For users who rely on touch devices or have limited dexterity, accidental taps can mean starting over or losing progress.
Pointer Cancellation makes sure touch interactions are designed to give users a chance to confirm their actions, so they don’t lose their hard work or complete a transaction with one wrong move.
Who this impacts
- People with motor impairments: Users with limited control benefit from touch interactions that don’t immediately trigger actions, allowing them to adjust if they tap by mistake.
- Mobile and tablet users: On small screens, accidental taps are common, so safeguards prevent unwanted outcomes for all touch-based users.
- Everyone: Delaying actions on touch or click reduces frustration and improves usability for all users, helping them avoid mistakes.
How to meet Pointer Cancellation
- Implement touch delay: Design actions to activate only when a user lifts their finger (on “up”), allowing them to adjust if they tap the wrong element.
- Use confirmation steps for critical actions: Add an extra confirmation step (like a pop-up) before irreversible actions to prevent accidental submissions.
- Avoid immediate activation: Avoid actions that trigger on “down” (the initial touch or click) to allow users a chance to correct accidental touches.
Practical example
Kitty Cache ensures users confirm before sending “Tuna Tokens” to another account, so one wrong tap doesn’t accidentally send a week’s worth of treats.
Exceptions
If the action isn’t destructive or doesn’t have significant consequences, immediate activation may be acceptable.
Top tips
- Prioritize “up” activation: Trigger actions on the release (or “up”) rather than initial touch to minimize unintended actions.
- Include confirmation for critical actions: Use extra prompts for actions that can’t be undone, like payments or form submissions.
- Test for usability on touch devices: Verify that users can interact smoothly on touchscreens without triggering unintended actions.