Button width styles
Fixed to label copy
Buttons hug their content by default and auto-resize around the label copy.
Don't add extra space to the label copy on the button when the width is fixed to the content.
Filling a container
Buttons can fill any container width. This is common on mobile devices where there's a shorter overall viewport or where buttons are stacked to make buttons visually consistent.
Alignment of content
Buttons with both icons and text can be aligned in three ways. We should pick one per page or view to make sure they’re consistent and clear.
Alignment |
Supported |
---|---|
Centred |
Leading icon + label |
Left |
Leading icon + label |
Justified |
Label + trailing icon |
Icons and accessories
Leading icons are used before button copy and trailing accessories are used after. Buttons don’t always need an icon or accessory but they often add clarity for the traveller.
Leading icons
Leading icons can visually represent a button’s action to lessen the cognitive load for travellers. For instance, a bell icon may symbolise setting up notifications or alerts.
Trailing accessories
Trailing icons should be used in specific use cases as a nod to the interaction. Some examples are:
- arrows or chevrons denoting previous or next actions
- menu buttons where we use chevrons as a drop-down
These should be used more sparingly in left-to-right languages.
Using arrows
Arrows on buttons symbolise an action the user may not expect such as leaving the product to a 3rd party site. All other buttons indicate progress simply by being buttons, so there’s no need to emphasise them more by adding right-pointing arrows.
Back and next button icons
In this case, the arrows add visual clarity that can help reduce cognitive load.
Icon-only buttons
Icon-only buttons can be used when you need to save space.
Content guidelines
Language usage on labels
When writing label copy aim to use a verb that describes the action. For loose guidance, the verb prefix should change according to where you are in the journey and the traveller's mindset.
Where |
What you might use |
---|---|
Top of funnel, marketing or brand entry points |
Explore, Discover, Go |
Entry searches and results |
Search, Find, View |
Bottom of the funnel |
Book, Pay |
- Contextualise the action the user is taking, e.g. "Turn on alerts"
- Lead with a verb to encourage action
- Try to keep the copy under 3 words to be mindful of localisation
- Write in sentence case unless there's a proper noun
- Use ambiguous wording or overly creative content as they may not be accessible
- Use expressions like “please” and “thank you.” It's for the user to decide if they're polite or not
- Use non-specific phrases like “learn more” or “click here”
- Repeat button labels within the same interface (like “View” numerous times in a row)
Capitalisation
Always write in sentence case. Sentence case is accessible and scannable, so ignore design guidelines of other operating systems if they tell you to write in block capitals.