Elegant Web Design: Controlling User Settings From Content Pages

If your site has user options, you probably cause them to 'break focus' when they take an action. (Old style web design typically requires a URL change when an action takes place, and a 'thank you' message is displayed as a form of confirming that action.

Youtube used to have this same problem. This video shows their solution, defines the benefits, and explains how the same solution should be applied to other websites.

A Lesson Learned:
Instead of a 'thank you' message or page, just show the active state of an option as a toggle switch such as a [yes|no] graphic or a 'checkbox'.

When possible, add control options on 'content pages' and do NOT require a URL change for an action to take place. Let actions take place dynamically, on content pages. This reduces loss of focus, simplifies the user interface, improves usability, and reduces complexity on 'control center' pages for user settings. In the end, you have fewer people asking 'customer service' where to find things.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• web
• design
• elegance

[MrSteinIsSublime]

i watch that guy's videos too :]

[OtherworldJudge89]

After a hiatus he's back!

[Goujiki]

Hey man, are you still in China? If so then that's awesome. I wish I lived in that part of the world. I've been to Japan once and it was so amazing. Anyhow, I know alot of people don't watch your videos, but I like them and I think you got alot of cool ideas. There's not many people that think like you in North America. I think myself as well, but I guess that's one reason why you decided to move there, and maybe also the reason why I have the urge to move over there too lol...

Anyhow, cya man!