Rocket Surgery Made Easy: the Do-it-yourself Guide to Finding and Fixing Usability Problems

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 · 4,130 ratings  · 198 reviews

Start your review of Rocket Surgery Made Easy: The Do-It-Yourself Guide to Finding and Fixing Usability Problems

Mar 26, 2016 Samira rated it really liked it

..."I've always said that writing is the hardest work I know of and that I can't understand why anyone would do it unless someone was holding a gun to their head (which, of course, is what deadlines are all about)." ...
:))))))) ..."I've always said that writing is the hardest work I know of and that I can't understand why anyone would do it unless someone was holding a gun to their head (which, of course, is what deadlines are all about)." ...
:))))))) ...more

Nov 19, 2011 Beverly Ho rated it really liked it

Just like "Don't Make Me Think", this is a concise, easy to read, and valuable book that anyone in software development should read. Steve Krug has a way of explaining the Usability Testing concept that can be applied easily. It was an interesting read. I couldn't put it down until I finished it before I landed on a 6 hour flight. Just like "Don't Make Me Think", this is a concise, easy to read, and valuable book that anyone in software development should read. Steve Krug has a way of explaining the Usability Testing concept that can be applied easily. It was an interesting read. I couldn't put it down until I finished it before I landed on a 6 hour flight. ...more

The Book in 3 Sentences

1. The book is divided into two sections a) Finding usability problems b)Fixing usability problems
2. First section chapters have information related to why, how, and what we need to do for identifying usability problems and the second section chapters tells you how to identify main problems and how to perform small tweaks instead of big redesign.
3. Book helped me acquire knowledge on how to run user recruitment, conduct user testing in-person and remote, how to identify ke

The Book in 3 Sentences

1. The book is divided into two sections a) Finding usability problems b)Fixing usability problems
2. First section chapters have information related to why, how, and what we need to do for identifying usability problems and the second section chapters tells you how to identify main problems and how to perform small tweaks instead of big redesign.
3. Book helped me acquire knowledge on how to run user recruitment, conduct user testing in-person and remote, how to identify key issues in the application, and how to effectively fix it.

How the Book Changed Me

- Thought: UX is least considered for startup products because the core focus of management is to ship the working features first and then fix usability issues. So try to ship minor tweaks or improvements instead of a complete redesign.

My Top 3 Quotes

- Participants should leave the room in no worse shape than they entered.
- You can observe a lot by watching. — LAWRENCE "YOGI" BERRA
- The best is the enemy of the good.

PS. The book also has sample of "Test Script", and "Recording consent form" for conducting user interviews

...more

Dec 24, 2016 Denise Rolon rated it it was amazing

So simple and direct - this book is great! I've done usability tests many times before, but I don't do them all that frequently. This book is like a simple cookbook that will remind me of all the important little things I need to do or consider when I do these test. It will be a handy reference for me! Plus, Steve Krug is funny, which is part of what makes his book is a pleasure to read. So simple and direct - this book is great! I've done usability tests many times before, but I don't do them all that frequently. This book is like a simple cookbook that will remind me of all the important little things I need to do or consider when I do these test. It will be a handy reference for me! Plus, Steve Krug is funny, which is part of what makes his book is a pleasure to read. ...more

Mar 25, 2013 Anna Migas rated it really liked it

Nicely written but I don't feel that I have learnt anything new. I would recommend it to the begginers, not people who already had a chance to run any usability test in the past. Nicely written but I don't feel that I have learnt anything new. I would recommend it to the begginers, not people who already had a chance to run any usability test in the past. ...more

Jan 08, 2019 Rae rated it liked it

Read "Don't make me Think" back when I was first starting and this book is just as good if you're interested in running quick usability tests. I found the chapter on the types of common problems participants have and the chapter on being a therapist to be the most useful in my work life.

A fast read, but were I to start running tests, I'd read it again.

Read "Don't make me Think" back when I was first starting and this book is just as good if you're interested in running quick usability tests. I found the chapter on the types of common problems participants have and the chapter on being a therapist to be the most useful in my work life.

A fast read, but were I to start running tests, I'd read it again.

