Anticipating the error

IKEA designers often place hole patterns in such a way that one cannot install a piece backwards.

That is, with pieces that might seem reversible … but which actually require a particular orientation … the holes for the assembly bolts only align when you’ve oriented the pieces correctly. It’s designed to eliminate error. To maximize a successful outcome.

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We can learn from this. In event planning. In designing forms. In wayfinding signs. In writing instructions.

If there are critical steps that must be done one way and not another, let’s design the interfaces and experiences such that they can only be done the proper way. Anticipate the user’s error — and help the user to naturally choose correctly.

Said more plainly: if you want something done a certain way, ensure it by careful design.