Optionalactions

Optionalactions, sometimes written as optional actions, is a concept in user experience design describing actions that users may perform but are not required to complete a task. These actions do not affect the core outcome if left unperformed, but they provide additional functionality, customization, or efficiency. In practice, optional actions are presented in user interfaces as secondary choices, contextual options, or progressive steps, and they may appear conditionally based on context or user input.

In software, optional actions appear as secondary buttons, menu items, or advanced settings. In forms, optional fields are common; optional actions accompany the main submission, such as “Save as draft” or “Send with a summary.” In command-line interfaces, options indicated by flags (for example --verbose) are optional actions that modify behavior. In APIs, optional actions can be represented by optional parameters, endpoints that extend functionality, or webhook subscriptions that users may enable or disable.

Design considerations for optionalactions include balancing discoverability with simplicity, avoiding clutter, and ensuring accessibility. Label clearly and use defaults that minimize friction. Group optional actions away from primary actions, employ progressive disclosure to reveal them as needed, and provide clear undo or cancel options to reduce risk.

See also: primary action, secondary action, progressive disclosure.