BUTTON
BUTTON
BUTTON
Designing for Product Engagement
Designing for Product Engagement
Designing for Product Engagement
Buttons are pivotal in guiding user actions and achieving product goals. This guide shares practical tips to create engaging, intuitive, and effective buttons that enhance user experience, improve usability, and ultimately drive impactful results.
Buttons are pivotal in guiding user actions and achieving product goals. This guide shares practical tips to create engaging, intuitive, and effective buttons that enhance user experience, improve usability, and ultimately drive impactful results.
Buttons are pivotal in guiding user actions and achieving product goals. This guide shares practical tips to create engaging, intuitive, and effective buttons that enhance user experience, improve usability, and ultimately drive impactful results.
Tip 1
Psychological Cues with “Microcopy” Near Buttons
Adding well-crafted, contextual microcopy near action buttons can significantly enhance the user experience by reducing uncertainty, building trust, and motivating users to take action. For example, placing reassuring text like “You won’t be charged yet” next to a payment or subscription button subtly reinforces commitment while alleviating user concerns about unexpected charges.
$75
/
night
CHECK-IN
11/21/2024
CHECKOUT
11/24/2024
GUESTS
2 guests
Reserve
You won’t be charged yet
Minimizes uncertainty
Tip 1
Psychological Cues with “Microcopy” Near Buttons
Adding well-crafted, contextual microcopy near action buttons can significantly enhance the user experience by reducing uncertainty, building trust, and motivating users to take action. For example, placing reassuring text like “You won’t be charged yet” next to a payment or subscription button subtly reinforces commitment while alleviating user concerns about unexpected charges.
$75
/
night
CHECK-IN
11/21/2024
CHECKOUT
11/24/2024
GUESTS
2 guests
Reserve
You won’t be charged yet
Minimizes uncertainty
Tip 1
Psychological Cues with “Microcopy” Near Buttons
Adding well-crafted, contextual microcopy near action buttons can significantly enhance the user experience by reducing uncertainty, building trust, and motivating users to take action. For example, placing reassuring text like “You won’t be charged yet” next to a payment or subscription button subtly reinforces commitment while alleviating user concerns about unexpected charges.
$75
/
night
CHECK-IN
11/21/2024
CHECKOUT
11/24/2024
GUESTS
2 guests
Reserve
You won’t be charged yet
Minimizes uncertainty
Tip 2
Clear Labels: Action Verbs and Concise Design
Users comprehend buttons with direct, action-oriented verbs like “Get,” “Save,” or “Show.” Avoid vague language (“Submit”) or multi-word labels, as these subtly slow down the user’s cognitive processing. For buttons within a flow, use context-specific language to reinforce what the user is doing next (e.g., “Continue to Payment” rather than “Next”).
COUNTRY/REGION
Canada
ADDRESS
1248 Ocean Avenue, FL 33139
Shipping Address
Continue to Payment Details
Instead of “Next”
Tip 2
Clear Labels: Action Verbs and Concise Design
Users comprehend buttons with direct, action-oriented verbs like “Get,” “Save,” or “Show.” Avoid vague language (“Submit”) or multi-word labels, as these subtly slow down the user’s cognitive processing. For buttons within a flow, use context-specific language to reinforce what the user is doing next (e.g., “Continue to Payment” rather than “Next”).
COUNTRY/REGION
Canada
ADDRESS
1248 Ocean Avenue, FL 33139
Shipping Address
Continue to Payment Details
Instead of “Next”
Tip 2
Clear Labels: Action Verbs and Concise Design
Users comprehend buttons with direct, action-oriented verbs like “Get,” “Save,” or “Show.” Avoid vague language (“Submit”) or multi-word labels, as these subtly slow down the user’s cognitive processing. For buttons within a flow, use context-specific language to reinforce what the user is doing next (e.g., “Continue to Payment” rather than “Next”).
COUNTRY/REGION
Canada
ADDRESS
1248 Ocean Avenue, FL 33139
Shipping Address
Continue to Payment Details
Instead of “Next”
Tip 3
Eliminate Disabled Buttons: Guide Users with Active Feedback
Disabled buttons often create unnecessary barriers, leaving users confused and frustrated. Instead of disabling buttons, keep them active and provide real-time feedback when they’re clicked. This approach empowers users, reduces friction, and ensures a more seamless and user-friendly experience.
