> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.thinkinglikeyouruser.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://www.thinkinglikeyouruser.com/before-you-begin.md). # Before you begin * While UX can be applied to APIs, CLIs, documentation, and AI chatbots, this resource focuses primarily on GUI tools. * This resource is neither comprehensive nor thorough. It only covers a few methods that can be done quickly with little training. * The goal of *Thinking like your user* is to help you to create a great interface for your tool using widespread, common conventions. This resource is not designed to help you to create an innovative or ground-breaking interface for your tool. * Don't expect your first projects to be big and impressive, especially as your time and resources are limited. UX is an iterative process where small improvements gradually lead to bigger changes. * The hope is that *Thinking like your user* will change your development mindset. Ultimately, thinking like your user will change your approach to making scientific software. ## Things to keep in mind * Something is better than nothing. Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good. * Don't do it alone. Include others from your team and/or [join professional organizations](/support-yourself.md#join-online-professional-communities). * You will make mistakes and that is ok. * It's common for [user feedback to be difficult to hear](/researching-your-users.md#navigating-out-of-scope-and-uncomfortable-feedback). --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://www.thinkinglikeyouruser.com/before-you-begin.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.