The Psychology of Design

This article provides an in-depth overview of cognitive biases and psychological principles that influence user experience. It explores how users filter information, seek meaning, act within time constraints, and store memories. To improve UX, designers must understand how over 100 biases listed affect each stage of the user decision cycle. Biases are organized into four categories: information filtering, meaning-making, time pressures, and memory. Examples and design tips are given for each. Resources for further learning are also provided, including a downloadable cheat sheet summarizing each principle. The goal is to help product teams apply behavioral psychology and build more intuitive, habit-forming experiences. A takeaway is that subtle cues can profoundly shape user behavior, so designers must consider cognitive and emotional factors affecting perception and decision-making.