8 Time Picker UX Best Practices

Time pickers are a common element of user interfaces, and they can be tricky to design. It’s important to consider the user experience when designing a time picker, as it can have a big impact on the overall usability of the interface.

In this article, we’ll discuss 8 time picker UX best practices that you should consider when designing a time picker for your user interface. We’ll cover topics such as accessibility, usability, and design, so you can create a time picker that is both intuitive and easy to use.

1. Use the 24-hour clock

The 24-hour clock is the international standard for timekeeping, and it’s used in many countries around the world. It eliminates any confusion about whether a given time is AM or PM, which can be especially important when scheduling meetings with people from different parts of the world. Additionally, it allows users to quickly enter times without having to think too much about what they’re entering.

Using the 24-hour clock also helps ensure that your time picker is consistent across all platforms and devices. This makes it easier for users to understand how to use the time picker no matter where they are.

2. Avoid AM/PM

AM/PM is a confusing format for many users, especially those who are not native English speakers. It can also be difficult to read and interpret quickly, as it requires the user to mentally convert between 12-hour and 24-hour time formats.

Instead of using AM/PM, opt for a more intuitive 24-hour clock format. This will make it easier for your users to select the correct time without having to do any mental conversions. Additionally, you should provide clear labels that indicate what each field represents (e.g., “Hour”, “Minute”).

3. Don’t use a time picker for duration

Time pickers are designed to select a specific point in time, not a duration. If you use a time picker for duration, it can be confusing and difficult for users to understand how much time they have selected. For example, if the user selects 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, does that mean one hour or two hours? It’s unclear.

Instead of using a time picker for duration, consider using a slider or other input type that allows users to easily select a range of time. This will make it easier for them to understand exactly how much time they have chosen.

4. Consider using a date and time picker together

When users are selecting a date and time, they often need to enter both pieces of information. By using a single picker that combines the two, you can save your users from having to switch between different inputs or manually type in their desired date and time. This makes it easier for them to quickly select the exact date and time they want without any confusion.

Additionally, this approach also helps reduce errors since users don’t have to worry about entering the wrong data into the wrong field. It’s also more visually appealing than having multiple input fields on the page.

5. Make sure it works on mobile devices

Mobile devices are becoming increasingly popular, and more people are using them to access websites. If your time picker isn’t optimized for mobile, it can be difficult or even impossible for users to select a time on their device.

To ensure that your time picker works well on mobile devices, make sure the design is responsive and scales properly when viewed on different screen sizes. Additionally, consider adding touch-friendly features such as swiping and tapping to make selecting times easier. Finally, test your time picker on multiple devices to make sure it works correctly.

6. Allow users to type in their preferred time

Typing in a time is much faster than scrolling through the options, and it’s also more accurate. This means that users can quickly enter their desired time without having to worry about selecting the wrong option or spending too much time searching for the right one.

Additionally, allowing users to type in their preferred time makes it easier for them to select times outside of the standard range (e.g., if they need to pick a time before 8am or after 5pm). This helps ensure that all users have access to the same set of options regardless of when they’re trying to schedule something.

7. Provide clear instructions

When users are presented with a time picker, they may not know how to use it. If the instructions are unclear or missing altogether, users can become frustrated and confused. This can lead to them abandoning the task entirely.

To avoid this, make sure your time picker has clear instructions that explain how to select a time. You should also provide visual cues such as arrows or icons to help guide users through the process. Additionally, you can include helpful tips like “click on the hour to select” or “drag the slider to adjust minutes”.

8. Test your time picker with real users

Time pickers are often used to set appointments or deadlines, so it’s important that they’re easy to use and understand. If users can’t figure out how to select a time quickly and accurately, then the time picker isn’t doing its job. Testing with real users will help you identify any usability issues before your time picker goes live.

It’s also important to test different types of users. For example, if your time picker is designed for people in multiple countries, make sure to include testers from those countries in your user testing. This will ensure that everyone can easily use the time picker regardless of their location.