What are cognitive biases in UX design?

Cognitive biases in UX design refer to the psychological tendencies that influence how users perceive information and make decisions. These biases are rooted in the mental shortcuts our brains use to process information efficiently, often leading to systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment.

In the context of UX design, understanding cognitive biases is crucial because they can significantly impact user behavior and experience. For instance, a designer might recognize that users are more likely to trust information that aligns with their existing beliefs (confirmation bias) or that they tend to prefer options that are presented first (primacy effect). By being aware of these biases, designers can create interfaces and interactions that guide users towards making better decisions or enhance usability.

Other options do not align with the definition of cognitive biases. Technical specifications focus on the details required for development, graphical elements deal with aesthetics rather than psychological processes, and feedback mechanisms pertain to user interactions without addressing the underlying cognitive influences. Therefore, recognizing cognitive biases is essential for creating more user-centered and effective designs that account for how users think and behave.