Don't Make Me Think: What Actually Separates Good UX from Digital Torture
There's a rule someone dropped in a product design session that has lived rent-free in my head ever since: "Anything digital shouldn't have more than 7 steps." Seven. That's it. Seven steps to register, seven steps to checkout, seven steps to do the thing your app was built to do. You're probably reading that and thinking: easy, we only have six steps. And then you count them. And then you…
There is a widely-known rule in product design that claims digital experiences should not exceed seven steps. This rule, known as the 7-Step Rule, dictates that processes such as registration, checkout, and desired actions should ideally be completed within seven steps. However, it's not uncommon for users to encounter more than seven steps, with additional elements such as email verifications, additional confirmation screens, and intrusive tutorials.
These seemingly straightforward steps often accumulate into a digital nightmare, leading to poor user experiences or what is commonly referred to as "digital torture."
User Experience, or UX, is a crucial aspect of digital design. It encompasses the overall interaction a user has with a product, from opening the app to achieving their desired outcome. Good UX ensures that users can perform tasks without second-guessing their actions. Conversely, bad UX can frustrate users, leading to confusion, frustration, and ultimately, abandonment.
The 7-Step Rule is rooted in the concept of Miller's Law, which posits that the human brain can hold approximately seven pieces of information in its working memory at any given time. Each step in a digital process represents a piece of information that the brain must hold. When the cognitive load exceeds this capacity, users may struggle or simply abandon the task. This highlights the importance of keeping digital processes streamlined and uncomplicated to ensure optimal user experiences.
Several principles contribute to the separation of good UX from digital suffering. First, the user is never wrong. When users encounter difficulties, it's essential to examine the design elements rather than attributing issues to the user's lack of effort or attention. Second, friction is a tax. Every additional step, unnecessary field, or confirmation dialog increases the cognitive burden on users.
Identifying and eliminating unnecessary steps can significantly improve the user experience. Third, "show, don't tell" is a principle that advocates for intuitive design. Icons, buttons, and flows should be self-explanatory, allowing users to navigate the app without extensive instructions. This approach fosters a more seamless user experience.
Fourth, consistency creates a kindness by preventing confusion. When elements within an app adhere to established patterns, users can predict how the app will behave, reducing the mental effort required to navigate it. Lastly, feedback is mandatory. Users need to be informed that their actions have been registered, whether through a loading spinner, a success notification, or a color change. This communication reassures users that their actions have been acknowledged and processed.
Written by urgent.news from Dev.to's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