...more

Dec 04, 2021 Sean rated it really liked it

4.5.
Very solid and easy read with practical tips for conducting usability tests.

A decent guide on usability testing; super concise, yet somehow everything inside could have been stated in even fewer words. Part of the issue is that the book is a practical guide, in the sense that it literally recommends certain types of software/equipment for conducting usability tests; in 2021 probably 1/3 of the book could've been replaced with the sentence "Use Zoom (with recording on) for onsite and remote usability tests." Another part of the issue is that the book appeared to have an A decent guide on usability testing; super concise, yet somehow everything inside could have been stated in even fewer words. Part of the issue is that the book is a practical guide, in the sense that it literally recommends certain types of software/equipment for conducting usability tests; in 2021 probably 1/3 of the book could've been replaced with the sentence "Use Zoom (with recording on) for onsite and remote usability tests." Another part of the issue is that the book appeared to have an agenda, namely to persuade the reader that usability testing is a valid/useful/good thing, and teach the reader to persuade others of this; however, I personally found such content unnecessary. Since I'm already reading the book, I feel it's safe to assume that I'm sold on the value of UX testing!

Now with the negatives out of the way - I did learn some important intuitions from the book, which I applied to a web development project in my lab (mofsimplify.mit.edu) - namely:
- Recruit basically anyone to test the site - don't waste time finding "ideal users"
- Test early (even earlier than you think is appropriate; you can even have people test napkin sketches)
- Don't bias the test participant
- Have explicit tasks for the participants to do
- To address UX issues, make minimal tweaks or remove content; don't rely on a distant redesign
- Have a lot of people observe the testing live, this helps them get "eureka moments" where they see how unacquainted users interact with the site
- Make a short, concise, and actionable report afterwards; no need for a long report
- Treat your testers/attendees with food and/or monetary incentives :)

Some other pieces of advice that I haven't applied yet include (a) testing a competitor's site first to get nerves / hard feelings out of the way and (b) using a service like usertesting.com to do quick-and-dirty tests. (This book actually inspired me to sign up to be a usability tester on usertesting.com!)

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May 14, 2022 Nikhil rated it it was amazing

Steve Krug's Don't make me think is obviously there on every design professional and student's must-read books list, just like design of everyday things is. But in my limited experience, no one I know has read "don't make me think". The proverbial motto among designers-this is a ludicrous generalization of course-being "don't make me read". The author is a huge fan of Amazon, and rightly so. Amazon has done a shit ton of usability testing. As an aside, I wish Amazon also did some usability testi Steve Krug's Don't make me think is obviously there on every design professional and student's must-read books list, just like design of everyday things is. But in my limited experience, no one I know has read "don't make me think". The proverbial motto among designers-this is a ludicrous generalization of course-being "don't make me read". The author is a huge fan of Amazon, and rightly so. Amazon has done a shit ton of usability testing. As an aside, I wish Amazon also did some usability testing on Goodreads because the site is practically unusable.The book is focused on simple, informal, small-sample, do-it-yourself usability testing (sometimes known as discount usability testing). The book is not about qualitative, quantitative, summative, formative, formal, informal, large sample, small sample, comparative tests, benchmarking tests, etc. For that you can contact your organization's UX researcher. The book's main thrust is to equip designers in small teams to conduct usability testing especially when resource constraints are significant. ...more

Aug 28, 2019 Doug Braun rated it it was amazing

Recommended to Doug by: Mark Prociw

The author takes a very practical and pragmatic approach to actually generate actionable results from a simplified version of usability testing that can be done on any website (even your own website).

Instead of involving a large number of people and consuming resources preparing for, and writing large reports thereafter of all feedback received, etc. -- the approach taken will easily generate the "top 3 issues to be solved" from usability testing done as described in the book.

Later in the book,

The author takes a very practical and pragmatic approach to actually generate actionable results from a simplified version of usability testing that can be done on any website (even your own website).

Instead of involving a large number of people and consuming resources preparing for, and writing large reports thereafter of all feedback received, etc. -- the approach taken will easily generate the "top 3 issues to be solved" from usability testing done as described in the book.

