What are the key differences between "slips" and "mistakes," and how can these types of errors be minimized in design?

"Slips" are errors in execution, where the user intends to do one thing but accidentally does another (e.g., putting the coffee cup in the refrigerator instead of pouring the milk in the cup). "Mistakes" are errors in planning where the wrong goal or plan is selected (e.g., using the wrong rule or misdiagnosing a situation). To minimize these errors, designers must focus on clear communication, easy-to-understand interfaces, and designs that prevent accidental actions. For slips, forcing functions and constraints are useful while reducing mistakes requires clear system understanding.