This generally speaks to HTML buttons being disabled using the disabled attribute.
- Disabled buttons fool users into clicking because they often match what people want to do. When nothing happens, it is frustrating and can cause them to feel stupid.
- Disabled buttons are often difficult to see because they don't have enough contrast.
- 99% of disabled buttons do not provide feedback as to why they are disabled. If the user doesn't have permission to use the button, tell them.
- On forms, you cannot expect users to understand that the reason the submit button is disabled is because they haven't filled out all required fields.
- “Users don't want to think about your interface, they want to complete tasks with as little effort as possible.”
- Related: Don’t Make Me Think by [[Steve Krug]]
- Screen readers and switches are usually unable to navigate to disabled buttons because they simulate keyboard navigation, creating a significant [[Accessibility]] issue.
- Instead of disabling the button, provide it with an alternate style. Put focus on an error message if it’s clicked or there's something wrong.
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## Reference
[[Hampus Sethfors]]. “Disabled Buttons Suck.” *Axess Lab*, 7 July 2017, [axesslab.com/disabled-buttons-suck/](http://axesslab.com/disabled-buttons-suck/). Accessed 31 Mar. 2020.
## Read later
[Frustrating Design Patterns: Disabled Buttons — Smashing Magazine](https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2021/08/frustrating-design-patterns-disabled-buttons/?ref=sidebar?ref=uxdesignweekly)