Must know Laws of UX — Part 2
In this post we will explore the other remaining 8 Laws of UX. In case you have not read the first part, please go through my blog posts.
9. Law of Common Region
The Law of Common Region is a gestalt principle in psychology and visual perception that suggests that elements within the same closed region tend to be perceived as a group or a single unit. In other words, when elements are contained within a common boundary or region, people are likely to perceive them as belonging together or forming a coherent group. This principle helps explain how our brains organize visual information and perceive patterns and relationships in the environment.
Here are five examples to illustrate the Law of Common Region:
A. Venn Diagrams: In a Venn diagram, circles that overlap share a common region. The elements within this overlapping area are perceived as related or belonging to both sets.
B. Text in Paragraphs: In a block of text, sentences that are enclosed within the same paragraph are perceived as a unified group. Readers interpret them as being related to the main idea of that paragraph.
C. Chessboard Squares: On a chessboard, the squares that are enclosed by a common region (e.g., the borders of a 2x2 or 3x3 square) are perceived as a single unit, influencing how we interpret the arrangement of pieces within that region.
D. Menu Sections: In a restaurant menu, items listed under the same category or section (e.g., appetizers, entrees) are perceived as belonging to that specific group due to the common region created by the section header.
E. Magazine Layouts: In a magazine layout, images and text placed within a bordered box or a distinct section on a page are perceived as related. This helps guide the reader’s attention and makes it easier to understand the content hierarchy.
In each of these examples, the Law of Common Region demonstrates how our perceptual system groups elements based on their spatial relationships within a shared boundary or region.
10. Law of Proximity
The Law of Proximity is a principle in psychology and visual perception that states that objects or elements that are close to each other are perceived as belonging together or forming a group. This gestalt principle suggests that proximity, or nearness, plays a significant role in how our brains organize visual information and interpret relationships between elements.
Here are five examples to illustrate the Law of Proximity:
A. Dot Clusters: When dots are arranged in a space, those that are placed close to each other are perceived as a group. Even if the dots are identical and scattered, our brains tend to group them based on their proximity.
B. List of Names: In a list of names or items, those that are physically close to each other are perceived as related. For example, in a list of team members, names placed together are assumed to be part of the same team.
C. Braille Characters: In Braille, the raised dots representing letters are organized in proximity to each other within a defined space. This principle allows individuals to interpret the characters based on the closeness of the dots.
D. Flock of Birds: When birds fly together in a formation, their proximity creates the perception of a cohesive group. The closer the birds are to each other, the more tightly connected they seem in our perception.
E. Punctuation in Sentences: In a written sentence, words that are close to each other are interpreted as forming a grammatical structure. Commas and periods, for example, signal breaks or pauses in the text based on their proximity to words.
In these examples, the Law of Proximity highlights how our brains tend to organize visual information based on the spatial closeness of elements. This principle is crucial in understanding how we naturally group and interpret objects and information in our environment.
11. Law of Pragnanz
The Law of Pragnanz, often referred to as the principle of simplicity or good figure, is a fundamental concept in gestalt psychology and visual perception. It states that our perceptual system tends to organize stimuli into the simplest and most stable form possible. In other words, we perceive and interpret complex scenes or patterns in the most straightforward and organized way.
Here are five examples to illustrate the Law of Pragnanz:
A. Olympic Rings: The Olympic rings are a simple and iconic symbol. Despite the complexity of interlocking rings, our perception simplifies them into a cohesive and recognizable pattern representing unity and international cooperation.
B. Road Signs: Traffic signs are designed with simplicity to convey information quickly and clearly. The use of simple shapes and symbols adheres to the Law of Pragnanz, making it easier for drivers to interpret and respond to the information presented.
C. Company Logos: Many successful logos follow the principle of simplicity. For example, the Apple logo consists of a simple apple silhouette, and the Nike swoosh is a straightforward and memorable design. These logos adhere to the Law of Pragnanz to create a clear and distinct visual identity.
D. Traffic Light Signals: The colors of a traffic light (red, yellow, green) are arranged in a simple and easily distinguishable sequence. The use of three distinct colors in a specific order simplifies the communication of traffic regulations and facilitates quick decision-making for drivers.
E. Pac-Man Game: The character design in the classic Pac-Man game is simple yet effective. The yellow circle with a wedge removed is instantly recognizable and easy to process, aligning with the Law of Pragnanz in creating a clear and memorable visual representation.
