I have identified „Digital Intimacy-Feeling Human in an Artificial World“ as the second talk I want to discuss here because I have previously worked on two projects during my bachelors degree that dealt with the same topic and similar questions as the ones Lutz Schmitt presented at the Expo. Especially in one of my projects about long distance relationships my team and I asked ourselves how we could create a sense of closeness through media and technology. Closeness especially meaning emotional intimacy – through rituals shared experiences and time spent doing things together, but also asked ourselves if we should mimic physical intimacy and proximity in some way and more importantly how to do that with technology.
Lutz Schmitt’s talk investigates how feelings of closeness and connection can be created in digital and artificial contexts (through robots, AI-driven systems, or designed experiences). He explores whether digital interactions can offer a genuine sense of intimacy and how we can distinguish meaningful connection from simulation. He brings up key questions: Can people form real emotional bonds with non-human objects? What role do trust and vulnerability play in creating such connections? And what ethical responsibilities arise when we design digital interactions?
From a UX and interaction design perspective, this talk is very relevant. In both projects I worked on, we looked into creating interfaces that go beyond typical communication(tools). Ones that encourage presence and emotional involvement. For example, instead of simply allowing users to send messages, we explored designing rituals: synchronized activities, and interfaces that created a sense of “co-being” rather than just „back and forth“ communication. These approaches align with Schmitt’s idea that intimacy is not just about frequency of contact, but about quality of interaction and the emotional context.
He also challenges the trend of creating frictionless, overly polished digital experiences. In reality, human relationships are full of imperfection and effort. Transferring that to UI/UX means intentionally designing for slowness and emotional nuance which is something we often avoid in tech but is deeply engrained in us and an inherent part of the human experience. For example, what if the interface was affected by emotional tone? Or what if moments of silence or waiting became part of the interaction, signaling care or presence instead of emptiness?
What I also found to be a really interesting and relevant aspect he brought up in his talk, was the consideration of privacy. This is much harder to maintain when introducing a technological component/product into a situation, since it’s almost impossible to not have a third party involved. It raises the ethical question of how to handle the very private data that is collected responsibly. As someone who designs these kinds of products this is something I hadn’t given much thought before but really need to take into consideration.
In conclusion the talk reminded me that designing for emotional intimacy is not just about what technology to use but a much deeper emotional and ethical problem that requires understanding the essence of human intimacy and how technology can support that, instead of substituting or mimicking it. It’s a complex but deeply relevant area for interaction design, that requires sensitivity, creativity, and critical thinking.
Tag: UX Design
WebExpo Conference 2025, Day 02
Getting Lost in the Hospital: Why Wayfinding is UX Too.
The second day of the WebExpo Conference 2025 left a particularly strong impression on me, especially the talk titled “Lost in the Hospital: How Not to Design Wayfinding for Better CX” presented by Ladislava Zbiejczuk Suchá & Michaela Holubec Birtusová.
Personal Experience Meets Professional Interest
Just a few days before the conference, I was at Bulovka Hospital in Prague, trying to find the emergency department. Despite being a large and well-known hospital, the signage and navigation inside the building were extremely confusing. The experience was stressful, and I felt helpless, even though I’m someone who works with systems and interfaces regularly. That moment made me think: if I’m struggling this much, how difficult must it be for someone who’s older, under stress, or unfamiliar with the language?
So when this talk began and addressed the exact issue I had just experienced, it felt like validation. But it also reminded me of something important: UX design is not just for screens, it’s everywhere.
The photo I took at the Bulovka hospital – the “parking machine” which is used for paying the emergency fee.
Wayfinding as a UX Problem
The speakers framed wayfinding as part of the broader user experience (UX) landscape. A hospital is essentially a high-stakes user journey: people are often navigating it under stress, pain, or confusion. In this environment, clarity and guidance aren’t just “nice to have”, they’re critical.
They explained that many wayfinding systems fail because they’re designed from the perspective of the institution, not the user. Designers often rely on internal logic (like room numbers or departmental hierarchies) instead of thinking through the lens of a visitor who just needs to get to radiology, fast. This disconnect is a classic UX mistake.
