Efficiency

Too many steps

What is it?

Some tasks require more work than others to get a successful outcome. But at the same time, users only have a limited amount of time and mental energy. So it can be tricky to balance the amount of work users are comfortable with and what is needed by the system for the task to be completed. Having users jump through too many hoops or asking the wrong questions can lead users to fail in one way or another, whether it's botching the process, procrastinating, or avoiding engaging with your product altogether. And if users absolutely have to complete the task, because their manager requires they do, or because of an upcoming deadline, they'll do it but may feel frustrated and view your brand negatively.

Examples

Overly complicated opt-out interface

Onboarding quiz with many questions

Complex and difficult path to customization

Inefficient interface for creating workouts

Underlying principles

Choice Overload

Choice Overload

Choice Overload

Decision Fatigue

Decision Fatigue

Decision Fatigue

User Workflow

User Workflow

User Workflow

Guiding questions

Before they use this workflow, how hard do users expect it to be?

Before they use this workflow, how hard do users expect it to be?

Before they use this workflow, how hard do users expect it to be?

Can the product infer or suggest a decision for certain steps?

Can the product infer or suggest a decision for certain steps?

Can the product infer or suggest a decision for certain steps?

Could certain steps be made optional?

Could certain steps be made optional?

Could certain steps be made optional?

How do users define success for the task or goal?

How do users define success for the task or goal?

How do users define success for the task or goal?

What is the purpose of each step in this workflow?

What is the purpose of each step in this workflow?

What is the purpose of each step in this workflow?