Self-descriptiveness

One of the seven dialogue principles, referring to the requirement that something (a product or service) has to explain itself by its design.

• no information overload --> shows only relevant information
• simple
• self-explanatory
• explains itself through cues
• you get help and additional information on request
• at any time users are aware of what is happening and how to interact with the object and interface

Good Example

• hiding/showing list of contents on wikipedia

Bad Example

• options in Photoshop --> difficult to follow