Product & Startup Builder

Hierarchy for how to solve clarity/usability problems in UX...

Added on by Chris Saad.

Often when there's a problem in a user experience, product managers and other leaders will jump to better documentation or tutorials.

Instead, there is a hierarchy of UX changes that should be tried first, second, third etc. Try fixing the problem using the tools at the top of the hierarchy before resorting to techniques lower down the list...

  • Improve the visual metaphor
    Make it easier for the user to quickly - at a glance - understand what's going on based on the patterns and pixels on the screen

  • Improve the word choice/copy
    Make it clearer what's expected and what's about to happen by using simpler, better sentences and button labels. It's surprising how much can be achieved with a simple word change.

  • Coach marks
    Help users orient themselves when they first visit your app or when there's a new feature available by adding callouts and highlights.

  • Simple animated explainers embedded in the UI
    Help users see a quick glimpse of what they need to do with a simple looping animation

  • Video tutorials
    If you're going to educate me, then at least make it entertaining!

  • Documentation
    This should be a last resort. The documentation should always be present but it shouldn’t be relied upon to help improve a user's day-to-day experience.