Reducing mental effort.
WHO BENEFITS
Everyone, and particularly people with cognitive differences, people under stress, and people unfamiliar with the task.
WHAT INCREASES EFFORT
Many options Inconsistency Unclear language Information that must be remembered between steps Time pressure
THAT FOURTH POINT
Requiring someone to remember a code from a previous screen is an avoidable burden.
WHAT TO DO
Show what is needed where it is needed Keep language plain Break long tasks into steps Allow saving and returning Be consistent
WHAT TO AVOID
Jargon Double negatives Instructions spread across several places Unnecessary urgency
WHAT TO PROVIDE
A clear indication of where the person is, and what remains
WHAT TO MAKE FORGIVING
Everything.
Allow correction, allow going back, allow undo.
WHAT NOT TO PUNISH
Mistakes.
WHAT TO TEST
Whether someone unfamiliar can complete the task without help.
