Browser Save Password Option

Browsers give you the option to save passwords.

The layout for the choice options however, should be different.

 

Firstly, we are usually in a hurry when using the phone. More importantly, our thumbs or index finger is ever-ready to click. So there is a tendency to accidentally press the ‘save password’ option in the browser, whether the option is placed on the left or right of the ‘Never’ option.

Instead, what if the options were placed one over the other? With the ‘Save Password’ option on top, ‘Never’ below it. That way, even if one is in a hurry, there would be a slightly greater chance of pressing the lower button, which would be ok. Especially to prevent the elderly, who might be averse to having their passwords saved on the browser. They might then panic and wonder how (or even if) they could undo it.

 

One could argue that the elderly might not be as quick and as hurried to press a button before reading, but it could still be confusing.

 

Should these options be reworded?

 

Right now, when you read the text of the prompt, in your head, the keywords ‘save Password’ registers. Which is also why there is a chance of accidentally pressing the ‘save Password’ option.

 

The buttons could be reworded “Don’t save Password” and “Save Password”. While the first option here is too wordy, it will push the user to pause and think. Especially since the words are not identical, and are counter to the possible intended action.

 

The word “Save” has a relatively default response in our heads. Through the years (or decades), when using a file on a computer, you most likely always want to save the file when prompted to. The question to “save” or not, can cause us to go into a similar semi-alert state, and we want to pick save. Even though we might not be alright with our passwords actually being saved by the browser.

 

Additionally, the colour scheme can be confusing. Using the same two colours in a contrasting manner looks clean but does not help. Ideally, contrasting colours will help naturally distinguish the two options.

 

Using a different set of words along with distinct colour schemes would give us just enough time to think about the choices presented to us, before we click!

 

The same could apply to other options we are presented with online. Especially if they are averse to having their passwords saved, and might panic at the thought of how they might undo that action.