Welcome to the realm of UX design, where principles shape the very essence of user experiences. At BiCSoM, we embark on a journey driven by ten foundational UX laws that illuminate the path towards exceptional design.
These UX laws, born from observation, research, and iterative practice, serve as guiding beacons, shaping our approach to crafting intuitive, engaging, and purposeful digital experiences. From Hick’s Law to Fitts’s Law, each principle underscores the importance of user-centricity, accessibility, and efficiency in design. Read further as we unravel the intricate tapestry of these 10 most commonly used UX laws, weaving them seamlessly into the fabric of our design philosophy to elevate digital experiences to unparalleled heights.
1. Hick’s Law:
One of the most commonly cited UX laws in UX design is “Hick’s Law,” also known as the Hick-Hyman Law. Named after psychologists William Edmund Hick and Ray Hyman, it states that the time it takes for a person to make a decision increases logarithmically with the number of choices available to them. In UX design, this law is often used to argue for simplicity and minimalism in interface design to reduce decision fatigue and improve user experience.
2. Fitts’s Law:
Fitts’s Law states that the time required to move to a target area (e.g., a button or link) is a function of the distance to the target and the size of the target. Designers apply this law to optimize the size, spacing, and placement of interactive elements to enhance usability and efficiency.
3. Miller’s Law
Miller’s Law suggests that the average person can only keep about seven (plus or minus two) items in their working memory at once. Designers consider this limitation when organizing information and content within interfaces to prevent cognitive overload and improve comprehension.
4. Gestalt Principles
Gestalt Principles are a set of perceptual principles that describe how humans perceive and organize visual information. Designers leverage principles such as proximity, similarity, closure, and continuity to create visually cohesive and intuitive designs.
5. Law of Prägnanz
Also known as the Law of Simplicity, the Law of Prägnanz states that people perceive complex shapes as a combination of simpler shapes. Designers aim to create clear and concise designs that are easily understood at a glance.
6. Jakob’s Law
Jakob’s Law asserts that users prefer interfaces that are familiar to them. Designers take this into account by following established design patterns and conventions, making it easier for users to navigate and interact with interfaces across different platforms and contexts.
7. Tesler’s Law (The Law of Conservation of Complexity)
Tesler’s Law states that every application has an inherent amount of complexity that cannot be eliminated but can only be shifted from one place to another. Designers strive to manage and distribute complexity in ways that minimize cognitive burden and maintain usability.
8. Zeigarnik Effect
The Zeigarnik Effect suggests that people remember uncompleted or interrupted tasks better than completed tasks. Designers use this principle to design interfaces that provide clear feedback and closure for completed actions, helping users stay engaged and informed about their progress.
9. Aesthetic-Usability Effect
This principle suggests that users perceive more aesthetically pleasing designs as more usable and effective, even if they might not necessarily be so objectively. Designers focus on creating visually appealing interfaces that enhance the overall user experience.
10. Von Restorff Effect (Isolation Effect)
The Von Restorff Effect states that items that stand out from their surroundings are more likely to be remembered. Designers leverage this principle to highlight important elements and calls-to-action within interfaces, improving visibility and user engagement.
In conclusion, the adherence to the ten timeless UX laws forms the cornerstone of our commitment at BiCSoM to crafting transformative digital experiences. Embracing these principles ensures that our designs not only meet user expectations but exceed them, embodying the essence of usability, accessibility, and overall excellence. As we navigate the dynamic landscape of UX design, these laws serve as our guiding constellations, steering us toward innovation, empathy, and the relentless pursuit of user satisfaction.
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