In each of these examples, the Law of Pragnanz is evident in the emphasis on simplicity, clarity, and the reduction of visual complexity to create easily interpretable and memorable representations. The human perceptual system tends to prefer and remember simpler forms, and this principle guides the design of various symbols, logos, and visual elements in our daily lives.
12. Zeigarnik Effect
The Zeigarnik Effect is a psychological phenomenon that suggests people tend to remember uncompleted or interrupted tasks better than completed tasks. This effect was first observed by psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik in the early 20th century. The theory proposes that unfinished tasks create a cognitive tension or mental discomfort, prompting individuals to retain and recall information related to those tasks until they are completed.
Here are five examples to illustrate the Zeigarnik Effect:
A. TV Shows and Cliffhangers: Television shows often use cliffhangers at the end of episodes to keep viewers engaged and eager to know what happens next. The unresolved nature of the story creates a mental tension, and viewers are more likely to remember the details and anticipate the resolution.
B. To-Do Lists: When you create a to-do list and leave some tasks unfinished, those incomplete tasks may occupy your thoughts. The Zeigarnik Effect suggests that you are more likely to remember and think about the unfinished tasks compared to the ones you’ve already completed.
C. Unanswered Questions in Learning: In educational settings, instructors might present a complex problem or question and leave it unresolved for students to ponder. The students are likely to remember the details of the problem as they are motivated to seek answers and closure.
D. Video Games and Quests: Many video games feature quests or missions that players need to complete. The Zeigarnik Effect comes into play as players remember the goals and objectives of the quests, even when they temporarily shift focus to other in-game activities.
E. Unfinished Conversations: In daily conversations, if someone leaves a statement or question unresolved, you may find yourself thinking about it after the conversation ends. The Zeigarnik Effect suggests that your mind is more likely to retain information related to incomplete or open-ended discussions.
In each of these examples, the Zeigarnik Effect demonstrates how the mind tends to hold onto information associated with uncompleted tasks or unresolved situations. This cognitive phenomenon has implications in various aspects of life, influencing memory, motivation, and attention.
13. Law of Similarity
The Law of Similarity is a principle in gestalt psychology and visual perception that states that objects that are similar in appearance are perceived as being more related or grouped together than dissimilar objects. This principle suggests that our minds naturally organize visual stimuli based on their shared characteristics, such as shape, color, size, or orientation.
Here are five examples to illustrate the Law of Similarity:
A. Branding and Logos: Company logos often use similarity to create a cohesive and recognizable brand identity. For instance, the McDonald’s logo uses the similarity of golden arches to form the letter “M,” creating a visually unified symbol.
B. Uniforms and Team Sports: Team members in sports often wear uniforms that share similar colors and designs. This helps viewers and players quickly identify and associate individuals as part of the same team, demonstrating the Law of Similarity in action.
C. Patterned Fabrics: Fabrics with repeating patterns showcase the Law of Similarity. Elements with similar shapes, colors, or textures within the pattern are perceived as belonging together, creating a cohesive visual design.
D. Traffic Signs: Traffic signs use similarity to convey information efficiently. For example, all warning signs may share a common shape and color (such as a diamond shape and yellow color), making them easily distinguishable from other types of signs.
E. Bookshelves and Categorization: On a bookshelf, books with similar covers or spines are often perceived as belonging to the same genre or category. The Law of Similarity helps individuals quickly locate and categorize books based on visual cues.
In these examples, the Law of Similarity plays a crucial role in how we visually organize and interpret information. Whether in design, branding, or everyday situations, our perceptual system tends to group similar elements together, making it easier for us to make sense of our surroundings.
14. Peak-End Rule
The Peak-End Rule is a psychological phenomenon that suggests people tend to judge and remember an experience based on the emotional intensity at its peak and at its end rather than the overall duration or average of the experience. This rule was proposed by psychologist Daniel Kahneman and his colleagues. The emotional “peaks” and how an experience concludes disproportionately influence our retrospective evaluations of that experience.
Here are five examples to illustrate the Peak-End Rule:
A. Vacation Experience: Imagine you go on a week-long vacation, and the weather is mostly good, but there’s one day of heavy rain. If the rain occurs on the last day, it may disproportionately impact your overall memory of the vacation, even if the majority of the trip was enjoyable.
B. Movie Viewing: If you watch a movie with a compelling and emotional climax followed by a heartwarming resolution, you are more likely to remember the movie positively, even if there were less exciting parts in the middle.
