Design Principles

Hick’s Law

The time it takes to make a decision increases as the number of alternatives increases.

Hick’s Law states that the time it takes to make a decision increases with the number of options available. It highlights the importance of simplifying choices in decision-making scenarios, especially in systems requiring quick responses. While the law applies primarily to simple decision tasks, its relevance decreases as task complexity increases.

An example from my own experience in finance: Initially, as stakeholders believed this would simplify navigation, after user research and using some tools, we found that items like Country, Employees, and Revenue were accessed most frequently. By prioritizing these at the top, we streamlined decision-making and improved user efficiency, illustrating Hick's Law in action
Takeaways
  • Minimize Options for Quick Decisions: In time-sensitive situations, reduce the number of choices to enhance decision speed and accuracy.
  • Recognize Task Complexity: Hick’s Law is most effective for simple tasks; avoid over-applying it to complex scenarios that require reading and problem-solving.
  • Design with User Efficiency in Mind: Apply Hick’s Law when creating menus, controls, and signage, ensuring users can make decisions efficiently.

Fitts’s Law

Progressive disclosure

Performance VS Preference

Errors

Abdellatif Bouhellal
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