Design Thinking in Real Life
This talk demonstrated how design thinking, empathize, define, ideate, prototype, test, can be applied to physical environments just as much as digital ones. From interviews with hospital patients to prototyping new signage and color-coding systems, the speakers illustrated a user-centered approach to solving a tangible, real-world problem. It reminded me of a core UX principle: your design is only as good as its usability in the context it will actually be used.
Final Thoughts
UX design doesn’t stop at the edge of a screen. The “Lost in the Hospital” talk was a powerful reminder that every user experience, whether it’s tapping a button or walking through a corridor, is shaped by intentional or unintentional design choices. As a future UX professional, I want to be someone who makes those choices with empathy, clarity, and accessibility in mind. Because when design fails, people suffer, but when it succeeds, people thrive.
Empty States: Why They Drive Business Change and Why They Matter in UX
Empty states are often overlooked in UX design, but they can be drivers of substantial business benefits, and if done right, contribute to a more compelling user experience.
One of the UI UX patterns that I came across while working on my data viz project was the pattern/notion of Empty States which can be obsolete for some designers because they may see it as redundant or sometimes they don’t know that its a notion that should be contributing to the user experience as a whole.
Here are a few empty state examples:
Searching for something in Gmail and getting no results.
A new Dropbox screen where no files or folders have been created.
The resulting screen after completing all tasks in a to-do list manager.
Getting an error screen in Slack when a command isn’t supported.
Starting a new social networking account and there are no connections.
Types of Empty States
Here are four types of frequently encountered empty states:
- First use – Occurs with a new product or service when there is still nothing to show, such as a new Evernote or Dropbox account.
- User cleared – Occurs when users complete actions such as clearing their inbox or task list, and the result is an empty screen.
- Errors – These occur when something goes wrong, or when there are issues such as a mobile phone going offline due to network problems.
- No results/No data – No data found UI design occurs when there is nothing to show. This can happen if someone performs a search and the query is empty or there isn’t data available to show (when filtering for a date-range that has no data for example).
The Benefits of Using Well-designed Empty States
Designing well-thought-out and useful empty state illustrations and screens can help drive product engagement, delight users, and reduce churn. This decreases the chances of losing users to competitor products, thus leaving them frustrated or lost.
When applied to empty state design, these principles can be of great benefit to a business—for example, an increase in product satisfaction, and the lowering of abandonment rates.
Here are three additional areas that can also benefit from good empty state design:
- User onboarding – Provides an opportunity to build trust and continued use of the product in addition to an elevated user experience.
- Brand building – Generates awareness and promotes the company in order to build increased brand equity.
- Personalization – Can be playful, fun, serious, or dynamic in various states of use; creates a sense of a personal touch.
The benefits of well-designed empty states cannot be underestimated. They not only contribute to a compelling customer experience, but as windows of opportunity to keep customers happy and engaged get shorter and shorter, they are just plain good business.
Conclusion
It’s easy to overlook empty states (or empty screens) in UX design because they occur infrequently and aren’t always well understood. However, the benefits to their inclusion are understated because they enhance the user experience and help create a more cohesive product.
What I learned as the Core Principles for Designing Better Quantitative Content
Clutter and confusion are not attributes of data—they are shortcomings of design. – Edward Tufte
Michael Friendly defines data visualization as “information which has been abstracted in some schematic form, including attributes or variables for the units of information.” In other words, it is a coherent way to visually communicate quantitative content. Depending on its attributes, the data may be represented in many different ways, such as a line graph, bar chart, pie chart, scatter plot, or map.
It’s important for product designers to adhere to data visualization best practices and determine the best way to present a data set visually. Data visualizations should be useful, visually appealing and never misleading. Especially when working with very large data sets, developing a cohesive format is vital to creating visualizations that are both useful and aesthetic.
Principles
Define a Clear Purpose
Data visualization should answer vital strategic questions, provide real value, and help solve real problems. It can be used to track performance, monitor customer behavior, and measure effectiveness of processes, for instance. Taking time at the outset of a data visualization project to clearly define the purpose and priorities will make the end result more useful and prevent wasting time creating visuals that are unnecessary.
