Cognitive UX - Using cognitive science and psychology to drive UX design.
summary
Human decision-making splits into a fast, emotion-driven System One that drives most behavior and a slower System Two, and System One uses heuristics that produce predictable biases: processing fluency makes interfaces seem safer and more credible even if they are not, aesthetics increase tolerance for defects (halo effect), priming via colors/images changes expectations, the peak-end rule means users remember highs and finishes, and loss aversion (losses feel ~2× stronger than gains) explains free trials, scarcity messages and account-creation nudges like Roadtrippers. Practical fixes: clear visual hierarchy (Gestalt rules), follow F and Z patterns, use design systems, and test with real users.
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chapters (8)
- 0:00Introduction to Cognitive UX
- 2:20Dual process theory explained
- 8:42Cognitive fluency in design
- 13:49Usability aesthetic effect
- 17:24Priming in user experience
- 22:55Peak-end rule for UX
- 25:42Loss aversion in design
- 30:39Designer biases and solutions
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