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Book Summary

Don't Make Me Think

15 min

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Brief Summary

Don’t Make Me Think remains a foundational text because it bridges design theory with human psychology. Krug’s central message is timeless: the best digital experiences feel effortless.

A great website doesn’t show off complexity—it hides it. It guides users instinctively, making every action clear and satisfying. When users don’t notice the design, that’s when it’s working perfectly.

These principles—clarity, simplicity, familiarity, and continuous testing—have influenced countless digital products from Amazon to Airbnb. Whether you’re designing an app, a landing page, or a checkout flow, Krug’s mantra still applies: make it intuitive, make it fast, and never make them think.

About the Author

Steve Krug is a veteran usability consultant and founder of Advanced Common Sense, a firm that has advised clients like Apple, NPR, and the International Monetary Fund. With over 25 years of experience, Krug has been at the forefront of the usability movement since the early days of the web.

First published in 2000 and updated in 2013, Don’t Make Me Think has sold hundreds of thousands of copies and is used in universities and design teams worldwide. Krug’s follow-up, Rocket Surgery Made Easy, provides a practical guide to low-cost usability testing.

Known for his humor and straightforward style, Krug transformed how people think about design—not as decoration, but as communication. His enduring lesson: great design is invisible, effortless, and human.

Topics

Communication Skills Career & Success

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