Steve Krug: Don’t Make Me Think

When I first read Steve Krug’s Don’t Make Me Think, it felt like a lightbulb moment. The book crystallised ideas I’d been grappling with for years and gave me a clear framework for approaching web design. Even though it was first published over two decades ago, its principles remain as relevant today as ever.

At its core, Don’t Make Me Think is about usability. It champions the idea that websites should be intuitive and effortless to navigate. As Krug explains, the best websites are those that require no mental effort to use. Users shouldn’t have to stop and think, “Where do I click?” or “What does this mean?” Instead, every element of a website should guide them naturally toward their goal.

Three Key Lessons

Simplify, Simplify, Simplify: Krug’s mantra of simplicity is one I return to constantly. It’s tempting to pack a website with features, but too much clutter overwhelms users and detracts from their experience. Instead, I focus on stripping away unnecessary elements and ensuring that every design decision serves a purpose. Whether it’s a homepage, a contact form, or a product page, clarity is always my goal.

Think Like a First-Time Visitor: One of the most important lessons from the book is to view your website through the eyes of a first-time visitor. Regular users might know where everything is, but someone new to the site needs a clear and logical path. I always strive to create designs that make sense at first glance, with obvious navigation and intuitive layouts.

Test Early and Often: Krug’s emphasis on user testing is a game-changer. He advocates for testing early and often, even if it’s just grabbing someone in the office to try out a prototype. Over the years, I’ve learned that usability testing doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated—what matters is getting authentic feedback from real people. It’s amazing how a quick test can uncover usability issues that would have otherwise gone unnoticed.

Why It’s Still Relevant Today

The web has changed dramatically since Don’t Make Me Think was first published. We now have mobile-first design, responsive layouts, and more advanced technologies than Krug could have imagined at the time. Yet, the core principles of usability haven’t changed. Users still crave simplicity, clarity, and intuitive navigation. These principles are timeless because they’re rooted in human behaviour, not technology.

Applying These Lessons to Your Website

If you’re thinking about building or redesigning a website, I encourage you to embrace these principles. Focus on simplicity, put yourself in the shoes of a first-time visitor, and don’t be afraid to test your ideas. As Steve Krug says, "Usability testing beats all other methods."

Don’t Make Me Think has been a cornerstone of my approach to web design, and I’m excited to continue applying its lessons as I help clients create websites that work for them—and, more importantly, their users.

If you’d like to discuss how these principles can transform your website, let’s connect. Simplicity isn’t just a design choice; it’s the foundation of a great user experience.