Key Takeaways
Preface / Intro
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UX = Umbrella term for any activity or profession that contributes to a better experience for the user
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No one right answer to most usability questions
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Usable = A person of average (maybe below average) ability or experience can figure out how to use the thing to accomplish something without more trouble than it's worth
Chapter 1:
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Don't make the user think - design should be self evident
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If something can't be self evident, make it self explanatory
Chapter 2:
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People scan pages
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People click on the first link that might lead them to what they want (don't always choose the best option)
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People use things without understanding how they work
Chapter 3:
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Follow conventions to make things understandable almost instantly, but innovate when you know your idea is better
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Clarity > Consistency
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Prominence, grouping, and nesting
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Get rid of anything that is not making a real contribution
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Make text scan-friendly: Headings, short paragraphs, bullets, highlighted key terms
Chapter 4:
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What really counts is how hard each click is, not the number of clicks
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Give the user guidance to make choices mindless
Chapter 5:
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Concise writing - Only keep words that add value