{Originally published on Brand Autopsy}

While reading Bill Moggridge’s DESIGNING INTERACTIONS, I became aware of the “Ten Things Google has Found to be True.” It’s Google’s corporate manifesto from the early 2000s and it’s a very worthwhile read. [Maybe you've already read it and I'm just late to the party. If so ... then my laggardness is showing--sorry.]

Google’s ten things it has found to be true are:

1. Focus on the user and all else will follow.
2. It’s best to do one thing really, really well.
3. Fast is better than slow.
4. Democracy on the web works.
5. You don’t need to be at your desk to need an answer.
6. You can make money without doing evil.
7. There’s always more information out there.
8. The need for information crosses all borders.
9. You can be serious without a suit.
10. Great just isn’t good enough.

You can (and should) read all the support prose in the manifesto as I’m just gonna share snippets from a few of the more universally meaningful tenants.

1. Focus on the user and all else will follow.
“From its inception, Google has focused on providing the best user experience possible. While many companies claim to put their customers first, few are able to resist the temptation to make small sacrifices to increase shareholder value. Google has steadfastly refused to make any change that does not offer a benefit to the users who come to the site: The interface is clear and simple; Pages load instantly; Placement in search results is never sold to anyone; Advertising on the site must offer relevant content and not be a distraction. By always placing the interests of the user first, Google has built the most loyal audience on the web. And that growth has come not through TV ad campaigns, but through word of mouth from one satisfied user to another.“