INTUITIVE INTERFACES: WHAT ACTUALLY MAKES THEM CLEAR

Summary from the TLDR Design newsletter

Intuitive interfaces aren't created through templates or familiar patterns alone, but through systematic work that accounts for business goals, the product, and how users think. Poor visual quality, unmet expectations, high cognitive load, and ignoring user scenarios create "roadblocks" that confuse people and make them feel stupid, ultimately driving them away. The key is adapting interfaces to users rather than forcing users to adapt, focusing on clarity that builds confidence and enables people to accomplish their goals without struggling through confusing design.