Cognitive Biases
UX Design
What are Cognitive Biases
Cognitive Biases are systematic patterns of deviation from rational judgment that affect decision-making and user behavior. These mental shortcuts can influence how users interact with interfaces and how designers create them.
Common Cognitive Biases in UX
Key biases that impact design:
- Confirmation Bias: Seeking information that confirms existing beliefs
- Anchoring Bias: Over-relying on first piece of information
- Serial Position Effect: Better recall of first and last items
How to handle Cognitive Biases
Address biases by implementing diverse research methods, using multiple evaluators, and designing with awareness of these mental shortcuts. Create interfaces that work with natural cognitive patterns while protecting users from potential negative impacts.
Why are Cognitive Biases important
Understanding cognitive biases helps create more intuitive interfaces that align with users' mental models. It improves research accuracy, decision-making processes, and helps avoid design pitfalls that might exploit users' psychological vulnerabilities.
Focus on using bias understanding to remove barriers and improve usability, not to exploit user behaviors. Always prioritize user benefit over business goals when addressing cognitive biases.
Key biases include the serial position effect (for navigation), choice paradox (for options), anchoring (for pricing), and confirmation bias (for user testing). However, the importance varies by project context.
Use a combination of usability testing, A/B testing, and user interviews. Observe actual behavior patterns rather than relying on self-reported data, as users may not be aware of their own biases.
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