{"id":12543,"date":"2025-08-18T10:31:08","date_gmt":"2025-08-18T10:31:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ntspl.co.in\/blog\/?p=12543"},"modified":"2025-08-18T10:31:08","modified_gmt":"2025-08-18T10:31:08","slug":"designing-better-ux-for-left-handed-people","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ntspl.co.in\/blog\/designing-better-ux-for-left-handed-people\/","title":{"rendered":"Designing Better UX For Left-Handed People"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many products \u2014 digital and physical \u2014 are focused on \u201caverage\u201d users \u2014 a statistical representation of the user base, which often overlooks or dismisses anything that deviates from that average, or happens to be an edge case. But people are never edge cases<\/strong>, and \u201caverage\u201d users don\u2019t really exist. We must be deliberate and intentional to ensure that our products reflect that.<\/p>\n

Today, roughly 10% of people are left-handed<\/strong>. Yet most products \u2014 digital and physical \u2014 aren\u2019t designed with them in mind. And there is rarely a conversation about how a particular digital experience would work better for their needs. So how would it adapt, and what are the issues we should keep in mind? Well, let\u2019s explore what it means for us.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Left-Handedness \u2260 \u201cLeft-Only\u201d<\/strong><\/h3>\n

It\u2019s easy to assume that left-handed people are usually left-handed users. However, that\u2019s not necessarily the case. Because most products are designed with right-handed use<\/strong> in mind, many left-handed people have to use their right hand to navigate the physical world.<\/p>\n

From very early childhood, left-handed people have to rely on their right hand to use tools and appliances like scissors, openers, fridges, and so on. That\u2019s why left-handed people tend to be ambidextrous<\/strong>, sometimes using different hands for different tasks, and sometimes using different hands for the same tasks interchangeably. However, only 1% of people use both hands equally well<\/a> (ambidextrous).<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

In the same way, right-handed people aren\u2019t necessarily right-handed users. It\u2019s common to be using a mobile device in both left and right hands<\/strong>, or both, perhaps with a preference for one. But when it comes to writing, a preference is stronger.<\/p>\n

Challenges For Left-Handed Users<\/h3>\n

Because left-handed users are in the minority, there is less demand for left-handed products, and so typically they are more expensive<\/a>, and also more difficult to find. Troubles often emerge with seemingly simple tools \u2014 scissors, can openers, musical instruments, rulers, microwaves and bank pens.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

For example, most scissors<\/strong> are designed with the top blade positioned for right-handed use, which makes cutting difficult and less precise. And in microwaves<\/strong>, buttons and interfaces are nearly always on the right, making left-handed use more difficult.<\/p>\n

Now, with digital products<\/strong>, most left-handed people tend to adapt to right-handed tools, which they use daily. Unsurprisingly, many use their right hand to navigate the mouse. However, it\u2019s often quite different on mobile<\/strong> where the left hand is often preferred.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t make design decisions based on left\/right-handedness.
\nAllow customizations based on the user\u2019s personal preferences.
\nAllow users to re-order columns (incl. the Actions column).
\nIn forms, place action buttons next to the last user\u2019s interaction.
\nKeyboard accessibility helps everyone move faster (Esc).<\/p>\n

Usability Guidelines To Support Both Hands<\/h3>\n

As Ruben Babu writes<\/a>, we shouldn\u2019t design a fire extinguisher that can\u2019t be used by both hands<\/strong>. Think pull up and pull down, rather than swipe left or right. Minimize the distance to travel with the mouse. And when in doubt, align to the center<\/strong>.<\/p>\n