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User Experience (UX) design is built on fundamental principles that guide how users interact with digital interfaces. However, many of these principles are frequently ignored or misunderstood, leading to frustrating user experiences. Today, we’ll explore some of the most commonly broken UX laws, why they matter, and how to do better.
Hick’s Law states that the more choices a user has, the longer it takes to make a decision. This is because each additional option requires more cognitive effort to evaluate, leading to increased decision time and mental strain. Many websites and applications bombard users with excessive options, leading to decision paralysis. Think of cluttered e-commerce pages with too many filters, navigation menus overflowing with links, or long drop-down lists that force users to scroll endlessly to find what they need. A prime example of this is Amazon’s filter system, which, while powerful, can sometimes overwhelm users with too many choices at once.
Users need simplicity to navigate interfaces effectively. Overcomplicated choices can drive frustration and lead to abandonment. Too many options can also lead to user fatigue, where people disengage rather than make a decision. Prioritize and limit choices. Use progressive disclosure, hiding less relevant options until needed. Optimize navigation by grouping related actions logically. Implement search functionality and smart filtering to help users find what they need quickly.
Jakob’s Law states that users prefer interfaces that work similarly to those they are already familiar with. Since people spend most of their time on other websites and apps, they develop expectations about how interfaces should function. Some designers try to be overly creative by reinventing UI elements like navigation bars, buttons, and forms. This often leads to confusion, as users struggle to understand how to interact with something that deviates from what they know. An example of this is Apple’s MacOS window control buttons, which are on the left side rather than the right, confusing users accustomed to Windows.
Users rely on mental models based on past experiences. If your website or app behaves in an unexpected way, users may struggle to complete tasks efficiently, leading to frustration and a higher bounce rate. Stick to common UI patterns where applicable. While innovation is good, ensure that new elements still feel intuitive. Use familiar layouts, icons, and navigational structures so users can quickly understand how to interact with your interface.
Fitts’s Law states that the time required to move to a target depends on its size and distance. Larger and closer targets are easier to hit, whereas small and distant targets take more time and effort. Many websites use tiny buttons, small text links, or low-contrast CTAs (calls to action), making them difficult to click—especially on mobile devices. A common issue is placing important actions (like “Submit” or “Buy Now”) too close to other interactive elements, leading to accidental clicks. LinkedIn’s mobile interface has been criticized for small, closely placed touch targets that make navigation frustrating.
Poorly designed interactive elements cause user frustration and increase error rates. If a button is too small or hard to reach, users may give up or make unintended actions. Ensure buttons, links, and form fields are large enough to tap easily. Use ample padding and clear contrast for accessibility. Position key actions in easily reachable areas, especially for mobile users, where touch accuracy is lower than with a mouse.
Miller’s Law states that the average person can hold about seven (plus or minus two) items in their working memory at a time. When too much information is presented at once, users struggle to retain or process it effectively. Websites and apps often bombard users with too much information on a single screen, making it hard to process key details. Examples include long paragraphs of text without breaks, overcrowded dashboards, and cluttered forms with excessive input fields. CNN’s homepage, for example, often crams too much content into a single screen, making it difficult for users to find the most relevant information quickly.
Cognitive overload leads to confusion, inefficiency, and frustration. Users may feel overwhelmed and abandon the task rather than persist through the complexity. Break down information into digestible chunks. Use headings, bullet points, and whitespace to improve readability. Implement progressive disclosure to reveal details only when necessary, reducing the initial cognitive load.
The Serial Position Effect states that users best remember the first and last items in a sequence. Items in the middle are often overlooked or forgotten. Important content or CTAs are sometimes buried in the middle of lists, making them less noticeable. This happens often in navigation menus, pricing tables, and long product listings. Netflix’s catalog sometimes suffers from this, where key shows and movies are hidden in the middle of long scrolling lists, causing users to overlook them.
Poor placement of crucial information can reduce conversions and hinder navigation. If users don’t notice key actions, they may not engage as expected. Place key information and actions at the beginning or end of a list. Use visual hierarchy to draw attention to essential elements. Highlight critical CTAs using contrasting colors and clear labels.
Breaking these UX laws can lead to frustrating, inefficient, and even inaccessible digital experiences. By understanding and adhering to these principles, designers can create smoother, more intuitive interactions that enhance user satisfaction and retention. The key is balance—prioritizing usability while maintaining creativity and innovation.
If you’re working on UX design, take a step back and ask yourself: Are you breaking any of these laws? If so, now’s the time to fix them!