Later in the book, the author goes the extra mile to also include checklists to assist anyone doing this with steps to help plan, prepare, steps to do on the testing day (how to do the actual testing), how to find unbiased testers, etc. and the checklists are all downloadable from the book's website.

Most websites have issues. This approach allows almost anyone to find the top 3 issues on any given website so they can be addressed for the most benefit of your website users.

...more

Sep 26, 2020 Simon Thompson rated it really liked it

Steve Krug's follow-up to Don't Make Me Think, the go-to recommendation for an introduction to making websites useful and usable, is a similarly bright, light-touch introduction to usability testing.

A lot has passed in the ten years since the book was published, but the fundamental principles hold true that regular testing can improve websites, intranets and other digital tools. Krug argues that this can be done in as little as a morning a month, and buries a lot of useful information in ways th

Steve Krug's follow-up to Don't Make Me Think, the go-to recommendation for an introduction to making websites useful and usable, is a similarly bright, light-touch introduction to usability testing.

A lot has passed in the ten years since the book was published, but the fundamental principles hold true that regular testing can improve websites, intranets and other digital tools. Krug argues that this can be done in as little as a morning a month, and buries a lot of useful information in ways that simply make sense to anyone interested in learning how their services are used by real people.

What's more, like Don't Make Me Think, Rocket Surgery Made Easy is the kind of book that won't scare away bosses and can easily be handed on for them to read. With a reading time of a matter of hours and clear, simple techniques that don't require a dedicated lab, you could be making improvements to your digital products in a matter of weeks. The heavier books can wait a little longer.

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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Very easy read. Some basic reminders:
- Do not give clues in the scenario (pg 53)
- Make eye contact
- Don't mumble, don't race through it, don't speak in monotone
- Get the participants comfortable talking
- Listen to the participants and feel free to ask follow up questions
- Always keep an eye on the clock
- If you feel like you're not likely to learn anything more, move on
- Try to get them to externalize their thought process
- Try not to influence them. Remain neutral
- Maintain a poker face. No fro Very easy read. Some basic reminders:
- Do not give clues in the scenario (pg 53)
- Make eye contact
- Don't mumble, don't race through it, don't speak in monotone
- Get the participants comfortable talking
- Listen to the participants and feel free to ask follow up questions
- Always keep an eye on the clock
- If you feel like you're not likely to learn anything more, move on
- Try to get them to externalize their thought process
- Try not to influence them. Remain neutral
- Maintain a poker face. No frowning, smiling, laughing, nodding or grinning
- Clarifying for observer/paraphrase: do you mean this X over here? ...more

Apr 04, 2020 Bryan rated it liked it

I'm a bit torn on this one. While I really enjoyed "don't make me think", this follow up seemed to follow the same pattern too closely.

I often found myself noticing he was repeating himself not only from his previous book, but also repeating points throughout the chapters of this one.

The script was helpful, the maxims were nice, but he should have known focusing on specific software while writing this would badly age certain parts of it.

Since this is just a visual process, I'm not sure why he

I'm a bit torn on this one. While I really enjoyed "don't make me think", this follow up seemed to follow the same pattern too closely.

I often found myself noticing he was repeating himself not only from his previous book, but also repeating points throughout the chapters of this one.

The script was helpful, the maxims were nice, but he should have known focusing on specific software while writing this would badly age certain parts of it.

Since this is just a visual process, I'm not sure why he didn't reference a screen recording of the entire flow in his website, instead of the audio recording of the script.

