November 20, 2008

The One-Click Rule of Web Design
I been thinking the 3-Click rule is outdated and needs to be updated. Let's face it, three clicks is way too many. Why should we optimize for three? I think we can do better than that.

Therefore, let me introduce you to the One-Click rule.

"Users should be able to get to everything in just one click (or less)."

Just some of the benefits of this rule are that users:
1) can get to everything with just one click
2) suffer less from "clickitis" - an RSI type of syndrome involving inflammation of the clicking digit on their mousing extremities
3) spend more time doing things other than clicking links on your web site

If you're not following this rule, then
A) you just aren't following "best practice" or
B) you actually have some common sense and know what user-centered design is *really* all about.

If you don't believe me, just ask me.

Hi, my name's Lyle, I'm the sarcastic one.

Note: I also have started developing the Zero-Click Rule, but am awaiting some development in terms of a new user-input device...a peripheral currently code named the "ThinkBall" by Sarah Bellum Technologies.

Related Posts:
- Sitemaps are Stupid
-
Additional Resources:
- UIE: Testing the Three-Click Rule

Note to self: Great job, this is the first site (according to Google) to use the phrase "mousing extremities"!