Don't Make Me Think: Reflections on UX Usability from Steve Krug's Book

This week's IXD lecture delved into the world of usability testing, guided by the wisdom of Steve Krug's "Don't Make Me Think." It wasn't just about memorizing steps; it was a wake-up call to prioritize clarity and user-friendliness above all else.

Key Takeaways:

• Usability testing: The core message was clear – test early, test often, and test with real users. Observing just one user struggling with your prototype unlocks more valuable insights than a polished design failing to resonate with 50 later on.
• Nielsen Norman Group: Bookmark this website! It's your gateway to a treasure trove of UX knowledge, from heuristic evaluations to eye-tracking studies.
• The science of reading: Remember, people scan, they don't read everything word for word. Visual cues like buttons and icons guide their eyes, making information architecture and content design crucial aspects of usability.
• Typography matters: Choose fonts that are easy to read and understand. Don't make users decode your typography; let them flow effortlessly through your content.
• Testing tools: Modern times call for modern tools. ScreenFlow and other screen recording software are your allies in capturing user interactions and identifying pain points.
• Think aloud protocol: Let your users guide you. This technique allows you to listen to their thought process as they navigate your prototype, revealing hidden frustrations and misinterpretations.
• Usability metrics: Efficiency, effectiveness, and satisfaction – these are the holy trinity of UX testing. Track them, analyze them, and use them to refine your design with each iteration.
• Preparedness is key: Don't wing it! Craft a clear test script with defined tasks, pre-test and post-test questions,and a structured approach to evaluate user performance and feedback.
• Steve Krug's templates: Use the master's tools! Krug's pre-made script templates make conducting usability tests accessible and efficient.
• Two types of tests: "Get it testing" focuses on specific tasks, while "test run through" explores the overall user experience. Choose the right tool for the job.
• System Usability Scale (SUS): Measure user satisfaction with your design, but remember, a high SUS score doesn't mean you're done. Keep testing and iterating!
• Triage and problem solving: Analyze the data, prioritize issues based on frequency and severity, and then channel your inner designer to craft solutions that delight your users.
• Some sage advice: Ignore kayakers (those who make irrelevant suggestions), resist the urge to add unnecessary features, and embrace the "reservoir of goodwill" users offer when given efficient and intuitive interfaces.

Beyond the Lecture:

This week's lesson wasn't just about academic knowledge; it was a call to action. As Paul mentioned, usability testing might be part of next semester's projects. Start prepping! Choose an element of your design, craft a test plan, and gather user feedback. Remember, every insight gained is a step towards a user-centric design that truly shines.

Opportunities Await:

The lecture also introduced exciting prospects, like the UI placement role at The Collective Belfast and the Draft XR Figma plugin.