Monday, September 21, 2009

Logout for designers

Ever walk towards a restaurant's kitchen because you knew it to be the restroom?

OK, maybe it's just me.

When my toddler easily spots a restroom, the restaurant experience seems so much better. I am no longer "that guy" walking into the kitchen. No more potty dance.

Next time you're required authentication (username/password), try and locate the "logout" or "sign off" link. Logging out is a critical security step. If you don't, your security could be in jeopardy.

Make sure users know how to exit the scene. Actions should be intuitive.

So why is the "logout" link so hard to find?