Don't Write Instructions
Warning labels, UX, and John Mayer's album.
I saw a picture on an exercise bench this morning.
It was supposed to help me realize that I shouldn’t put my hand in a certain position near the bench’s adjustment knob.
The picture was fine. It was clear enough that I knew what not to do.
Don’t put your hand here. It’ll getcha.
It seems like a very reasonable thing to tell the users of the bench. We want them to use the equipment safely, right?
If you’re working on something for others, whether it’s a product you’re trying to sell or expertise you’re trying to impart, this image applies to you.
What’s better than making a descriptive, helpful image for users?
Designing something that needs no instructions.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a teacher, author, software developer, musician, politician, or activist—you are interacting with others.
Empathy is your secret weapon.
I’ve worked with teachers who figured out that their students with autism didn’t understand math until using popsicle sticks. I’ve seen authors break their books into many, small digestible chapters to get new readers to build momentum and finish a book. Great software doesn’t require instructions, it just makes sense. John Mayer released his album “The Search For Everything” in several, small waves—only a few songs at a time—because “that’s how people consume things now and the music industry has to catch up.”
Whatever you’re working on, consider this image.
Are you writing instructions?