Utilize Progressive Disclosure

Key Insight: Progressive disclosure is a design technique that involves presenting information gradually, as needed, to prevent users from feeling overwhelmed. This concept is well-articulated in "The Design of Everyday Things" by Don Norman, which highlights the importance of simplicity and user control.

Actionable Steps:

Identify Core Tasks:
- Determine the most important tasks users need to accomplish.
- Focus on presenting only the essential information initially.
Hide Secondary Information:
- Place additional details and options in secondary menus or expandable sections.
- Use icons, tooltips, or "more info" links to reveal hidden content.
Guide Users Step-by-Step:
- Break down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
- Provide clear instructions and feedback at each step.
Maintain Consistency:
- Ensure that the approach to progressive disclosure is consistent throughout the product.
- Avoid surprising users with sudden information overload.
Test and Refine:
- Conduct usability tests to ensure that users can easily access the information they need.
- Refine the design based on user feedback and behavior.

Benefits:

Reduces cognitive load and prevents user overwhelm.
Enhances user focus and comprehension.
Improves task completion rates by guiding users step-by-step.
Creates a cleaner and more streamlined interface.

Conclusion: Utilizing progressive disclosure, as recommended by Don Norman, helps create a more user-friendly experience by presenting information gradually and reducing cognitive overload. By guiding users through tasks step-by-step and revealing details only when necessary, you can enhance usability and satisfaction.