Undo and redo actions
Undo and redo actions are functions that allow users to reverse or reinstate their recent actions. This pattern provides a safety net for users, allowing them to experiment and make changes without fear of irreversible consequences.
Benefits and Use Cases
Encourages exploration. Users are more likely to try new features if they know they can easily undo their actions.
Example
In Cluster, allow users to undo changes to AI-generated summaries, encouraging them to experiment with different summarization settings.
Reduces anxiety. The ability to undo mistakes can make users feel more confident and less anxious when using the interface.
Example
Provide an undo option when users delete content from a Cluster, giving them a chance to recover accidentally deleted items.
Improves efficiency. Undo/redo can be faster than manually reversing an action, especially for complex operations.
Example
Allow users to undo/redo bulk tagging actions in Cluster, making it easy to correct mistakes when organizing large amounts of content.
Supports non-linear workflows. Users can easily backtrack and try different approaches to a task.
Example
In Cluster's content editor, provide undo/redo for formatting changes, allowing users to easily compare different styles.
Psychological Principles Supported
Error Recovery. Undo/redo supports the principle of error recovery, reducing user stress and encouraging exploration.
Example
In Cluster's team management section, allow users to undo changes to team member roles, providing a safety net for accidental changes.
Locus of Control. Undo/redo functions give users a greater sense of control over the interface and their actions.
Example
Provide global undo/redo functionality in Cluster, allowing users to reverse or reapply actions across different parts of the interface.
Forgiveness. This pattern embodies the principle of forgiveness in interface design, allowing users to recover from mistakes easily.
Example
In Cluster's content organization system, allow users to undo/redo changes to the structure of their content clusters.
Implementation Guidelines
DON'T
Limit undo to only the most recent action if possible
Make undo/redo the only way to correct mistakes
Implement undo/redo for trivial actions that don't need it
Forget to consider how undo/redo affects collaborative features
Use undo/redo as a substitute for good error prevention design
DO
Make undo/redo actions easily accessible and visible
Provide clear feedback when an action has been undone or redone
Consider offering multi-level undo for complex operations
Use familiar icons or labels for undo/redo functionality
Implement undo/redo for critical or potentially destructive actions