• Home
    • Stmt
    • Planaproject
    • Worksheets
    • Links
  • Services
  • Events
  • Contact
  • About
Menu

Tools not Rules

  • Home
  • Resources
    • Stmt
    • Planaproject
    • Worksheets
    • Links
  • Services
  • Events
  • Contact
  • About
More-is-not-better.jpg

More is not always better

September 11, 2017

People like the idea of having options but when faced with too many they shut down. It’s almost always better to present people with fewer, higher quality, options than to overload them.

Remember the last time you tried to make a selection from an ten page Chinese restaurant menu? You probably chose something from memory. Back when Blockbuster was in business I had to decide what movie to rent before I arrived because, if I didn't, I'd just wander the aisles in a state of information overload.

Whether you’re sending a client mockups or designing an interface keep the options focused and few. Of course there are exceptions. A power Photoshop user want an array of tools at their fingertips, a pilot wants all their instruments in view. But if you’re designing for the mainstream and want to facilitate decision-making present fewer options that represent your recommendations.

Tags Design Process, Communication, Project management
← Give yourself a daily treatSeeing is believing →
  • Communication 25
  • Creativity 13
  • Design Process 29
  • Health 1
  • Interview 14
  • Professional Skills 30
  • Project management 9
  • Resources 3
  • Reviews 2

show your support

I've been writing Tools not Rules since 2014 and I do it because I love this stuff. Know what I ask for? Not a crumb. That said, if you'd like to make a donation...

Donate

Subscribe

It's free! Sign up to receive news and updates about products and special content.

Your personal information will never be shared with anyone.

Thank you!

tweets

  • HADOUKEN!!! @ Hangzhou, China https://t.co/h6QLqQpt6H
    Jun 20, 2019, 5:37 AM
  • I’m considering starting a new IG account: Kids in Woks. @ 乌镇 Wūzhèn Watertown https://t.co/geMFznqJSk
    Jun 18, 2019, 3:53 AM
  • I want a reverse ATM here in China. Activate using a QR code then input cash to have it automatically deposited in your Alipay account.
    Jun 18, 2019, 2:29 AM
  • I vote YES for more mirrored public art. @ 乌镇 Wūzhèn Watertown https://t.co/6Fe3fXfz4x
    Jun 18, 2019, 2:28 AM

All content © Tools Not Rules 2016