Authentication is a daunting (but necessary) part of engaging with most digital products. Users don’t want to have to log in, remember passwords and other login credentials, reset them when they don’t remember them, ensure that they’re secure, and so on. And paying for a password manager seems unfair since it doesn’t really bring any joy.
But as UX designers, we can make the user’s authentication experience painless by offering the best authentication methods and providing good authentication UI/UX design.
So, in this article, I’ll share what I know about the different types of user authentication, their advantages and disadvantages, and how you can implement them.
Email and password
The oldest form of user authentication, email and password, is still the most common form today, although its user experience isn’t great.
You’ve probably experienced it firsthand, too. Remembering and typing email addresses and passwords is very error-prone, especially on handheld devices. Some users mitigate this by using a password manager, but many others don’t. And those who do, still need to log in to their password manager.
That being said, email and password are more secure than most other authentication methods (hence why they are still used), so let’s look at how we can leverage that benefit.
Enforce strong passwords
Brute-force attacks (a hacking method that systematically tries all possible password or key combinations to gain unauthorized access) get easier and easier every day, so the minimum password length needs to increase to compensate for that. Currently, a combination of 12-14 lowercase letters, uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols is the sweet spot between security and usability:
Limit the number of login attempts allowed
Brute-force attacks are easy even with 14-character passwords. Which is why we must limit the number of login attempts allowed within a certain timeframe. While this is developer territory, UX designers need to account for this scenario when designing alert messages for login UIs:
Let forgetful users reset their password
In addition to letting forgetful users reset their password, I also recommend encouraging users to reset their password every 4 months or so, regardless, so that it becomes obsolete if leaked.
For security reasons, the former should require email verification. The latter should be an in-app reminder to prevent attackers from phishing (a cyberattack where scammers trick people into revealing sensitive information).
2FA and multi factor authentication design
Next, let’s look at passwordless methods of authentication — two-factor authentication and multi factor authentication design patterns.
Two-factor authentication (2FA), sometimes called two-step verification, or if offering more than two methods, multi factor authentication (MFA), is an extra layer of security. These layers aren’t secure enough by themselves, but work well with email and password.
- One-time passwords and magic links
- Tell users how to auto-delete their OTPs and magic links
- Set OTPs and magic links to auto-expire
- Utilize authenticator apps
- Tap-to-login for cross-platform products
- Utilize Biometrics login
Authentication UI/UX design best practices
- Design good input fields
- Provide backup codes
- Reaffirm unrecognized logins and new security actions
- Provide good security tips
Conclusion
Security and usability should not be at odds in authentication design. Users expect a seamless experience, but they also need protection from ever-evolving threats. By implementing strong authentication methods — whether through passkeys, biometrics, or well-designed multi factor authentication — we can strike the right balance between security and convenience.
As UX designers, our role is to ensure that security measures do not become barriers but rather enablers of a smooth, intuitive experience.
Thoughtful UI/UX design can make authentication feel less like an obstacle and more like an effortless part of the user journey. With the right approach, secure access can be both effective and user-friendly, reinforcing trust without compromising usability.
Take these things away:
- Prioritize frictionless authentication — Implement passkeys, biometrics, or passwordless authentication to reduce cognitive load
- Make security intuitive — Use clear affordances, progressive disclosure, and inline guidance to help users navigate authentication easily
- Reduce user effort — Minimize unnecessary steps, autofill credentials where possible, and allow seamless sign-in across devices
- Communicate security effectively — Provide feedback when authentication succeeds or fails, and explain why certain measures are in place
- Consider accessibility — Ensure authentication flows are inclusive by supporting screen readers, voice commands, and alternative verification methods
- Balance security with usability — Use risk-based authentication and adaptive security measures to offer stronger protection only when necessary
By applying these principles, designers can create authentication experiences that foster trust, enhance security, and improve overall user satisfaction.
