Login screens may be the most underappreciated part of a website, but they are vital in making life easier for your users. Clunky interfaces and unnecessary fields create a dissatisfying experience.
A seamless experience removes those headaches, making the process feel effortless. Follow the best practices most designers implement to craft a user-friendly sign-in.
What a User-Friendly Login Means
A user-friendly login page gives users the first impression of your platform. It sets the tone for your brand and can make or break their decision to stay. When done right, a login screen is intuitive, secure and quick to navigate, ensuring people can access what they need without unnecessary hassle.
However, many login screens fall short of meeting these expectations. A survey revealed that 54% of consumers worldwide have left an account or digital service due to login frustrations. So, what does it take to craft a login screen users enjoy? It means removing barriers, anticipating needs and providing guidance throughout. With a user-friendly login, you can make the process easy.
Tips for Creating Well-Designed Login Screens
Designing a user-friendly login requires balancing simplicity, functionality and security to create a seamless experience. The following best practices provide the steps to build login screens that fulfill these requirements.
1. Highlight Password Requirements
A typical frustration users face during sign-in or account creation is guessing what qualifies as a “strong password.” Displaying password requirements from the start saves users time and reduces errors.
For password creation best practices, users should include at least 12 characters with a mix of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers and special characters. Display these requirements so people know what to expect when creating secure credentials.
2. Provide Social or Third-Party Login Options
Offering multiple ways to sign in streamlines the process by eliminating the need to create and remember yet another password. Many online services provide these convenient alternatives for a smooth, continuous UX.
It’s up to you what third-party login options you choose. However, Google accounts for more than 73% of social logins. Consider including this in addition to Facebook and Apple to enable users to access your app or website.
3. Use Intuitive Labels
When users encounter simple field names, the login experience offers a clean-cut direction. A sign-in should have straightforward labels. For instance, using “Email Address” or “Username” makes it immediately obvious what information they need to input.
Still, refrain from using labels as placeholder text. These often disappear when users begin typing and can create accessibility issues for those using assistive technology. Place labels outside the fields so people can log in without headaches.
4. Offer Password Recovery Options
Another way to simplify your login screen is to provide a “Forgot Password” link, enabling users to quickly regain account access. This measure is vital for e-commerce platforms, as 55% of customers have forgotten their passwords while trying to make a purchase, often leading to cart abandonment and lost sales.
Unfortunately, 43% of users report having to wait for long periods to resolve this matter. Create an efficient password recovery to maintain a positive perception of your business. For example, email or SMS verification can minimize wait times and streamline the user experience. A simple, secure recovery option retains customers, especially during critical moments like making a purchase.
5. Minimize Required Fields
Less is more for login screens. Having fewer fields can reduce friction, leading to lower abandonment rates. Focus on collecting only the essential information, such as an email address and password.
Limiting required fields simplifies the process while respecting users’ time and reducing frustration. If you need additional details, consider using progressive profiling to gather those afterward. Keeping things simple encourages users to complete their login without hesitation, leading to more satisfied customers.
Making Login Screens Users Love
A user-friendly login screen is a critical touchpoint that shapes people’s impressions of your website. Implement best practices to create a seamless and secure login that meets user expectations. Use the tips provided here to enhance the experience and retain more customers. As you refine the sign-in process, keep the user at the center of every decision to ensure they enjoy logging in.
