HierarchyStructure things into levels. | ShortcutsProvide pragmatic shortcuts that are independent of structure. |
ContrastUse contrast to highlight important things. | Design to the EdgesDesigning things for everyone including people with disabilities. |
PredictabilityThings act as people expect. | ConsistencyUse similar and repeated elements. |
StabilityAvoid needless or confusing contextual change. | LearnabilityIdeally there is little or nothing to learn. |
ProductivityUsers can accomplish goals with minimal time and effort. | Input is ErrorDon’t ask users questions that you can figure out with automation. |
User ControlAllow users to control things they want to control. | Desire PathAllow users to do things the way they want to do it. |
Multiple PathsAllow for multiple paths and ways of working. | CustomizationAllow users to customize interfaces and functionality. |
Voice of CustomerContinuously improve usability using customer feedback. | FeedbackAllow users to provide meaningful feedback. |
TransparencyShare information users may want. Avoid needless secrecy. | ForgivenessUsers can recover from mistakes. |
Error PreventionHuman error is designed-out. | ResponsivenessFast response times are important. |
Fault ToleranceGracefully recover from errors and intelligently handle exceptions. | Least AstonishmentUse familiar design elements unless there is a very good reason not to. |
Recognition Over RecallAvoid making the user remember things, rather make things recognizable. | Least EffortMake things as easy as possible for the user. |
DiscoverabilityMake things easy to find. | Status VisibilityClearly and quickly communicate what is going on to the user. |
User FreedomAllow users to bypass functions and features they don’t want to use. | ExitabilityProvide users with an exit and a way to stop a process in motion. |
Plain LanguageUse of language to communicate to a broad audience as opposed to impress. | Respect for IntelligenceRespect the intelligence of the user. Avoid dumbing things down. |
Meaningless IconsAssume that icons are meaningless to users. Don’t rely on them to communicate. | LabelsAll things have textual labels. |
CompatibilityInterfaces that work on all relevant devices. | Never AssumeAvoid assumptions such as assuming a user prefers a language based on their location. |
Helpful DefaultsDefaults that are ideal for most users. | Users FirstDesigns are oriented towards user satisfaction and not towards making things easier for implementers. |
Essential ComplexityAdd complexity to the point of maximum value. Avoid needless minimalism or clutter. |
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