Sign In
Sign In
Try clicking to see
Tip 3
Eliminate Disabled Buttons: Guide Users with Active Feedback
Disabled buttons often create unnecessary barriers, leaving users confused and frustrated. Instead of disabling buttons, keep them active and provide real-time feedback when they’re clicked. This approach empowers users, reduces friction, and ensures a more seamless and user-friendly experience.
Sign In
Sign In
Try clicking to see
Tip 3
Eliminate Disabled Buttons: Guide Users with Active Feedback
Disabled buttons often create unnecessary barriers, leaving users confused and frustrated. Instead of disabling buttons, keep them active and provide real-time feedback when they’re clicked. This approach empowers users, reduces friction, and ensures a more seamless and user-friendly experience.
Sign In
Sign In
Try clicking to see
Tip 4
Optimizing Button Design for Accessibility and User Engagement
Place primary buttons near the screen's focal point, ideally in the lower half for easy reach on mobile. Ensure a touch area of at least 48x48 pixels and surround with ample space to enhance visibility and usability.
Preview Your Information
Confirm Selection
Cancel
Optimized for quick access
Tip 4
Optimizing Button Design for Accessibility and User Engagement
Place primary buttons near the screen's focal point, ideally in the lower half for easy reach on mobile. Ensure a touch area of at least 48x48 pixels and surround with ample space to enhance visibility and usability.
Preview Your Information
Confirm Selection
Cancel
Optimized for quick access
Tip 4
Optimizing Button Design for Accessibility and User Engagement
Place primary buttons near the screen's focal point, ideally in the lower half for easy reach on mobile. Ensure a touch area of at least 48x48 pixels and surround with ample space to enhance visibility and usability.
Preview Your Information
Confirm Selection
Cancel
Optimized for quick access
Tip 5
Enhancing User Experience with Micro-Celebrations
Add micro-celebrations (like a subtle confetti animation or a color flash) after completing significant actions (e.g., transitioning from "Follow" to "Following"). Positive reinforcement through visual feedback creates a pleasant emotional response, subtly encouraging repeat use.
Amelia Brooks
Product Designer
Follow
Try clicking to see
Tip 5
Enhancing User Experience with Micro-Celebrations
Add micro-celebrations (like a subtle confetti animation or a color flash) after completing significant actions (e.g., transitioning from "Follow" to "Following"). Positive reinforcement through visual feedback creates a pleasant emotional response, subtly encouraging repeat use.
Amelia Brooks
Product Designer
Follow
Try clicking to see
Tip 5
Enhancing User Experience with Micro-Celebrations
Add micro-celebrations (like a subtle confetti animation or a color flash) after completing significant actions (e.g., transitioning from "Follow" to "Following"). Positive reinforcement through visual feedback creates a pleasant emotional response, subtly encouraging repeat use.
Amelia Brooks
Product Designer
Follow
Try clicking to see
Tip 6
Expectation Setting with Button Position Consistency
Keep primary buttons in a consistent location throughout the app or site. Users develop muscle memory, and consistent button placement reduces hesitation and cognitive load, making interactions feel faster and more intuitive. If an application has multiple types of tasks, keep similar actions consistently aligned (e.g., “Continue” on the right, “Cancel” on the left).
Let’s Get Started with Your Details
FIRST NAME
Amelia
LAST NAME
Brooks
Proceed to Address
Try clicking to see
Tip 6
Expectation Setting with Button Position Consistency
Keep primary buttons in a consistent location throughout the app or site. Users develop muscle memory, and consistent button placement reduces hesitation and cognitive load, making interactions feel faster and more intuitive. If an application has multiple types of tasks, keep similar actions consistently aligned (e.g., “Continue” on the right, “Cancel” on the left).
