I removed all instructions from a website — here’s how people reacted

I removed all instructions from a website — here’s how people reacted

Leader posted Originally published at dev.to 1 min read

Most users leave almost immediately.

Some try to understand what’s going on.

A few keep exploring.


I built a small experiment:

https://rallymean.netlify.app

A web experience with:

  • no instructions
  • no navigation
  • no clear objective

There’s nothing telling you what to do.


Why I did this

Most websites are designed to guide users clearly:
click here → do this → get result

But I wanted to explore the opposite:

What happens when you remove all guidance?

Does curiosity take over — or does confusion win?


What I noticed

From early reactions:

  • Some users leave within seconds
  • Others try to “decode” the structure
  • A few stay longer than expected

It seems curiosity alone works — but only for a small percentage of people.


The interesting part

When people do stay, their behavior changes.

Instead of following instructions, they:

  • observe patterns
  • test assumptions
  • try to create meaning

It becomes less about “using” something and more about exploring it.


Open question

Where is the line between:

  • intrigue
  • and frustration?

At what point does lack of direction stop being engaging?


If you try it, I’d be curious how far you go before stopping.

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