BIB_06: Krug, S. (2006). Don't make me think! : a common sense approach to Web usability (2nd ed.). Berkeley, Calif: New Riders Pub.

Krug's book introduces non-usability professionals to usability issues in Web design, and how to conduct usability test to improve Web usability. Krug starts with a chapter that explains the importance of Web usability and what it means--"Don't make me think!" It's followed by an analysis of how users use the Web -- we scan, we make satisfactory choices, and we muddle through the Web.  Then he moves on to discuss the principles of Web usability concerning different elements of a Web site, from page design and writing for the Web, to navigation and home page design, stressing the "mindless" goal for the users. After dealing with the practical issue of negotiation among different groups of people in the organization to implement the usable design, Krug dedicates a chapter to how to conduct cost effective usability testing. In the remaining chapters, Krug reiterates the importance of Web usability, and wraps up the book with recommendations such as using CSS and tips on accessibility and how to deal with demands from the uninformed authorities.

Krug's book is very accessible. In fact, although the book is published in print and digitally, it itself is a good example of information design and simple and accessible writing that required in writing for Web. Some of the tips, such as the importance of home pages and taglines, are unique and useful. Besides the technical issues, Krug has done a good job in discussing some practical issues concerning the daily interactions among personnels involved in Web design decision making in an organization. That said, Krug's stressing on the importance and effectiveness of usability testing seems to devalue other methods such as focus group and field research. Also, the examples in the book seem to be a bit dated.