Have you ever heard someone say, "That takes too many clicks"? It's a common complaint in the world of UX design, but let's face it—users aren't sitting there counting clicks. So why should we?
When we talk about "clicks," we're often referring to the number of screens a user has to navigate through. But what about loading times, system responses, or the need to carry out offline tasks? Focusing solely on clicks can miss the bigger picture of user experience.
I remember the frustration of hearing, "That's too many clicks," early in my UX career. It felt like all the effort put into crafting a user-friendly flow was dismissed with a single comment.
So, what's the solution? Instead of counting clicks, let's focus on time to completion. This metric considers everything from clicks to loading times, providing a more comprehensive view of the user journey. By measuring time to completion live in the product, we can identify areas for improvement and enhance the overall user experience.
But when is it truly "too many clicks"? Here are a couple of scenarios to consider:
- Automate the Process: If the system can do the heavy lifting, let it! Don't burden users with unnecessary tasks when automation can streamline the experience. Just be sure to communicate when the system is working behind the scenes.
- Avoid Dark Patterns: Never make users jump through hoops to leave your product. Dark patterns not only frustrate users but also tarnish your brand reputation. Keep the exit process simple and straightforward.
In the end, it's not about the number of clicks—it's about the user's journey from start to finish. Let's design experiences that respect their time and effort, creating products that users love to engage with.