5 Psychological Influential Theories for UX Designers

Psychological theories play an important role in terms of User Experience Design. Knowing about the user’s perspective helps the UX designer to understand and create good UX designs. In the world of UX design, 5 psychological theories are important for every UX designer to know.

Selective Attention

• Also known as the “Invisible Gorilla Experiment”, it is proven that users have selective attention. They focus only on the necessary things. 

• It is suggested that UX designers should focus on optimizing user experience by eliminating unnecessary elements on the page. 

• Also, using white space in design is considered as beneficial for the design.

Magical Number Seven

• This theory is given by George A. Miller. In terms of UX designing, designers should avoid unnecessary complexity. Human memory has certain limitations.  

• A manageable simple interface would help the user to navigate things easily. 

• The main focus should be on the important information only, it will eventually decrease the cognitive load on the users.

Fitt’s Law

• Paul Fitts suggested that if the distance is longer and the target is small comparatively it will take more time to complete the task.   

• In UX design terms it can be suggested that the larger buttons are better for usability. However, excessively large diminishes may not look as appealing. 

• Therefore, finding an optimal button size is always recommended.

Hick’s Law

• Given by William Edmund Hick and Ray Hyman. In design terminology, it is suggested that if a user is provided with too many options that will ultimately lead to decision paralysis.    

• Also, users will take more time to make a decision. Designers should aim for a minimal number of choices to facilitate the process. 

• Considering user context and behavior will help them in the long run.

Hawthorne Effect

• Given by Henry A. Landsberger. This theory pinpoints that if the testing does not use proper experimental strategies it may lead to inaccurate results.

• The designers can mitigate the issue by creating a natural testing environment.  

• That way the effect will not influence user feedback and eventually help the UX designer to make good decisions.