Intentional friction is a design strategy used to slow users down during critical decision points to prevent errors. To implement this without damaging accessibility or utility, designers must distinguish between "bad friction" and "good friction." Bad friction includes slow loading times, confusing navigation, or unclear labels, which hinder everyone. Good friction, however, acts as a protective checkpoint for high stakes actions like deleting data, making financial transfers, or sharing sensitive information.
To maintain accessibility, ensure that the friction mechanism is perceivable and operable for all users. For example, a confirmation modal must be screen reader compatible and navigable via keyboard. Never use friction that relies solely on visual cues like color changes to signal a warning. Instead, use clear text prompts and semantic HTML.
Regarding utility, friction should only exist at the most consequential stages of a user journey. For routine tasks like browsing or filling out long forms, the experience should remain frictionless and fluid. By reserving intentional delays for destructive or irreversible actions, designers create a sense of safety and control rather than frustration, thereby enhancing the overall trust and reliability of the digital product.