Know the Audience
A data visualization is useless if not designed to communicate clearly with the target audience. It should be compatible with the audience’s expertise and allow viewers to view and process data easily and quickly. Take into account how familiar the audience is with the basic principles being presented by the data, as well as whether they’re likely to have a background in STEM fields, where charts and graphs are more likely to be viewed on a regular basis.
Visual Features to Show the Data Properly
There are so many different types of charts. Deciding what type is best for visualizing the data being presented is an art unto itself. The right chart will not only make the data easier to understand, but also present it in the most accurate light. To make the right choice, consider what type of data you need to convey, and to whom it is being conveyed.
Make Data Visualization Inclusive
Color is used extensively as a way to represent and differentiate information. According to a recent study conducted by Salesforce, it is also a key factor in user decisions.
They analyzed how people responded to different color combinations used in charts, assuming that they would have stronger preferences for palettes that had subtle color variations since it would be more aesthetically appealing.
However, they found that while appealing, subtle palettes made the charts more difficult to analyze and gain insights. That entirely defeats the purpose of creating a visualization to display data.
The font choice can affect the legibility of text, enhancing or detracting from the intended meaning. Because of this, it’s better to avoid display fonts and stick to more basic serif or sans serif typefaces.
Conclusion
Good data visualization should communicate a data set clearly and effectively by using graphics. The best visualizations make it easy to comprehend data at a glance. They take complex information and break it down in a way that makes it simple for the target audience to understand and on which to base their decisions.
As Edward R. Tufte pointed out, “the essential test of design is how well it assists the understanding of the content, not how stylish it is.” Data visualizations, especially, should adhere to this idea. The goal is to enhance the data through design, not draw attention to the design itself.
Keeping these data visualization best practices in mind simplifies the process of designing infographics that are genuinely useful to their audience.
Disruptive Data Visualisation: From a Sketch to a Lo-Fi Wireframe to a Hi-Fi Wireframe
Introducing Beside You: the Augmented Managment software that will later be introduced as a SaaS (Software as a Service).
Initially, working on this project has been a ride since the beginning, being the sole product designer at a company that specializes in customer experience and business management along with a team of full stack devs and data scientists meant that we either we will get things done or we will get things done.
One of the early challenges was to convert a data driven platform to intuitive and cohesive interface that offers the ease of analysis and untimately efficient decision making.
One of the early challenges was to convert a data driven platform to intuitive and cohesive interface that offers the ease of analysis and ultimately efficient decision making.
Sketching consisted of building a skeleton that will overaly the first foundation that will eventually convey the design language that the software will adopt and in the meantime everything has to be succintly explained to the stakeholders in order for them to grasp the design system and for me to extract more insights from them since they will be the first users of the software.
Moving on to a low fidelity wireframe with the intention of giving more meaning and structure to the interface meant that progress is happening and things are starting to evolve in terms of results from the ideation and the user interviews. Also, the latter gave me the playground to begin building the design system from the layout, color palette, and typography to the spacing and the accessibilty.
Moving on to a highfidelity wireframe that paved the way to add real data to the interface that allowed us as a team to get a realistic first look on how the software will behave in terms of data visualisation and user navigation and from there began our first user test which will give us a direction to make the right adjustments and iterations.
To conclude, this article is a condensed version of what actually happened and the process behind creating a data driven product from the ground up, otherwise I will have to write a journal that won’t serve nobody but nonetheless it is always beneficial to write about a design process that was complicated and challenging at times, the benefits are a documentation and a clarity that will even pave the way to iterate better on the next stages of the product life cycle.
08 Most common Biases in (UX) Design
After talking a lot about biases in general, I want to put focus on biases, that affect the design discipline in particular. I wanted to find out, which biases are very common amongst designers and how they can be spotted.
Biases can creep into UX design in subtle ways, shaping how designers create and evaluate their work. These mental shortcuts or preconceived notions can distort user research, design decisions, and testing outcomes.
