Are slash commands suitable for non-tech users of enterprise software

Question

More and more user interfaces seem to offer technical commands and shortcuts like

• /remind (Slack)
• /away (Teams)
• /assign (Gitlab) ...

I was wondering if I should introduce such shortcuts in the graphical user interface of our industry software as well. I personally really like them but I fear that they are way too technical for non computer science - oriented people.

Is my fear legitimate? Is there any data on how such commands are used by non-technical users like accounting, human resources, designers, ... ?

Answer 1

You are probably right, I would try to understand the context of your software. Is this an unnecessary flourish that a button or link could easily fulfil? Are these people power users that would benefit from such a shortcut?

I would recommend conducting some real-world research, ask people what their expectations are if they do such an action.

If you find that there is a real user benefit for having this feature I would look to notion.so for guidance on how you might explain the functionality (see attached screenshot)