When should I use tooltip design in an interface?
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You should use tooltips in the interface design to clarify features, guide users through unfamiliar functions, and assist with onboarding, especially when introducing new or complex elements.
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Tooltips can help provide temporary information, like format reminders in forms or brief clarifications, without cluttering the interface.
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UI tooltips are particularly valuable in complex applications, such as project management or invoicing software, where tooltips can guide users in understanding advanced settings or actions.
Deep dive
Tooltip design provides enterprise app users with additional context about interface elements. Such context might include explanations of unfamiliar features, clarification of icons, or guidance on advanced functionalities that are not immediately obvious to the user.
What is a tooltip?
A tooltip is a short text that labels an element and provides important details about it. While tooltips are commonly triggered by hovering over or focusing on an element, they can also be triggered in other ways depending on the user flow, such as through clicks or specific actions.
The main purpose of a tooltip is to inform users about key details or functionality of a UI element.
A more detailed version of the tooltip can be called infotip, or designers may also refer to it as a “rich tooltip”. An infotip provides more information, incorporates interactive elements such as clickable links, buttons, or embedded media, and may remain visible longer to give users some time to engage with the content.
When to use tooltips in UI?
To clarify available features in complex software
Implementing tooltips within the UI of complex applications, like project management or invoicing software, can clarify features or options that users might not fully understand just by looking at them
To onboard new users
Tooltips make it easier for users to get started with a new application. During SaaS onboarding, an information tooltip can walk users through important actions like creating tasks or updating settings.
Consider how ClickUp incorporates tooltips into their demo. Here is the demo itself.
To introduce new or changed features
Tooltips can highlight and explain updates or new features directly in the interface, helping users understand changes without needing to check release notes or documentation.
To upsell advanced features
Strategically placed tooltips near locked features can showcase premium options and guide users toward upgrading their plan to unlock advanced functionality.
Consider how Ahrefs uses tooltip to upsell their Advanced subscription.
To provide temporary information
If there’s information that a user only needs temporarily, such as a brief hint or guidance for a specific task, tooltips can deliver this without interrupting the flow. Like when hovering over a form field, an info tooltip appears with a reminder about the format.
❓ Questions designers should ask themselves
By asking the right questions, designers can question their decisions, find areas to improve, make sure nothing is overlooked, and reduce mistakes, leading to better, more thoughtful designs.
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Is the information in the tooltip essential or optional?
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Will it enhance the user experience or cause confusion?
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Are there simpler alternatives?
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Does it add value to users who are unfamiliar with the interface?
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Will the tooltip design be accessible to all users?
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Is the content concise and clear?
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Are tooltips being overused in the interface?
👥 How to convince stakeholders
One of the most crucial skills for a designer is being able to explain and back up their ideas. If you're having a hard time convincing stakeholders, take a look at our tips to help you communicate better.
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Back your decisions with real-world examples or statistics that demonstrate how tooltips improve usability and reduce confusion. Concrete evidence builds trust and credibility.
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Show how implementing a tooltip in UI design can make advanced features easier to understand, especially for new users. Highlight its role in creating a more intuitive and user-friendly experience.
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Build a prototype and let stakeholders or users interact with it to gather user feedback. Seeing them in action helps make their benefits more tangible and easier to understand.
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Discuss how well-designed tooltips can drive better user engagement, improve satisfaction, and ultimately support key business outcomes like retention or conversion rates.
🛠️ Useful tools
These tools will make your job easier and more effective.
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Userpilot – a no-code platform that will help you create, customize, and A/B test tooltips without relying on developers.
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Tippy.js - a JavaScript library of customizable and interactive tooltips.
🤝 Credits
Our content combines the knowledge of Cieden’s designers with insights from industry influencers. Big thanks to all the influencers for sharing awesome content!
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Tooltips and Infotips by Microsoft
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What is a Tooltip? Definition, Types, and Best Practices by UXPin
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Tooltips in UI Design by Nick Babich
📚 Keep exploring
Never stop growing. Explore resources thoughtfully handpicked by Cieden’s designers.