Let’s Get Started with Your Details
FIRST NAME
Amelia
LAST NAME
Brooks
Proceed to Address
Try clicking to see
Tip 6
Expectation Setting with Button Position Consistency
Keep primary buttons in a consistent location throughout the app or site. Users develop muscle memory, and consistent button placement reduces hesitation and cognitive load, making interactions feel faster and more intuitive. If an application has multiple types of tasks, keep similar actions consistently aligned (e.g., “Continue” on the right, “Cancel” on the left).
Let’s Get Started with Your Details
FIRST NAME
Amelia
LAST NAME
Brooks
Proceed to Address
Try clicking to see
Tip 7
Use Familiar Icons as Visual Reinforcements
For buttons with critical actions, such as “Delete” or “Confirm,” add a familiar icon (e.g., a trash can or check mark) to enhance recognition. This reinforces meaning and reduces error likelihood by giving users an extra cue without needing to read the text in detail.
Add to Cart
Download
Delete
Tip 7
Use Familiar Icons as Visual Reinforcements
For buttons with critical actions, such as “Delete” or “Confirm,” add a familiar icon (e.g., a trash can or check mark) to enhance recognition. This reinforces meaning and reduces error likelihood by giving users an extra cue without needing to read the text in detail.
Add to Cart
Download
Delete
Tip 7
Use Familiar Icons as Visual Reinforcements
For buttons with critical actions, such as “Delete” or “Confirm,” add a familiar icon (e.g., a trash can or check mark) to enhance recognition. This reinforces meaning and reduces error likelihood by giving users an extra cue without needing to read the text in detail.
Add to Cart
Download
Delete
Tip 8
“Sticky” Buttons for Long Forms or Critical Actions
Keep crucial action buttons “sticky” (e.g., at the bottom of the screen on mobile or at the top in desktop forms) so they’re always accessible. Sticky buttons reduce the friction of scrolling back to find an action button, making actions feel faster and more seamless.
Create Account
Save
Tip 8
“Sticky” Buttons for Long Forms or Critical Actions
Keep crucial action buttons “sticky” (e.g., at the bottom of the screen on mobile or at the top in desktop forms) so they’re always accessible. Sticky buttons reduce the friction of scrolling back to find an action button, making actions feel faster and more seamless.
Create Account
Save
Tip 8
“Sticky” Buttons for Long Forms or Critical Actions
Keep crucial action buttons “sticky” (e.g., at the bottom of the screen on mobile or at the top in desktop forms) so they’re always accessible. Sticky buttons reduce the friction of scrolling back to find an action button, making actions feel faster and more seamless.
Create Account
Save
Tip 9
Adding Undo Options for Safer User Actions
For buttons that trigger major actions (e.g., deleting a file), offer a subtle delay or “Undo” option immediately after the action is triggered. This enhances user control and reduces the fear of making irreversible decisions, increasing confidence in interacting with your interface.
Image Deleted
Undo
Tip 9
Adding Undo Options for Safer User Actions
For buttons that trigger major actions (e.g., deleting a file), offer a subtle delay or “Undo” option immediately after the action is triggered. This enhances user control and reduces the fear of making irreversible decisions, increasing confidence in interacting with your interface.
Image Deleted
Undo
Tip 9
Adding Undo Options for Safer User Actions
For buttons that trigger major actions (e.g., deleting a file), offer a subtle delay or “Undo” option immediately after the action is triggered. This enhances user control and reduces the fear of making irreversible decisions, increasing confidence in interacting with your interface.
Image Deleted
Undo
Tip 10
“Foot-in-the-Door” Technique with Smaller Commitments
Start with low-commitment buttons to build user trust, like “Learn More” or “Try It Free.” Once users take these small actions, they’re psychologically more likely to follow through with bigger actions (e.g., “Sign Up”), a phenomenon rooted in the foot-in-the-door effect.
$75
/
night
CHECK-IN
11/21/2024
CHECKOUT
11/24/2024
GUESTS
2 guests
Reserve
Take $20 off
Learn More
Low Commit Button
Tip 10
“Foot-in-the-Door” Technique with Smaller Commitments
Start with low-commitment buttons to build user trust, like “Learn More” or “Try It Free.” Once users take these small actions, they’re psychologically more likely to follow through with bigger actions (e.g., “Sign Up”), a phenomenon rooted in the foot-in-the-door effect.
