2.5 Design to assist and not to distract
Give users control over notifications and focus, prioritize task-relevant content, and avoid designs that distract or unnecessarily extend engagement.
Success Criteria
- Respect user attention:
Ensure users can control when and how they receive information, while respecting their attention, focus, and mental effort. - Distraction-free design:
Show users information relevant to their current task and avoid unnecessary interruption and competing interface elements. Delay or collapse information not immediately needed, but keep it easy to find. Only show pop-ups, modal windows, or other disruptive interface elements when the user chooses to open them. Use decorative design only when it improves the user experience, and make optional assets removable or turned off by default. Do not remove information or functionality that may be important for accessibility, safety, or different user needs. - Remove engagement traps:
Avoid design patterns that engage users longer than necessary, such as infinite scroll or disabling standard browser controls and navigation features.