Whether it’s arranging a Kanban board or moving slides in a deck, Dragging Movements ensures that users have options beyond drag-and-drop, making it easier for everyone to interact without frustration.
Who this impacts
- People with motor impairments: Users who may struggle with fine motor control benefit from alternative ways to perform dragging actions.
- Touchscreen users: Mobile and tablet users may find dragging tricky on small screens, so options like buttons improve usability.
- Everyone: Alternative methods for dragging actions make digital interactions smoother, reducing missed actions and misclicks.
How to meet Dragging Movements
- Provide easy alternatives: Allow users to perform dragging actions through other means, such as buttons or tap-to-move functionality.
- Check usability across devices: Test alternative dragging methods on both touch and non-touch devices to ensure they’re effective.
Practical example
A project management app offers a “Move Task” option in a dropdown menu, so users can click where they want it to go and don’t have to rely on dragging tasks around the Kanban board.
Exceptions
When a dragging action is fundamental to the interaction—like in certain gaming or artistic apps—alternatives may not be necessary. However, other accessible methods should still be offered whenever possible.
Top tips
- Design intuitive alternatives: Use simple buttons or menus to help users move items without dragging.
- Check for real-world usability: Test alternative dragging methods on various devices and screen sizes to ensure ease of use.
- Focus on accessibility: Make sure alternatives provide the same functionality and control as dragging would.