Steppers are UI elements used to display the progress a user has made. They serve for navigational purposes that guide the user through the next steps of an operation.
Steppers UI manage to take a more complicated process and divide it into smaller steps. This way, users will clearly know how to complete the action. Steppers UI are used in forms and in user interfaces where multiple pages are required. For example – buying an item or applying for a loan.
A stepper design can be divided into two versions suitable for the possible interfaces: mobile stepper UI and website stepper. Both mobile stepper UI and website stepper have the means and the purpose of completing a multi-step process by breaking down the process into smaller tasks, making it less overwhelming.
Progress stepper UI is integrated into a design to bring clarity and create a precise design that is user-friendly. It’s a breakdown process divided from the classical approach that can prevent errors. A UI stepper will help the users track their progress accordingly and live up to the target that they have already set.
Stepper Types in UI Design:
Horizontal Steppers UI
With horizontal steppers, users can visualize a straightforward line from start to finish. This stepper UI design helps users visually determine exactly how many sections are needed to navigate. Use horizontal steppers wisely because they are not quite compatible with small screens – like mobile screens. This UX stepper helps create an environment where potential users can anticipate and see the steps they need to navigate in order to navigate the process.
The vertical stepper UI allows users to visualize the steps needed to complete hierarchically, from top to bottom. Vertical stepper UI is great for illustrating the timeline of the next steps. But, depending on the layout, the following steps might not be visible, and going back and forth between the steps might be harder. A vertical stepper UI brings the advantage of a design that helps users create a hierarchy regarding the required stepper UX.
Avoid using a stepper in dynamic object listings – use containers instead.
Avoid using a stepper in cases where the information is not interconnected – use cards or tabs instead.
How To Use Steppers - Best Practices
Anatomy
A progress stepper UI is made up of:
Status Icon: A stepper component is the status icon. The stepper UI elements will mostly appear in the shape of a simple geometric shape – most of the time, in a circle. A stepper design needs to be clear and precise, and with a status icon, it will be possible. Status icons can be represented through numerical values indicating the respective step number or icons relevant to the action the user must take.
Label: A stepper design also needs to take care of the label that is used. The fundamental purpose of a stepper label is to explain to users what is required of them. Keep the content short, clear, and concise – ideally up to three words. Don’t give too much information and use it with no period.
Secondary Icon: Another stepper component is the secondary icon. These secondary icons indicate additional information regarding the progress of the step. Use universally recognizable icons and colors to make it obvious to users. For example, use the error icon in the case of a specific problem in completing the step.
Track: The tracking element connects all the steps and is represented through a simple line that spans from the first step up to the last one. It can change the color based on how much progress has been made.
Create a Logical Flow
Users read from left to right or top to bottom. The sequence in a stepper should follow the same sequence.
Avoid Nested Steppers or Progress Trackers:
Try to stay away from using steppers within steppers or other progress trackers. This creates visual clutter and confuses users.
Grouping Elements:
When dealing with diverse elements, group these floating elements visually through containers – for example, a fieldset. This is not necessary if a container-like manner is already present – for example, a list.
Use the Stepper UI Element in Your UI/UX Design With uinkits
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