Action Quote by Jakob Nielsen
“Even better than good error messages is a careful design which prevents a problem from occurring in the first place. Either eliminate error-prone conditions or check for them and present users with a confirmation option before they commit to the action.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Designing Web Usability, 1999
Design should prevent errors by eliminating risky conditions or confirming actions before they occur.
In simple terms: Prevent errors through design.
Key Takeaway
Design to avoid mistakes.
Themes
usability
error prevention
design
Mood
analytical
practical
Type
technical
instructional
When to use this quote
- software interfaces
- online forms
- transaction systems
Key Concepts
human‑centered design
risk mitigation
Questions to Reflect On
- How to balance safety and speed?
- When is confirmation unnecessary?
A Different Perspective
Over‑confirmation can frustrate users.