...more

May 28, 2020 Kristen Byers rated it really liked it

I purchased this book for a class before finding out the textbook had changed since the last time the class was offered. Oops. Luckily Steve Krug's writing is easy to read and I figured it would be a good backgrounder before the course despite the fact it's no longer the designated textbook. Some of the references are a little outdated now (10 years might as well be a lifetime in terms of the Internet). Remote testing is also only very briefly mentioned at the very end. I can see why they moved I purchased this book for a class before finding out the textbook had changed since the last time the class was offered. Oops. Luckily Steve Krug's writing is easy to read and I figured it would be a good backgrounder before the course despite the fact it's no longer the designated textbook. Some of the references are a little outdated now (10 years might as well be a lifetime in terms of the Internet). Remote testing is also only very briefly mentioned at the very end. I can see why they moved away from this book as the textbook for my course -- in the age of COVID-19, we will be conducting our usability tests for class remotely. ...more

Oct 29, 2020 Milana Stanic rated it it was amazing

This is a handbook for any kind of user research, if you do not do user research often this is your go-to checklist of what you can do and how to go about it. It is perfect, I read it multiple times and used it during research preparation phase and I cannot imagine not having it near me as it might be a year in between sessions and I am not even going to try remembering everything. It is actually now included in UX master studies on UX design here in Oslo and for a good reason - if you want to g This is a handbook for any kind of user research, if you do not do user research often this is your go-to checklist of what you can do and how to go about it. It is perfect, I read it multiple times and used it during research preparation phase and I cannot imagine not having it near me as it might be a year in between sessions and I am not even going to try remembering everything. It is actually now included in UX master studies on UX design here in Oslo and for a good reason - if you want to go about user research this is a great place to start and get all the necessary info without getting overwhelmed. ...more

Jan 25, 2018 Seng Wee Wong rated it really liked it

This book is purely about usability testing. Not about rocket science. I have no idea what the author was thinking when he decided to name this book "Rocket Surgery Made Easy..."...! Misleading title.

Albeit the weirdly named title, this book is quite helpful for product managers to conduct their usability testing. This book is highly practical and the author has listed down step by step procedure to conduct a usability test for your software. What to look out for and what not.

This book is quit

This book is purely about usability testing. Not about rocket science. I have no idea what the author was thinking when he decided to name this book "Rocket Surgery Made Easy..."...! Misleading title.

Albeit the weirdly named title, this book is quite helpful for product managers to conduct their usability testing. This book is highly practical and the author has listed down step by step procedure to conduct a usability test for your software. What to look out for and what not.

This book is quite short, you can probably speed through within few days.

...more

Kudos for the Companion Book to Don't Make Me Think

Rocket Surgery Made Easy is an excellent resource for anyone who facilitates usability testing.

Steve Krug outlines all of the steps, from preparation to execution. He covers variations in the process, whether you are leading testing in the same room as the participant or by remote access. Steve also recommends online facilitation tools such as Go to Meeting and capture tools such as Camtasia.

Not only is this book a must-have; it's a great read

Kudos for the Companion Book to Don't Make Me Think

Rocket Surgery Made Easy is an excellent resource for anyone who facilitates usability testing.

Steve Krug outlines all of the steps, from preparation to execution. He covers variations in the process, whether you are leading testing in the same room as the participant or by remote access. Steve also recommends online facilitation tools such as Go to Meeting and capture tools such as Camtasia.

Not only is this book a must-have; it's a great read.

...more

Nov 24, 2020 Anna rated it it was amazing

Reading this book felt like attending an intense two day workshop of usability testing.
Real life examples, step by step plan of how to plan testings, how to conduct them, how to talk to people and what conclusions to make. I am a beginner in this field and did find so much new and useful information in this book!

The only problem I found with this book is that it can get outdated quite fast and it would be nice to see updated materials in the Chapter 15 Overachiever reading list and in Chapter 2

Reading this book felt like attending an intense two day workshop of usability testing.
Real life examples, step by step plan of how to plan testings, how to conduct them, how to talk to people and what conclusions to make. I am a beginner in this field and did find so much new and useful information in this book!

The only problem I found with this book is that it can get outdated quite fast and it would be nice to see updated materials in the Chapter 15 Overachiever reading list and in Chapter 2 video example.

Great resource to hold on to and skim through again before conducting usability tests.

