Laws & Patterns
UX Law

Provide Exit Points

Always give users a clear and easy way out

Definition

This principle emphasizes the importance of providing users with easily identifiable exit options in your design. It ensures that users always feel in control of their actions and can leave or change course when they want to, reducing user anxiety and improving overall user experience.

Do

  • Always provide a clear and easy way to close a dialog or cancel an operation
  • Place exit options in intuitive locations
  • Ensure exit options are clearly distinguishable from other elements

Avoid

  • Do not trap users in certain sections of your site or app
  • Avoid making exit options hard to find or ambiguous
  • Do not force users to complete unnecessary steps before they can exit

When to apply

  • During the design of navigation menus
  • When creating forms or multi-step processes
  • When designing pop-up windows or modal dialogs

Related topics

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