The Big Five of Interaction Design
2 Jul 2009There are 5 ways that a user will guess how to do a certain function.
- Buttons/Links
- Menus
- Right-Click
- Drag and Drop
- Keyboard Shortcuts
Each of these ways is more or less comfortable for a random user. Personally, I am a right-clicker. I right-click on everything and am usually disappointed. However, when it works, I am usually psyched.
For years Gmail has satisfied me with Buttons or Links and a few menus. I discovered some gmail keyboard shortcuts which were cool too, although I rarely use them.
Today, GMail added in support for #4, Drag and Drop. What has been a gaping hole is now plugged where you can drag an email into a label. Well done.
Now, they need to just add in Right-Clicking and I will be happy.
How many of the big 5 does your application support. Add in the others and you will find users singing your praises. With today’s technology, it’s actually easier than you think.
- Tags: UX
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Started in 1996, Glen Lipka has been been randomly publishing about User Experience, Technology, Human Psychology and other subjects.
1 Comment
Some random UX guidelines | commadot.com
October 11th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
[...] Use the big 5. Menus, Buttons, Drag and Drop, Right Click and Keyboard shortcuts. Allow the user to use all of them in your application. It works on many levels. [...]