When comparing The Elements of Typographic Style vs Don't Make Me Think, the Slant community recommends Don't Make Me Think for most people. In the question“What are the best books to read on user experience and design?” Don't Make Me Think is ranked 1st while The Elements of Typographic Style is ranked 4th. The most important reason people chose Don't Make Me Think is:
The book understands it's goals and has a clear purpose. How to get people to understand, and accomplish their goals on the site. As suggested by the name, the book is to the point and doesn't waste time.
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Provides a comprehensive overview
The book is designed to cover all aspects of typography which makes it a good intro book for readers who are new to the subject.
Pro Covers the history of typography
Throughout the book, typographic practices are explained along with their historical significance. Many terms and practices in typography are steeped in history, and learning it helps understand both the rationale, and significance of their adoption, and as a result, what role they play in modern typography.
Pro Short and focused
The book understands it's goals and has a clear purpose. How to get people to understand, and accomplish their goals on the site. As suggested by the name, the book is to the point and doesn't waste time.
Pro Clear examples
Many visuals and real world examples of good design are provided, making it an easy to understand and read book.
Cons
Con Poorly formatted book
The writing style of this book can make it difficult to read. Long walls of text, references to terms that are never defined, and a lack of captions. There is a lack of visual examples, and the small font makes it easy for a reader to lose their place.
Con Poor binding quality
There have been complaints with the quality of binding with the 2nd edition book.