Users are busy. They’re juggling notifications, errands, meetings, and a hundred other priorities. In this chaotic environment, the last thing they want is to encounter a giant, time-consuming task when using your app or website. Instead, they want small, manageable tasks they can complete quickly and easily.
The Psychology of Small Tasks
Humans naturally gravitate toward small, achievable goals. It’s a concept rooted in behavioral psychology: when a task feels manageable, users are more likely to start and complete it. Conversely, when faced with something large or daunting, users are prone to procrastination or abandoning the task altogether.
Think about it: Would you rather complete a short online form to subscribe to a newsletter or face a multi-step process requiring detailed information?
Breaking Down Big Tasks into Bite-Sized Pieces
1. Chunk Complex Tasks
Divide a large process into smaller steps. For example, if your app involves onboarding, break it into short, focused actions like creating an account, setting preferences, and exploring features. Use visual progress indicators so users feel a sense of accomplishment after each step.
2. Design for Undo
Mistakes are inevitable, especially when users are distracted. Allow them to undo actions easily. Whether it’s a “Cancel” button, an “Undo” option, or a confirmation prompt, these safeguards reduce anxiety and encourage exploration.
Example: Gmail’s “Undo Send” button is a perfect example. By giving users a small window to fix an error, it fosters confidence without overwhelming them.
3. Provide Instant Feedback
Immediate responses reassure users that they’re on the right track. Whether it’s a subtle animation, a green checkmark, or a friendly confirmation message, feedback helps users move forward without hesitation.
4. Think Mobile-Friendly Interactions
Users now spend most of their time on mobiles. Imagine your task was done on a smartphone. How would that affect the information you show them? How would you make sure the action was simple?
Design for flexibility rather than all-in-one
Give users flexibility. Think about your email app, or spreadsheet tool. Users get a lot of small options that are easy to understand and quick to see the results. The user can then build up to the picture in their head of what they are aiming to do rather than a “magic do it all” button that is slow to set up, slow to run, and then hard to undo or adjust individual parts.
Why Big Tasks Are Often Put Off
When tasks feel too large, users tend to delay starting. It’s the same reason a cluttered inbox remains untouched – where do you even begin? By making tasks smaller and providing clear starting points, you help users overcome inertia.
Design Tip: If your interface includes a significant task (e.g., a complex tax form, creating a portfolio), guide users with templates, presets, or sample data to simplify the process. Break things down into multiple steps.
Takeaways for Designers
- Make tasks small and actionable. Break down workflows into achievable steps.
- Offer forgiveness. Mistakes happen, so let users undo, edit, or retry without penalties.
- Provide encouragement. Celebrate progress, no matter how small, to motivate users to keep going.
- Keep it simple. Design for short attention spans, especially on mobile devices.
By respecting users’ limited time and attention, you create experiences that feel approachable, empowering, and satisfying.
Remember: Small tasks aren’t just more manageable – they’re more likely to get done.