When you get the balance of tasks right, letting users focus on choosing and directing, and having the computer focus on remembering and calculating, you’ll create experiences that are simple and surprising because of the creativity users can bring to them.

Creating open experiences

Instead, get them to divide up a fixed number of points (or Monopoly money or jelly beans) for importance and a fixed number of points for feasibility.

Delete unnecessary instructions.

Less important items should be smaller.

Repeatedly asking “so what” eventually throws up an emotional need, a rational need, and a solution.

The trick with open interfaces is to minimize the number of “handy” gadgets for the middle ground.

Progressive disclosure

Don’t try to fill the user’s mind with your design.