interactdepth

Inter interactdepth is a concept used in human-computer interaction to describe the depth of user interaction that an interface supports. It refers to the number of distinct interaction layers, states, or steps a user can traverse within a task, from an initial overview to detailed actions or settings. The term is not universally standardized but is employed to discuss how much navigation, disclosure, and option hierarchy a design exposes to users.

Measurement and evaluation of interactdepth often involve qualitative and quantitative methods. Possible metrics include the maximum depth of an interaction path, the average depth required per task, the branching factor of menus or commands, and the typical path length users must follow. Additional considerations include task time, cognitive load indicators, and the quality of error recovery. Tools such as task analyses, flow diagrams, and user interaction logs help quantify depth and its impact on usability.

Applications of interactdepth span across user experience design, onboarding, and documentation. It is relevant for evaluating progressive disclosure strategies, such as layered menus, multi-step forms, and modal dialogs, as well as in conversational interfaces and game controls where deeper interactions enable advanced functionality.

Examples include nested settings menus, wizard-style forms that unfold over several steps, a command palette with hierarchical commands, and chatbots that reveal deeper options after initial prompts.

Limitations include the risk that greater depth increases cognitive load and task time, potentially hindering discoverability if not well aligned with user goals. See also progressive disclosure, information architecture, and cognitive load.