...more

Jun 10, 2021 Yiyang rated it really liked it

This is an easy book to digest - only 150+ pages and I was able to finish it in a few hours (plus fonts are bigger and have cartoon illustrations, making it more like a longer blog rather than a book). I only realized when I started to read it, that this book was written in 2010. Nevertheless, the classic User Testing method didn't change that much and I still agree on the method of doing frequent user testing (Steve suggested 3 people every month in a routine with observers in a diff room etc.) This is an easy book to digest - only 150+ pages and I was able to finish it in a few hours (plus fonts are bigger and have cartoon illustrations, making it more like a longer blog rather than a book). I only realized when I started to read it, that this book was written in 2010. Nevertheless, the classic User Testing method didn't change that much and I still agree on the method of doing frequent user testing (Steve suggested 3 people every month in a routine with observers in a diff room etc.) and got a lot out of this book. ...more

This should be called Usability for supper dummies. A basic book that can be written in less than one A4 page. Unless testing and usability is something that you haven't heard before in your life and have almost no idea what it is - skip this book and don't waste your time. If you know a very, very bit of conducting any kinds of interviews and know a little of usability meaning - skip this book and get something that provides a more knowledge. This should be called Usability for supper dummies. A basic book that can be written in less than one A4 page. Unless testing and usability is something that you haven't heard before in your life and have almost no idea what it is - skip this book and don't waste your time. If you know a very, very bit of conducting any kinds of interviews and know a little of usability meaning - skip this book and get something that provides a more knowledge. ...more

Mar 29, 2019 Mythreyi rated it really liked it

It is exactly what it says it is. Great starting point for anyone starting research. If you have no experience and probably are a engineer or designer or product creator - this is a great starting book to getting your end user feedback. And fixing the website or app accordingly.

I just wish there is more about interpreting results and developing solution. Probably that is experience level. This is great for collecting problems to improve upon.

Jan 17, 2020 Kyle rated it liked it

My edition was older, so many of the recommendations in it for specific software or book editions could be improved. As a book, it has some pretty good recommendations about the logistics of user testing, but it was lacking in terms depth generally, such as understanding existing user or tester biases. If you've never tested a user before, but want to set up something structured, this isn't a terrible place to start. But if you're looking to understand testing in depth, go elsewhere. My edition was older, so many of the recommendations in it for specific software or book editions could be improved. As a book, it has some pretty good recommendations about the logistics of user testing, but it was lacking in terms depth generally, such as understanding existing user or tester biases. If you've never tested a user before, but want to set up something structured, this isn't a terrible place to start. But if you're looking to understand testing in depth, go elsewhere. ...more

Mar 25, 2020 Norbert Boros rated it it was amazing

Somehow I missed this usability classic book (although I started my UX "career" more than 10 years ago with Steve Krug's other classic, the "don't make me think").

Even I did many usability tests in the last years but I could learn some new ideas and tips that are useful in the day-to-day UX work. So for both beginners and senior UX/product design practitioners are a great choice to learn about usability testing in a very understandable and practical way.

Somehow I missed this usability classic book (although I started my UX "career" more than 10 years ago with Steve Krug's other classic, the "don't make me think").

Even I did many usability tests in the last years but I could learn some new ideas and tips that are useful in the day-to-day UX work. So for both beginners and senior UX/product design practitioners are a great choice to learn about usability testing in a very understandable and practical way.

...more

Jan 12, 2021 Marek rated it really liked it  · review of another edition

Recommends it for: junior UX Designer, junior UX Reseacher

I read the book more out of sentiment for Steve Krug, had it on my list for a long time.

A definite book – just like the previous one – lightly written, with the author's characteristic touch of humor. It is pleasant and quick to read.

I recommend it to every beginner UX Designer as a complement to "Don't make me think".
If you're an advanced designer and have already done some research, you're unlikely to learn anything new from this book.

I read the book more out of sentiment for Steve Krug, had it on my list for a long time.

A definite book – just like the previous one – lightly written, with the author's characteristic touch of humor. It is pleasant and quick to read.

I recommend it to every beginner UX Designer as a complement to "Don't make me think".
If you're an advanced designer and have already done some research, you're unlikely to learn anything new from this book.

...more

Oct 19, 2021 Amy rated it really liked it

Instructional book for conducting quick and simple usability tests. Bonus points for Krug's candid honesty and self-deprecating humor.

