"It should not be possible for one simple error to cause widespread damage. Here is what should be done..." #readingToday

Many systems compound the problem by making it easy to err but difficult or impossible to discover error or to recover from it. It should not be possible for one simple error to cause widespread damage. Here is what should be done:

•Understand the causes of error and design to minimize those causes.
•Do sensibility checks. Does the action pass the "common sense"test?
•Make it possible to reverse actions—to "undo"them—or make it harder to do what cannot be reversed.
•Make it easier for people to discover the errors that do occur, and make them easier to correct.
•Don't treat the action as an error; rather, try to help the person complete the action properly. Think of the action as an approximation to what is desired.

Design of Everyday Things Revised, Don Norman