$75
/
night
CHECK-IN
11/21/2024
CHECKOUT
11/24/2024
GUESTS
2 guests
Reserve
Take $20 off
Learn More
Low Commit Button
Tip 10
“Foot-in-the-Door” Technique with Smaller Commitments
Start with low-commitment buttons to build user trust, like “Learn More” or “Try It Free.” Once users take these small actions, they’re psychologically more likely to follow through with bigger actions (e.g., “Sign Up”), a phenomenon rooted in the foot-in-the-door effect.
$75
/
night
CHECK-IN
11/21/2024
CHECKOUT
11/24/2024
GUESTS
2 guests
Reserve
Take $20 off
Learn More
Low Commit Button
Tip 11
Display Shortcuts to Encourage Efficiency
For experienced users, display keyboard shortcuts on buttons or as a tooltip when hovering. This appeals to power users, creating a faster workflow and subtly encouraging engagement from those who seek more efficient interactions.
Fast Confirm Shortcut
Upgrade to Business Plan
$75
per member
/
month
Summary
2 members for 1 month
$29.98
Total
$29.98
Confirm
+ Enter
Tip 11
Display Shortcuts to Encourage Efficiency
For experienced users, display keyboard shortcuts on buttons or as a tooltip when hovering. This appeals to power users, creating a faster workflow and subtly encouraging engagement from those who seek more efficient interactions.
Fast Confirm Shortcut
Upgrade to Business Plan
$75
per member
/
month
Summary
2 members for 1 month
$29.98
Total
$29.98
Confirm
+ Enter
Tip 11
Display Shortcuts to Encourage Efficiency
For experienced users, display keyboard shortcuts on buttons or as a tooltip when hovering. This appeals to power users, creating a faster workflow and subtly encouraging engagement from those who seek more efficient interactions.
Fast Confirm Shortcut
Upgrade to Business Plan
$75
per member
/
month
Summary
2 members for 1 month
$29.98
Total
$29.98
Confirm
+ Enter
Tip 12
Maintaining Clarity with Button Labels During Loading States
When a button triggers an action, maintain its label alongside any loading indication. Replacing the label entirely with a spinner or icon can confuse users, leaving them unsure of the button's purpose or state. Combine a spinner with the button text (e.g., "Saving…" or "Processing…") to clearly communicate that the action is in progress. This ensures users understand what is happening without losing context.
New Message
Sending
Button label updated from 'Send' to 'Sending'.
Tip 12
Maintaining Clarity with Button Labels During Loading States
When a button triggers an action, maintain its label alongside any loading indication. Replacing the label entirely with a spinner or icon can confuse users, leaving them unsure of the button's purpose or state. Combine a spinner with the button text (e.g., "Saving…" or "Processing…") to clearly communicate that the action is in progress. This ensures users understand what is happening without losing context.
New Message
Sending
Button label updated from 'Send' to 'Sending'.
Tip 12
Maintaining Clarity with Button Labels During Loading States
When a button triggers an action, maintain its label alongside any loading indication. Replacing the label entirely with a spinner or icon can confuse users, leaving them unsure of the button's purpose or state. Combine a spinner with the button text (e.g., "Saving…" or "Processing…") to clearly communicate that the action is in progress. This ensures users understand what is happening without losing context.
New Message
Sending
Button label updated from 'Send' to 'Sending'.
Tip 13
Strategic Use of Color to Guide Attention and Convey Meaning
Use button colors that align with your brand while leveraging psychological associations (e.g., red for urgency, green for positive actions, blue for trust). Reserve the most vibrant and attention-grabbing color for primary action buttons, using less saturated hues for secondary and tertiary actions to establish visual hierarchy. Subtle variations in color intensity can further indicate button priority, ensuring the primary action stands out and aligns with user expectations.
Primary
Secondary
Tertiary
Blue conveys trust and reliability.
