Fitts's Law is a foundational principle in user experience (UX) design that quantifies the relationship between the size and distance of a target and the time it takes to interact with that target. Developed by psychologist Paul Fitts in 1954, this law provides valuable insights for designers aiming to create more efficient and user-friendly interfaces.
The essence of Fitts's Law can be summarized as follows: The time required to move to and select a target is determined by the relative size and distance of the target. In practical terms, this means that:
Fitts's Law has numerous applications in UX design, from optimizing the placement and size of clickable elements like buttons and links in digital interfaces to the design of physical controls on devices and machines. By adhering to this law, designers can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of user interactions, leading to improved user satisfaction and overall usability.