Sites and apps strive to minimize clicks around a central task (e.g. 3 clicks to the ‘book it’ button on Airbnb). One can do better. The number of clicks actually don’t matter if no thought goes behind each click, and no uncertainty exists regarding where each click will lead. A rule could be: three mindless, unambiguous clicks equal one thoughtful click.
Therefore, when presenting a difficult choice to the user, divide it into simple clicks. In the rare instance where the choice can’t be elegantly broken down, provide accompanying guidance which is:
- Brief.
- Visually noticeable.
- Available precisely when needed.
Further reading: Forms that Work: Designing Web Forms for Usability (by Caroline Jarrett).
Book summary 