C. Medical Procedures: Patients undergoing a medical procedure might rate the overall experience more positively if the discomfort peaks at a manageable level and the procedure ends on a reassuring note, despite the overall duration or discomfort during other phases.
D. Work Projects: In a work project, if there is a challenging phase that demands a lot of effort and concentration but ultimately leads to a successful outcome, the positive resolution can significantly influence how the entire project is remembered.
E. Restaurant Dining: A meal at a restaurant can be influenced by the quality of the food and the service. Even if the meal was satisfactory throughout, a standout dish or exceptional service towards the end of the meal can significantly impact how diners remember the experience.
The Peak-End Rule suggests that the intensity of emotions experienced at the peak and conclusion of an event can shape our memories and evaluations of that event more than the overall average. This principle has implications for various aspects of life, including customer experiences, healthcare, and leisure activities.
15. Miller’s Law
Miller’s Law is a principle in cognitive psychology proposed by George A. Miller. It suggests that the average person can hold about seven (plus or minus two) items in their working memory at any given time. This concept is also known as Miller’s Magic Number 7.
Here are five examples to illustrate Miller’s Law:
A. Phone Numbers: The standard format for phone numbers is often broken into chunks to fit within the limits of working memory. For example, in the United States, phone numbers are commonly formatted as three digits, a hyphen, three more digits, another hyphen, and finally, four digits (e.g., 555–123–4567), making it easier for people to remember.
B. Musical Notation: Musicians often read and memorize musical notes in groups or phrases, taking advantage of Miller’s Law. Breaking down musical compositions into smaller chunks aids in the memorization and execution of complex pieces.
C. Computer Passwords: Many websites and applications enforce a password structure that limits the number of characters or requires a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. This is partly influenced by Miller’s Law, as it encourages users to create passwords that are easier to remember and enter.
D. Shopping Lists: When creating a shopping list, individuals often organize items into categories or groups, aligning with Miller’s Law. This helps in recalling and navigating through the list more effectively while shopping.
E. Presentations and Bullet Points: In presentations, speakers often follow the guideline of using around seven key points or bullets on a slide. This practice aligns with Miller’s Law and aims to ensure that the audience can easily process and remember the information presented.
In these examples, the idea behind Miller’s Law is to recognize the limited capacity of working memory and structure information in a way that maximizes cognitive efficiency. Breaking down information into manageable chunks or groups can enhance comprehension, retention, and recall.
16. Tesler’s Law
Tesler’s Law, also known as The Law of Conservation of Complexity, is a principle in software design and user interface (UI) design. It was named after Larry Tesler, a computer scientist who worked in the field of human-computer interaction and was known for his contributions to user interface design.
The law states that “Every application must have an inherent amount of irreducible complexity. The only question is who will have to deal with it.” In simpler terms, it suggests that complexity is unavoidable, but it can be shifted or distributed between different components of a system.
Here are five examples to illustrate Tesler’s Law:
A. User Interface Design: In designing a software application, there is a certain level of complexity inherent in the tasks the software must perform. Tesler’s Law implies that this complexity cannot be eliminated but can be distributed between the user and the system. Good UI design aims to minimize the user-facing complexity while appropriately managing it in the backend.
B. Keyboard Shortcuts: In applications, the use of keyboard shortcuts can be seen as a distribution of complexity. Power users who are comfortable with shortcuts can navigate and perform tasks more efficiently, while casual users may interact with the same features through the graphical user interface (GUI), which may be more straightforward.
C. Programming Languages: Different programming languages may distribute complexity differently. Some languages are designed to be more concise and expressive, reducing the amount of code a developer needs to write (reducing complexity for the programmer). However, this might mean that the language itself is more complex or that certain complexities are hidden from the programmer.
D. Smartphone Operating Systems: Operating systems for smartphones, like iOS or Android, manage a considerable amount of complexity behind the scenes. The user interacts with a simplified graphical interface, and the operating system handles complex tasks like memory management, multitasking, and communication between apps.
E. Web Browsers: Web browsers distribute complexity by providing a user-friendly interface for casual users while offering advanced settings and developer tools for those who require more control and customization. This aligns with Tesler’s Law by tailoring the user experience based on the user’s level of expertise or need for control.
In summary, Tesler’s Law emphasizes that complexity is an inherent part of any system but can be managed and distributed to different components to optimize user experience and efficiency.
Hope that you have found these 16 Laws of UX useful.
Happy learning!
