The best thing software can be is easy, but the way to do this is to get the defaults right, not to limit users' choices.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Software should be easy, achieved by setting the right defaults rather than limiting choices. This reduces friction without restricting power.
- In plain terms
- To make software easy, set the right defaults instead of taking away user choices.
- What can you take from it?
- Smart defaults create ease without sacrificing user control.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Are your defaults helpful or restrictive?
- How does ease affect adoption?
Another view
Defaults can hide necessary customization from advanced users.
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