The Benefits of Anxiety: A Guide to Simplifying Design for Better User Experience

Kazuki

Hatched by Kazuki

Aug 15, 2023

3 min read

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The Benefits of Anxiety: A Guide to Simplifying Design for Better User Experience

Anxiety is often misunderstood as a negative emotion, something that we should avoid or suppress. However, recent research in neuroscience suggests that anxiety can actually have benefits and serve as a valuable source of information.

When we feel anxious, our bodies release oxytocin, the social bonding hormone. This not only triggers fight-or-flight responses but also primes us to seek out social connection and support. It's like a fractal beauty within anxiety, containing some of its own solutions. Moderate levels of anxiety can increase oxytocin levels, motivating us to connect with others and seek support.

Anxiety is also linked to dopamine release, which motivates us to take action and pursue rewards. It tells us that we care about the future and want it to turn out a certain way. Instead of viewing anxiety as a disease, we should see it as an opportunity to learn skills and navigate uncertainty. Anxiety primes us to navigate uncertainty, avert disaster, and make positive possibilities a reality.

Similarly, when it comes to design, simplicity is key. Simplifying design can greatly improve the user experience and make it easier for users to achieve their goals. The first step to achieving simplicity is to define a core value and identify the target audience. Not every product needs to have every feature; focus on the essentials.

Thoughtful reduction is the simplest way to achieve simplicity. Remove secondary information, infrequently used controls, and distracting styles. Clutter-free design is a consequence of simplicity, not simplicity itself. It's about describing the purpose and place of an object or product.

To support quick decision making, limit the number of options available to users. Hick's Law states that the time and effort required to make a decision increase with the number of options. Offering fewer choices can actually enhance sales. Provide recommendations or share statistics to help users make decisions.

In terms of design, users don't read every detail. They are selective about what they remember or engage with. Use typography and color to communicate hierarchy and organize elements. This not only improves recognition but also makes it easier for users to remember information.

To keep users engaged and satisfied, break tasks into smaller subtasks. Finishing a subtask releases endorphins and provides a sense of satisfaction, motivating users to continue. Uncertainty should be minimized as much as possible, as it can make users anxious. Use progressive disclosure to guide users from abstract to specific, simplifying the user experience.

It's important to consider user expectations and provide a seamless first-time experience. Users have specific expectations about how a product should look and behave based on their experiences with other products. Avoid interrupting the user flow with pop-ups and provide help on demand.

Lastly, accessibility is crucial. Design should be inclusive and consider users with disabilities. Avoid relying solely on color to convey information and ensure sufficient contrast between text and background. Support keyboard navigation and provide alternative ways to interact with the product.

In conclusion, anxiety can have benefits if we understand its role as a source of information and motivation. Similarly, simplifying design can greatly improve the user experience. By focusing on core values, reducing clutter, and supporting quick decision making, designers can create products that are easy to use and meet user expectations. Incorporating these principles into design can lead to better outcomes for both users and designers. Remember, anxiety and simplicity are not enemies, but rather allies in our quest for a better future.

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