Tip 13
Strategic Use of Color to Guide Attention and Convey Meaning
Use button colors that align with your brand while leveraging psychological associations (e.g., red for urgency, green for positive actions, blue for trust). Reserve the most vibrant and attention-grabbing color for primary action buttons, using less saturated hues for secondary and tertiary actions to establish visual hierarchy. Subtle variations in color intensity can further indicate button priority, ensuring the primary action stands out and aligns with user expectations.
Primary
Secondary
Tertiary
Blue conveys trust and reliability.
Tip 13
Strategic Use of Color to Guide Attention and Convey Meaning
Use button colors that align with your brand while leveraging psychological associations (e.g., red for urgency, green for positive actions, blue for trust). Reserve the most vibrant and attention-grabbing color for primary action buttons, using less saturated hues for secondary and tertiary actions to establish visual hierarchy. Subtle variations in color intensity can further indicate button priority, ensuring the primary action stands out and aligns with user expectations.
Primary
Secondary
Tertiary
Blue conveys trust and reliability.
Tip 14
Progressive Disclosure for Complex Actions and Options
Simplify complex actions by using progressive disclosure to present essential options first, with secondary actions accessible as needed. For example, use a “More Options” or “See Details” button to reveal additional steps in a multi-step process, or a primary button like “Share” that expands to show specific options (e.g., “Email,” “Copy Link”). This approach keeps the interface clean, reduces cognitive load, and ensures deeper functionality is available without overwhelming the user upfront.
Tip 14
Progressive Disclosure for Complex Actions and Options
Simplify complex actions by using progressive disclosure to present essential options first, with secondary actions accessible as needed. For example, use a “More Options” or “See Details” button to reveal additional steps in a multi-step process, or a primary button like “Share” that expands to show specific options (e.g., “Email,” “Copy Link”). This approach keeps the interface clean, reduces cognitive load, and ensures deeper functionality is available without overwhelming the user upfront.
Tip 14
Progressive Disclosure for Complex Actions and Options
Simplify complex actions by using progressive disclosure to present essential options first, with secondary actions accessible as needed. For example, use a “More Options” or “See Details” button to reveal additional steps in a multi-step process, or a primary button like “Share” that expands to show specific options (e.g., “Email,” “Copy Link”). This approach keeps the interface clean, reduces cognitive load, and ensures deeper functionality is available without overwhelming the user upfront.
Tip 15
Engagement Through Emotional Triggers in Text
Use words that evoke emotion or a sense of urgency, especially for actions with deadlines (e.g., “Claim Your Spot” instead of “Sign Up”). This triggers a psychological response and encourages quicker action, especially for time-sensitive actions.
7 days of FREE delivery with GOLD
Claim Now
Tip 15
Engagement Through Emotional Triggers in Text
Use words that evoke emotion or a sense of urgency, especially for actions with deadlines (e.g., “Claim Your Spot” instead of “Sign Up”). This triggers a psychological response and encourages quicker action, especially for time-sensitive actions.
7 days of FREE delivery with GOLD
Claim Now
Tip 15
Engagement Through Emotional Triggers in Text
Use words that evoke emotion or a sense of urgency, especially for actions with deadlines (e.g., “Claim Your Spot” instead of “Sign Up”). This triggers a psychological response and encourages quicker action, especially for time-sensitive actions.
7 days of FREE delivery with GOLD
Claim Now
Tip 16
Motivational Language for Long Processes
For processes requiring user effort (e.g., onboarding), use motivational phrasing like “Almost There” or “Next Step to Success” to keep users encouraged. This small nudge uses positive reinforcement to increase motivation and drive completion.
4/5
Set up your account
You’re almost done!
Tip 16
Motivational Language for Long Processes
For processes requiring user effort (e.g., onboarding), use motivational phrasing like “Almost There” or “Next Step to Success” to keep users encouraged. This small nudge uses positive reinforcement to increase motivation and drive completion.
4/5
Set up your account
You’re almost done!
Tip 16
Motivational Language for Long Processes
For processes requiring user effort (e.g., onboarding), use motivational phrasing like “Almost There” or “Next Step to Success” to keep users encouraged. This small nudge uses positive reinforcement to increase motivation and drive completion.
4/5
Set up your account
You’re almost done!