the job done?
Efficient:
Does it do it with a reasonable amount of time and effort?
Desirable:
Do people want it?
and recently even
Delightful:
Is using it enjoyable, or even fun?
I’ll talk about these later. But to me, the important part of the definition is
pretty simple. If something is usable—whether it’s a Web site, a remote
control, or a revolving door—it means that
A person of average (or even below average) ability and experience
can figure out how to use the thing to accomplish something without
it being more trouble than it’s worth.
Take my word for it: It’s really that simple.
I hope this book will help you build better products and—if it lets you skip a
few of the endless arguments about design—maybe even get home in time
for dinner once in a while.

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Guiding Principles

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Chapter 1. Don’t make me think!
KRUG’S FIRST LAW OF USABILITY
Michael, why are the drapes open?
—KAY CORLEONE IN 
THE GODFATHER, PART II
People often ask me:
“What’s the most important thing I should do if I want to make sure my
site or app is easy to use?”
The answer is simple. It’s not “Nothing important should ever be more than two
clicks away” or “Speak the user’s language” or “Be consistent.”
It’s...