Laws / Memory
Serial position effect
People best remember the first and last items in a series.
Northwind
Highlighted: the two tabs people use most.
Why it matters
The middle of a list or a tab bar is where things get forgotten, so position is a tool for importance.
Rules to follow
- Put the most important navigation items at the start and end; the middle is for the less important ones.
- On mobile tab bars, put home first and the account or most-used action last.
- Lead content with the key message and close with the call to action.