Personalization

No easy custom path

What is it?

Different paths can lead to the same result and users sometimes have personal preferences about how to get something done. Failing to understand what these options are, and requiring that all users follow a rigid flow, can end up being inefficient for some or demotivating for others. It's in part because it gets to the user's sense of autonomy. Users may feel frustrated if they cannot tailor their experience or choose different ways to achieve their goals, leading to a sense of being controlled by the system. Note that allowing multiple ways to complete a task may add confusion if not done right. Users need to understand how these paths are different, which one works best for them, and why the others may not.

Examples

Complex and difficult path to customization

Inability to skip steps in a long workflow

Underlying principles

Personalization

Personalization

Personalization

Self-Determination Theory

Self-Determination Theory

Self-Determination Theory

Guiding questions

Are certain methods for completing the task "better" than others?

Are certain methods for completing the task "better" than others?

Are certain methods for completing the task "better" than others?

How many different ways are there to complete the task?

How many different ways are there to complete the task?

How many different ways are there to complete the task?