More web apps should implement the “Undo pattern” implemented in Gmail. While I’m sure Gmail wasn’t the first to do it, using it daily on Gmail has cemented it’s value in my mind.
Traditionally, mainly due to developer laziness (and/or necessity), web apps have required users to “confirm their action” via a dialog before it is applied. This pattern makes the user read an extra dialog, make an extra click and requires them to make an extra decision every time. Since the majority of actions are NOT mistakes the confirm dialog is a waste. Enter the “Undo” button. The undo pattern would apply an action immediately and then simply let the user undo it if necessary. With the undo pattern:- Users have to do less work per action, so they will engage with your app more.
- New users are trained to be more confident with your app. The mental assurance of having an undo would make them less afraid to try new features!
- Your app will be classier
The cost of engineering the Undo pattern will be higher, but once your app is architected to allow it, your users will thank you.
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