© 2026 usetools. All rights reserved.

User Friendly examines the **unseen rules of design** and their effects on everyday life and professional work. Written by Scott Belsky, a recognized figure in the design and technology sectors known for his roles at Adobe and Behance, the book explores how design principles shape user behaviors and experiences across digital and physical environments. It positions itself within the broader discipline of user experience design and design thinking, focusing on the subtle mechanisms that influence interactions without users noticing them. Through real-world examples, User Friendly reveals the foundational elements of intuitive design that underpin successful products and services.
Readers of User Friendly gain insights into frameworks for identifying and applying design rules that operate below conscious awareness. Scott Belsky outlines how these principles—drawn from psychology, behavioral science, and practical design—create seamless interactions by aligning user goals with product outcomes. The book distinguishes its approach by emphasizing universal patterns, such as reducing cognitive load and leveraging natural decision-making shortcuts, that apply across industries. It provides perspectives on balancing user autonomy with persuasive elements, offering tools to analyze why certain designs succeed in influencing life and work without overt instruction.
User Friendly suits designers, product managers, and UX professionals seeking to understand foundational design influences on behavior. It addresses those with intermediate experience in design thinking or UX research, as well as entrepreneurs and marketers interested in subtle user persuasion techniques. The content proves relevant for anyone examining how visual design principles and behavioral insights intersect in real-world applications. Learn more about User Friendly
Discover more design resources
Explore our comprehensive design glossary to master essential terminology from A/B Testing to Wireframes.
Browse GlossarySearch through our entire collection of design tools and resources
Prompt Creek is a free community-driven repository featuring thousands of AI prompts. Discover, bookmark, and share quality prompts for ChatGPT, Claude, and other AI tools.
Vatis Tech is the most powerful speech-to-text infrastructure. It can be used to transcribe user interviews and client meetings.
Accelerate website creation without needing to code.
Susan Weinschenk
18 tools