Common UX Biases
- Confirmation Bias:
Designers often seek out data or feedback that aligns with their assumptions or expectations. For example, if you’re convinced users will love a feature, you might unconsciously focus on positive comments while ignoring criticism. This skews the final product toward the designer’s preferences rather than the users’ needs (cf. UX Team). - False-Consensus Effect:
This bias happens when designers assume users think like they do. For instance, just because a designer finds an interface intuitive doesn’t mean the average user will feel the same way. This misalignment often results in designs that alienate diverse user groups (cf. Toptal). - Recency Bias:
This occurs when designers give undue weight to the most recent feedback or user data they’ve encountered. While recent input can be important, over-relying on it can overlook broader patterns or trends that are crucial to creating balanced designs (cf. PALO IT). - Anchoring Bias:
Designers may fixate on the first piece of information they receive, such as initial user feedback or early test results, and let it heavily influence future decisions. This can lead to disregarding new, potentially more accurate insights that arise later in the process (cf. UX Team). - Social Desirability Bias:
During user research, participants might provide answers they think the researcher wants to hear instead of their genuine thoughts. This can lead to misleading data and decisions that don’t address real user needs (cf. Toptal). - Sunk Cost Fallacy:
Designers sometimes stick with a feature or concept they’ve invested a lot of time and effort into, even when it’s clear it’s not working. This bias prevents teams from pivoting to better alternatives (cf. PALO IT).
Spotting Biases
To identify biases in your work, start by reviewing your assumptions. Are you basing design decisions on data or personal opinions? Regularly involve diverse perspectives in your design process to uncover blind spots. For example, conducting usability tests with a variety of users can highlight mismatches between the design and user expectations (UX Team).
Another tip is to document your decision-making process. Writing down why you chose a certain layout or feature can make biases easier to spot. If your reasoning is based on personal preference or limited data, you’ll know to re-evaluate that choice (Toptal).
Biases in UX design can hinder the creation of user-friendly and inclusive products. By recognizing common biases like confirmation bias, false-consensus effect, recency bias, and others, you can take proactive steps to create designs that truly meet users’ needs. Regularly challenging assumptions and involving diverse perspectives ensures a more balanced and effective design process.
05 The Cognitive Bias Codex – Too much Information
The Cognitive Bias Codex, by Buster Benson, is a visualization of over 200 cognitive biases, offering an overview of how our minds work. Inspired by his childhood, Benson developed the Codex to help others understand and mitigate the influence of biases. The Codex encourages critical thinking and greater self-awareness, empowering individuals to make more informed and balanced decisions. (cf. Emergent Thinkers) It separates all biases into 4 problem groups: Too much information, not enough meaning, need to act fast & “What should we remember?”. This and the following blogposts will explain one of the four categories, reflecting on the different biases within them and their impact on UX work.
Each category shows a broad problem definition, which is then split up into different behaviors we show or have. Below these there are effects or biases that explain why we have these behaviors, since they are a combination of all our biases and influences from our surroundings. To make this shorter and easier to read, I will not go into detail on every single bias and effect there is. (At least not in this blog post. ;D)
01 Information Processing
This category of the cognitive bias codex highlights how our brains handle the massive amounts of data we encounter daily. These biases influence how we collect, interpret, and remember information, often simplifying them to help us make decisions faster. While these mental shortcuts can be useful, they also shape our beliefs, judgments, and actions in ways we may not fully realize. Exploring this category helps to uncover hidden filters in our thinking, enabling us to better evaluate information, recognize distortions, and make decisions with more clarity. (cf. Gust de Backer)
01.1 Primed or Repeated Information
Our attention is drawn to information that aligns with what we already know. This makes certain details seem more important than others. The list of biases is very long, so here are the five biases I consider most important for UX Design.
- Availability Heuristic
People judge the likelihood of events based on how easily examples come to their mind. This can lead to skewed decision-making, as recent experiences are more easily recalled and seem more common than they actually are. In UX design, using familiar examples or well-known patterns can help users make quicker decisions. (cf. Beyond UX Design C) - Attentional Bias
People tend to pay more attention to certain types of information while ignoring others, based on personal preferences, emotions, or past experiences. This means users are more likely to notice and engage with elements that are emotionally charged, eye-catching, or familiar. (cf. Beyond UX Design D) - Mere-Exposure Effect
People tend to develop a preference for things because they are exposed to them repeatedly. This effect can be used by consistently presenting certain features or brand elements, making users more comfortable and familiar with them. Over time, familiarity can lead to greater trust and engagement. (cf. Beyond UX Design F) - Empathy Gap
People fail to predict how emotions and mental states affect their behavior, leading to misunderstandings. For example, when not hungry, we might rationally predict we would choose a healthy snack, but in a hungry state, we’re more likely to pick something unhealthy. Understanding this gap helps in designing user experiences that anticipate emotional states and provide supportive features or messaging.
