Users scan a page looking for trigger words. If they find…
“Users scan a page looking for trigger words. If they find a trigger word, they click on it but if they don’t find it, they go to search. That’s the way it works on 99% of sites, although Amazon is an exception. That’s because Amazon has done a great job of training users to know that absolutely nothing on the home page is of any use.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Users rely on visual cues; missing cues push them to search, while Amazon hides them deliberately.
In simple terms: Missing cues drive users to search; Amazon hides cues.
Key Takeaway
Design clear triggers; avoid hidden navigation.
Themes
usability
navigation
design
behavior
search
Mood
frustrated
curious
Type
practical
analytical
When to use this quote
- e‑commerce sites
- news portals
- intranets
- mobile apps
Key Concepts
cognitive load
information scent
user expectations
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we make important actions obvious?
- What balance between minimalism and discoverability?
A Different Perspective
If cues are too subtle, users may abandon the site.