Why the 2-Page Login Pattern is Everywhere and How to Improve it
The prevalence of the 2-page login pattern is hard to ignore. Discover the rationale behind this design choice and explore alternative solutions for a more efficient and user-friendly authentication experience.
Have you noticed the trend of login forms split across multiple screens? Instead of a single page for email and password, we are now often required to input our email first, navigate to the next page, and then enter the password. Let’s delve deeper into why this pattern has become widespread and explore ways to optimize the authentication user experience.
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The Challenge of Login Forms
Designing for users can be tricky, especially when it comes to login forms. People tend to forget the email they used to sign up or the authentication service they last used (like Google, Twitter, Apple, etc.).
While suggesting the last sign-in option is convenient, it can also expose sensitive account information, leading to privacy and security concerns.
An innovative approach is to ask for the email first, identify the user’s past authentication service, and automatically redirect them to the appropriate platform. This is the fundamental concept behind the 2-page login method.
Exploring 2-Page Logins
The evolution of login forms has led to a shift towards a two-step process. Initially asking for the email and then prompting for the password on a separate screen. However, there are certain challenges associated with this approach as highlighted by Brad Frost.
Organizations often adopt the 2-page login format due to Single Sign-On (SSO) authentication practices. SSO streamlines access for employees by enabling them to log in only once a day with a unified set of credentials, enhancing enterprise security.
Navigating Single Sign-On (SSO) UX
SSO not only ensures regulatory compliance but also simplifies user provisioning and de-provisioning, especially when an employee exits the organization. However, the 2-step login process can have drawbacks for non-SSO users, resulting in a frustrating user experience.
The necessity for a smooth user experience has prompted the exploration of alternative solutions. Implementing a conditional reveal of SSO can enhance the login process, as illustrated in the image below.
By seamlessly integrating the SSO option based on the user’s email input, organizations can enhance user experience while maintaining security measures for both private and business accounts.
Key Insights
Here are key takeaways from our analysis:
🤔 Users often struggle with remembering their emails used for sign-ups.
🤔 Remembering the authentication service utilized is equally challenging for them.
🤔 Single Sign-On (SSO) implementation is crucial for corporate sign-ins.
🤔 Personal accounts still require email and password inputs for login.
✅ 2-step login simplifies the process by prompting for email first before redirecting to the appropriate service.
Alternate Approach: Conditional Reveal of SSO
To address the limitations of the 2-page login method, a conditional reveal of SSO can significantly enhance user experience. Providing a streamlined login process while ensuring security measures.
By leveraging the power of SSO, organizations can tailor the authentication process based on user input, guaranteeing a seamless login journey for all users.
In Conclusion
While the effectiveness of the proposed solution is yet to be determined, it presents a promising alternative to the conventional 2-page login paradigm for both SSO and non-SSO users. Additionally, advocating for the adoption of two-factor authentication and non-mandatory magic links for enhanced security and usability.
Remember, testing your login flow with user-reliant tools is paramount in refining the authentication experience. Good luck in optimizing your login process and driving a seamless user journey!
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