Fitts' Law
InteractionDeveloped in the 1950s by psychologist Paul Fitts, this law establishes that the time required to reach a target depends on the distance to travel and the target's size. This logarithmic relationship is fundamental in graphical interface design.
Concrete Applications
In interface design, this law translates into several practical principles:
- Important action buttons must be sufficiently large
- Frequently used elements should be easily accessible
- Dropdown menus need generous click areas
- Screen corners are prime locations as they're infinitely large in targeting terms
Ergonomic Considerations
Implementing Fitts' Law must account for:
- Various pointing devices (mouse, touch, etc.)
- Accessibility for users with motor impairments
- Balance between available space and element size