Krug's "maxims" are the following:
- A morning a month, that's all we ask.
- Start earlier than you think makes sense.
- Recruit loosely and grade on a curve.
- Make it a spectator sport.
- Focus ruthlessly on a small number of the most important problem.
- When fixing problems, always do the least you can do.

Instructional book for conducting quick and simple usability tests. Bonus points for Krug's candid honesty and self-deprecating humor.

Krug's "maxims" are the following:
- A morning a month, that's all we ask.
- Start earlier than you think makes sense.
- Recruit loosely and grade on a curve.
- Make it a spectator sport.
- Focus ruthlessly on a small number of the most important problem.
- When fixing problems, always do the least you can do.

...more

May 09, 2017 Jenny GB rated it really liked it

This book is a great how-to for usability testing, but overall I didn't feel it added a whole lot more than Don't Make Me Think. Unless you're going to actually run usability testing for your company and you need a more detailed guide, you can probably skip this book. If you want an overview of the concept, read Don't Make Me Think. This book is a great how-to for usability testing, but overall I didn't feel it added a whole lot more than Don't Make Me Think. Unless you're going to actually run usability testing for your company and you need a more detailed guide, you can probably skip this book. If you want an overview of the concept, read Don't Make Me Think. ...more

Real easy to read, consistent with Don't Make Me Think.

Will start doing some usability testing very soon. I am really excited about the potential and pumped to make it a monthly rendez vous. Even thinking about signing up as a participant (not a test subject) ;-) on user testing web services to try the experience.

Thanks for all the tips Steve!

Real easy to read, consistent with Don't Make Me Think.

Will start doing some usability testing very soon. I am really excited about the potential and pumped to make it a monthly rendez vous. Even thinking about signing up as a participant (not a test subject) ;-) on user testing web services to try the experience.

Thanks for all the tips Steve!

...more

Jan 09, 2018 Wrenaria rated it it was amazing

Quick, easy read filled with valuable and practical information. Great for reference to come back to when you need a refresh on user testing and great starting point for anyone new to finding and fixing usability problems. Steve offers some useful resources you can download too - forms, testing scripts, etc.

Jun 12, 2018 Milan rated it really liked it

I wish I had read this book about a year ago when we started with do-it-yourself usability testing. We've invented most of the stuff in the book on our own and our methods are surprisingly similar. We even use the same microphone as the one mentioned in the book! But there are still some useful tips and tricks we can use to improve our process. I wish I had read this book about a year ago when we started with do-it-yourself usability testing. We've invented most of the stuff in the book on our own and our methods are surprisingly similar. We even use the same microphone as the one mentioned in the book! But there are still some useful tips and tricks we can use to improve our process. ...more

Aug 29, 2018 Ang rated it it was amazing

This is PERFECT for amateur usability testers, or anyway people who want to become that for their organization. I feel like this book is perrrrrfect for librarians who want to test but don't know where to start. This book will literally get you through every step, including the debrief. Highly recommended for beginners! This is PERFECT for amateur usability testers, or anyway people who want to become that for their organization. I feel like this book is perrrrrfect for librarians who want to test but don't know where to start. This book will literally get you through every step, including the debrief. Highly recommended for beginners! ...more

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Steve Krug (pronounced "kroog") is best known as the author of Don't Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability, now in its third edition with over 600,000 copies in print.

His second book is the usability testing handbook Rocket Surgery Made Easy: The Do-It-Yourself Guide to Finding and Fixing Usability Problems.

The books were based on the 20+ years he spent as a usability consultant

Steve Krug (pronounced "kroog") is best known as the author of Don't Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability, now in its third edition with over 600,000 copies in print.

His second book is the usability testing handbook Rocket Surgery Made Easy: The Do-It-Yourself Guide to Finding and Fixing Usability Problems.

The books were based on the 20+ years he spent as a usability consultant for a wide variety of clients like Apple, Bloomberg.com, Lexus.com, NPR, the International Monetary Fund, and many others.

His consulting firm, Advanced Common Sense ("just me and a few well-placed mirrors") is based in Chestnut Hill, MA.

Steve currently spends most of his time writing, teaching usability workshops, and watching old movies on tv.

...more

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