(cf. The Decision Lab B) - Omission Bias
Harmful actions are perceived as worse than harmful inactions, even if the consequences are similar. For instance, people may feel less guilty about allowing negative outcomes than if they actively caused harm. Users might prefer passive features, like automatic settings, that avoid perceived responsibility or failure. Designers can use this by considering user preferences for default options or avoiding overwhelming users with too many choices. (cf. The Decision Lab C)
01.2 Attention-Grabbing Details
Unusual or emotional things captivate us, our brains are wired to notice things that are out of the ordinary. These biases make us prioritize spectacle over substance, they show us how we can make important information stand out and make our users remember it.
- Von Restorff Effect (The Isolation Effect)
When multiple similar items are presented, the one that stands out is more likely to be remembered. This can be applied in UX design by making important elements or actions visually distinct. However, it’s crucial to avoid overwhelming users by overusing emphasis and to be mindful of accessibility issues, such as color vision deficiencies or motion sensitivity.
(cf. Laws of UX) - Picture Superiority Effect
People tend to remember pictures better than words, visuals are processed in two ways as images and as associated words, while words are processed only as text. In UX design, using clear, literal images can improve memorability and comprehension. Effective placement of visuals, using unique images, and avoiding abstract visuals are key strategies to take advantage of this effect.
(cf. NN Group B) - Self-Relevance Effect
People are more likely to remember information that they relate to themselves. This bias enhances memory retention when we connect new knowledge to personal experiences. In UX design, leveraging this effect could involve personalizing content, such as customized recommendations or user-centered messages, to improve engagement and retention. For example, presenting content that users can relate to personally, such as reminders tied to their preferences or past behaviors, can make the experience more memorable.
(cf. The Behavioral Scientist D)
01.3 Novelty and Change
Elements that are new to us or in motion naturally capture our attention. However, this can make us overlook stable, ongoing factors that are equally significant.
- Anchoring
This bias occurs where initial information, such as a suggested value, influences subsequent decisions. While anchoring can guide users to make decisions that align with desired outcomes, it can also unintentionally restrict creativity and objective thinking. (cf. Beyond UX Design B) - Distinction bias
This means, that we evaluate options differently when we asses them together or separately. This often leads to misjudgments, when viewing options side-by-side minor differences may seem disproportionately important. For example, comparing two similar products might exaggerate their distinctions. (cf. The Decision Lab A) - Framing Effect
People react differently depending on whether the same information is framed positively or negatively, influencing decisions. For example, a product described as “95% effective” might be more appealing than one described as “5% ineffective,” even though both mean the same. This bias underscores the power of context and language in shaping perceptions and choices.
(cf. The Decision Lab B) - Weber–Fechner Law
The Weber–Fechner law is about how we sense changes, like light, sound, or weight. It says we notice small changes when something is light or quiet, but bigger changes are needed if something is already heavy or loud. For example, if you’re holding a tiny feather and add another, you’ll notice the difference. But if you’re carrying a heavy backpack, adding one feather won’t feel like much. Imagine having a website in a very clean look with very little visual clutter, little changes will be noticed easier, than on a website with a lot of flashing colors and pictures. (cf. The Behavioral Scientist C)
01.4 Confirm Believes
Confirmation bias leads us to favor information that supports what we already think or feel, reinforcing existing opinions and blinding us to contrary evidence. There are a lot of effects and biases listed in this category here are the ones that I consider most important for UX Work:
- Confirmation & Congruence Bias
The confirmation bias describes the tendency to favor information that aligns with existing beliefs, leading to overlooking or dismissing contradictory views. The congruence bias is very similar, it describes the inclination to test hypotheses through direct confirmation, neglecting alternative possibilities, which can result in flawed conclusions. Especially during user testing this could hinder the advance of products. Since the goal is to find the flaws and shortcomings of a product, this could lead to them being overlooked. (cf. Beyond UX Design B, Philosophy Terms) - Expectation Bias (Experimenter Bias)
