Instead of targeting a specific number of clicks to reach information, focus on the effort required to complete a task
Focus on Effort, Not Clicks
- Design for Task Completion: Ensure the user's path is logical and predictable. A user might be willing to click five times if each step provides clear progress and relevant information, whereas a single click to a confusing page can lead to frustration.
- Use Descriptive Labels: Help users navigate by using clear, action-oriented labels on links and buttons. This creates a strong "information scent," giving users confidence that they are heading in the right direction.
- Anticipate User Needs: Place the most frequently sought-after information or tools in high-visibility areas, such as the top of the page or within primary navigation, to reduce the need for deep searching.
- Measure by Success, Not Clicks: Evaluate success based on whether the user reached their goal and found the answer they needed, rather than the number of interactions it took to get there.
