Introducing ‘No Clique’

Designing a no-click interface can improve accessibility in multiple ways, particularly if a user is physically unable to click, if the click function on a mouse stops working, or if people just do not feel like having to click (if out of laziness if nothing else).

We designed a no-click interface of Apple’s Finder. Rather than developing new “no click” tools or behaviors to apply to existing OS systems, we completely re-designed the interface itself to be inherently “no click.”

Folders and files are placed circularly onscreen. Once the cursor passes over a file, that file is immediately selected and remains selected as it follows the cursor’s pathway until the user performs a function or selects another file. To indicate which file is selected, the file icon becomes larger than the rest.

To perform a function on a file, users simply move the cursor over that file to select it and are immediately presented with a circular menu that is sliced into different functionality options (i.e. Delete, Copy, Open, Open With…). We used this divided circle menu for greater space and flexibility concerning the user’s mouse movements.

When selecting between folders, we’ve simplified the circle menu to merely an “Open” option circle in the middle and a “Back” circle in the bottom left corner so users can go back up one level within their Finder. The user’s current location in their Finder is noted at the top with their pathway listed so they always know where they are. The “Next” and “Back” icons help users navigate between multiple pages. The Home icon will return users back to their user folder.

We welcome feedback on the usability, accessibility, and aesthetics of our no-click interface.