Contextual help
Contextual help provides users with relevant assistance or information based on their current context within the interface. This pattern aims to offer guidance and explanations precisely when and where users need them, reducing the need for extensive documentation or support requests.
Benefits and Use Cases
Reduces cognitive load. By providing information in context, users don't need to remember or search for help elsewhere.
Example
In Cluster's AI settings panel, provide contextual help icons next to each option, explaining what each setting does when clicked.
Improves feature discoverability. Contextual help can introduce and explain new or complex features to users.
Example
When a user first encounters Cluster's content analysis feature, show a contextual help tooltip explaining its benefits and how to use it.
Enhances user confidence. Readily available help can make users feel more confident in exploring and using the interface.
Example
Provide contextual help in Cluster's collaboration features, explaining different permission levels when a user is about to share a project.
Decreases support requests. By answering common questions within the interface, contextual help can reduce the number of support tickets.
Example
In Cluster's billing section, offer contextual help explaining different subscription tiers and their features to help users make informed decisions.
Psychological Principles Supported
Just-in-Time Learning. Contextual help supports the principle of providing information at the moment it's needed, enhancing retention and application.
Example
In Cluster's content editor, provide contextual writing tips based on the type of content being created (e.g., blog post, social media update).
Recognition over Recall. By making help readily available in context, users can recognize available options rather than having to recall them from memory.
Example
Use recognizable help icons consistently throughout Cluster's interface, allowing users to quickly identify where help is available.
Progressive Disclosure. Contextual help allows complex information to be progressively disclosed as users need it, preventing overwhelming.
Example
In Cluster's analytics dashboard, use contextual help to progressively explain more complex metrics as users explore deeper into the data.
Implementation Guidelines
DON'T
Overwhelm the interface with too many help elements
Use contextual help as a substitute for clear, intuitive design
Provide outdated or incorrect information in contextual help
Make contextual help difficult to access (e.g., requiring multiple clicks)
Ignore user preferences – allow users to disable or reduce contextual help if desired
DO
Make contextual help easily discoverable but unobtrusive
Keep help content concise and directly relevant to the current context
Use consistent indicators (e.g., question mark icons) for contextual help throughout the interface
Provide multiple forms of contextual help (e.g., tooltips, inline text, expandable sections) as appropriate
Allow users to easily dismiss or hide contextual help when not needed