Simplifying List Management: The Few-Some-Many Heuristic

In web application development, managing lists is a common challenge. With no solid heuristics readily available, I've devised a simple yet effective method called the "Few-Some-Many" heuristic to streamline this process.

This heuristic categorizes lists based on their size:

• Few (1-3 items): Think of it as holding a few coins in your hand. In this category, choices are explicit, like a yes/no or yes/no/maybe option, typically represented by radio buttons.
• Some (4-7 items): This middle ground allows for a bit more complexity, such as selecting tags from a dropdown list or a box containing all options for easier selection.
• Many (8+ items): Here, the list's length necessitates hiding some options, employing strategies like progressive disclosure, pagination, search, and filtering to manage the content.

Understanding which category your list falls into—few, some, or many—can significantly clarify the best approach for organizing and presenting your data, making list management more intuitive and efficient.

Steve Berry
Principal, Thought Merchants