This describes the tendency for researchers to unintentionally (or intentionally) influence their study outcomes to align with their expectations, potentially skewing results. Since UX designers have to work with a lot of data, this could once again lead to missteps during the design process and the need to redesign the product later. (cf. The Behavioral Scientist A) - Choice-Supportive Bias
The tendency to remember past choices as better than they were, often by attributing positive features to selected options and negative ones to rejected alternatives. This could, on a small scale influence, how users give feedback to researchers after a testing session. Highlighting what went well and neglecting frustrating experiences, which could make a product seem better than it actually is. Paying attention to what people do is important to later compare this to what they said. (cf. The Behavioral Scientist B) - Observer Effect
A phenomenon one is very likely to come across while doing user research. Individuals tend to modify their behavior due to being observed, which can impact the authenticity of observed actions. Which is totally understandable, you wouldn’t want to be perceived as stupid or incapable in front of another person. (cf. NN Group A)
01.5 Spotting Flaws
It’s easier to spot mistakes or biases in other people than our own, making us more critical of others and less about our own behavior. The codex depicts three biases in this subcategory:
- Bias blind spot & Naive realism
(I have already written a blog post about this bias ;D)
We tend to think, that we see the world objectively (as it really is) and others don’t. We are convinced or information is correct and others who don’t share our views are misinformed or biased. Recognizing naïve realism helps us appreciate diverse perspectives and approach disagreements with empathy. Which is a key ability for UX designers in my book.(cf. Jakob Schnurrer) - Naive cynicism
We mistakenly believe others are more selfish than they actually are, often misinterpreting their intentions. This bias can strain relationships, create mistrust, and hinder collaboration, especially in team settings. Practices like active listening, open communication, and team-building help prevent misunderstandings and promote a more supportive environment.
(cf. Beyond UX Design A)
Small Details, Big Impact: How Microinteractions Keep Users Engaged
Those small, subtle animations or responses embedded in user interfaces are quietly revolutionizing digital design. These seemingly minor details can make or break an experience by holding user focus and adding delight, particularly when catering to short attention spans.
Let’s take a look into what microinteractions are, their role in maintaining user engagement, and how to implement them effectively.
What Are Microinteractions?
Microinteractions are small, contained product moments designed to accomplish a single task or provide feedback. Think of the “like” button on Instagram, the loading animation on YouTube, or the vibration your phone makes when toggling between modes.
They might seem insignificant, but their power lies in their ability to provide feedback, enhance usability, and inject personality into digital products.
Role in UX Design:
- Feedback: Inform users that an action has been completed successfully (a checkmark when a form is submitted)
- Guidance: Show users what to do next or highlight key features (animated tooltips)
- Engagement: Create moments of delight to keep users intrigued
How Microinteractions Hold User Focus
Microinteractions work particularly well for short attention spans because they provide:
- Instant Feedback: Users are reassured their action has been registered. For example, a thumbs-up animation confirms a “like”
- Seamless Transitions: Animations such as loading skeleton screens (which mimic the layout of the actual content) make waiting feel shorter than traditional spinners
- Engagement Through Playfulness: A well-placed animation can surprise and delight users, creating positive reinforcement to keep interacting
Best Practices for Microinteractions in Short Attention Spans
- Keep It Subtle: Avoid overloading the interface with animations, they should enhance, not distract.
- Prioritize Speed: Ensure microinteractions are fast and efficient, aligning with the limited patience of today’s users
- Make Them Functional: Delightful design is essential, but utility should remain the priority.
- Test and Iterate: Regularly test microinteractions to ensure they’re intuitive and effective for your audience
Literature:
https://ruttl.com/blog/enhancing-user-engagement-and-satisfaction
https://uxdesign.cc/micro-interactions-why-when-and-how-to-use-them-to-boost-the-ux-17094b3baaa0
Designing for short attention spans by reducing cognitive load in UI/UX Design
In a world where users attention spans are becoming increasingly shorter, the question arises:
How can designers create digital experiences that thrive in this new age of the attention economy?
Modern platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels have fostered a culture where content must engage users within seconds. This shift not only changes how people consume media but also how they interact with digital products.
