> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.designreference.xyz/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://www.designreference.xyz/cognitive-tools/ux-laws-principles/interaction/accot-zhai-steering-law.md). # Accot-Zhai Steering Law The Accot-Zhai Steering Law is a concept in human-computer interaction that explains why complex menus with narrow tunnels, like cascading menus, can be frustrating for users. In simple terms, it's based on the idea that when users need to move a pointer, such as a mouse, through a narrow pathway or tunnel on a screen, it takes them more time and can be less accurate. This is because our natural movements tend to follow curved paths rather than perfectly straight lines. To make this practical in interface design, it suggests that designers should add space around items in a menu, avoiding tiny items that force users to navigate through narrow tunnels. Additionally, when designing menus with multiple categories that open on hover, introducing a small delay before opening a category can help ensure that the user's action was deliberate, reducing frustration. Understanding the Steering Law and other principles of human-computer interaction can assist designers in creating products that are user-friendly and minimise frustration for the people who use them. #### Further Viewing {% embed url="" %} #### Further Reading {% embed url="" %} {% embed url="" %} --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://www.designreference.xyz/cognitive-tools/ux-laws-principles/interaction/accot-zhai-steering-law.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.