Cognitive Biases

To cope with complexity, humans rely on mental shortcuts. These cognitive biases enable fast decisions, but they are systematically error-prone. Confirmation bias, anchoring, or status-quo bias are not flaws of character, but byproducts of efficiency.

Design constantly interacts with these biases. It can counteract them through transparency, clear comparisons, and corrective feedback. Or it can deliberately exploit them by hiding alternatives, skewing presentation, or applying pressure.

Responsible UX design makes biases visible or reduces their impact. It accepts human limitation without turning it against the user. The goal is not perfect rationality, but informed and self-directed decision-making.