My Personal Motivation
I chose this topic because it is not only timely but also a crucial phenomenon shaping the future of UI/UX design. Understanding how to design for evolving user behaviors is not just about keeping up with trends, it’s about creating experiences that are inclusive, engaging and user-friendly. On a personal level, I’ve always been intrigued by the intersection of psychology and design. How do visual and interactive elements influence what we focus on? How can we use design to reduce frustration and enhance usability? These are questions that fuel my curiosity and drive my research. In this blog, I will explore (for now, I’ll see where this topic takes me) the challenges and opportunities posed by shortened attention spans and discuss smart design strategies that can deliver optimal user experiences.
Why This Topic Is More Relevant Than Ever
The relevance of designing for shortened attention spans has never been greater. As digital consumption habits evolve, designers are facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Here’s why this topic matters today:
Modern Digital Behaviors: As users attention spans are impacted by fast-paced platforms (TikTok, Instagram), they bring these expectations to every app or website they interact with. UI/UX design needs to adapt to keep users engaged without overwhelming them.
Optimizing User Performance: Reducing cognitive load helps users focus on key tasks, leading to better performance, conversions, and overall satisfaction.
The Rise of Short-Form Content
Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts have redefined how users consume media. According to a report by Statista (2023), TikTok users spend an average of 95 minutes per day on the app, often scrolling through hundreds of short videos. This trend has created an expectation for quick, engaging interactions across all digital platforms.
Users now demand:
- Immediate gratification
- Minimal friction in navigation
- Engaging visuals that deliver value in seconds
Cognitive Overload in the Digital Age
The constant exposure to digital stimuli has a measurable effect on our cognitive capacities. Studies, such as one conducted by Microsoft (2015), suggest that the average human attention span has dropped from 12 seconds in 2000 to 8 seconds in 2015. This number is likely even lower today due to the rise of short-form content platforms.
For designers, this means that traditional, text-heavy or overly complex interfaces are losing effectiveness. The challenge is to simplify interactions without sacrificing functionality or depth.
Economic Impact
Shortened attention spans have direct implications for businesses:
- E-commerce Conversion Rates: According to a Baymard Institute Report (2023), nearly 70% of online shopping carts are abandoned, often due to overwhelming or confusing interfaces.
- Ad Revenue: Digital ads are now designed to capture attention within the first few seconds as users skip or scroll past them if they don’t immediately engage
Designers who fail to address these shifts risk losing users, revenue and relevance in competitive markets.
The Shift in Learning and Education
Attention spans are also affecting how people learn and process information. The rise of microlearning platforms like Duolingo or Blinkist reflects the need for bite-sized, focused content that aligns with modern user behaviors. Designing for shorter attention spans isn’t just about entertainment, it’s about enabling users to achieve their goals more effectively.
The Attention Economy
The concept of the attention economy – where attention is treated as a finite resource has become a central topic in UI/UX design. Every app, website and platform is competing for user attention, often at the expense of user well-being. The challenge is to design ethically, balancing engagement with cognitive health. When discussing “user well-being” I plan to dedicate an entire blog post to exploring the ethical implications and the darker side of digital products and platforms that exploit attention in harmful ways. This includes practices like Netflix Kids use of gamification to encourage binge-watching by rewarding children with patches for every movie they complete, highlighting how attention can be manipulated through design. But stay tuned for this one.
Why Designers Must Act Now
Addressing these issues isn’t optional, it’s a necessity. Designers must:
- Adapt to Changing Behaviors: Interfaces must align with the fast-paced consumption habits of today’s users.
- Reduce Cognitive Load: Simplified designs help users focus on key tasks and avoid frustration.
- Ensure Ethical Design Practices: Designers have a responsibility to create experiences that are engaging but not exploitative.
If this topic sparks your interest, join me on this journey as we delve deeper into the nuances of attention spans and design in the upcoming blog posts.
Literature:
Statista (2023)
https://www.statista.com/topics/8309/tiktok-marketing/#topicOverview
Microsoft Attention Span Study (2015)
chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://sherpapg.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/MAS.pdf
Baymard Institute Report (2023)
https://baymard.com/research/checkout-usability
Interesting talk about Designing for Short Attention Spans by Victor Yocco (UX Burlington 2019)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WBS6YYMAcE