The first two chapters of "Don't Make Me Think!" cover the essential rules of usability of the web. It talks about the main points of how we use the web and what to do/not do when designing a website.
In chapter one, the author tells us what to consider when designing a website that people will have ease using and enjoy using. Basics are nothing important should be more than two clicks away, think in the language of the user, consistency, but most importantly don't make the user think. Web pages should be obvious and self explanatory. If people have to think to use them, then they will probably not use it at all if there are other options. It's a good idea to use simple words that are clear to the user as well as icons that are recognizable as clickable or not.
In the second chapter, the author explains how we really use the web. A key point is that no one really reads websites, we just scan them. It is important to know this so designers can remember to use key words that will attract the attention of the eye and hopefully it will be what the user is looking for. Users also don't choose the most optimal choices. Instead the "satisfice" and choose the first reasonable option. This is because users are usually in a hurry and there really isn't much consequence if they do something wrong. It doesn't take a whole lot to back up and guess again. Users also don't figure out how things work, they usually push through and learn as they go. We don't like to read instructions. But once we find something that works, we stick to it.
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