Laws of UX by Jon Yablonski

Laws of UX by Jon Yablonski

Design Principles for Persuasive and Ethical Products

#LawsofUX, #UserExperience, #UXDesign, #DesignThinking, #JonYablonski, #Audiobooks, #BookSummary

✍️ Jon Yablonski ✍️ Psychology

Table of Contents

Introduction

Summary of the book Laws of UX by Jon Yablonski. Let’s begin by briefly exploring the book’s overview. Imagine you visit a website, and everything feels simple, clear, and almost as if it knows exactly how you think. The buttons are easy to click, the pages are simple to navigate, and you quickly find what you want without feeling frustrated or lost. This kind of effortless online experience doesn’t just happen by accident. It comes from carefully studying how people behave, think, and react to what they see on their screens. By understanding certain guiding principles, known as the Laws of UX, designers can shape digital spaces that feel welcoming, understandable, and trustworthy. In the chapters ahead, we’ll journey through a set of principles that stem from psychology and user behavior. We’ll explore the subtle ways our minds respond to visuals, choices, and layouts. These insights will show you how thoughtful design can make websites not only look better but work better for everyone.

Chapter 1: Understanding How Jakob’s Law and Fitts’s Law Reshape Our Everyday Online Habits .

When you hop onto the internet, you might not realize that your mind carries a lot of expectations from all the websites you’ve used before. Jakob’s Law highlights this truth by stating that people prefer sites that feel similar to the ones they already know well. Think about it this way: when you walk into a friend’s living room, you expect to find the TV in front of the couch, and light switches close to doorways. Similarly, online visitors expect navigation bars at the top, search boxes near the corner, and clear labels that instantly tell them where to click. The reason behind such expectations is that, after using multiple websites, your brain forms habits. These habits make browsing faster and smoother. If a website respects Jakob’s Law and keeps familiar patterns, you spend less time guessing and more time finding what you need.

Jakob’s Law teaches web designers that consistency isn’t about being boring; it’s about creating comfort. Just as you trust that the spoon at every dinner table is for eating soup, consistent design lets users trust that the features they see will behave as they predict. Instead of feeling confused, users can rely on their previous experiences to guide them. This predictability speeds up decision-making and reduces frustration. Sites that break from known patterns without a clear reason risk leaving visitors puzzled or annoyed. By aligning with common design standards, designers help people stay focused on the main goal—be it reading an article, finding a product, or getting directions—without having to relearn how to interact with the interface. In short, Jakob’s Law encourages making websites feel like comfortable, welcoming homes that people return to without hesitation.

Now, moving to another key principle, Fitts’s Law focuses on the physical act of interacting with on-screen elements. This principle examines how long it takes to move a pointer—whether a mouse cursor or a finger on a touchscreen—to a target like a button or a link. Two main factors influence this: the distance to the target and the target’s size. The closer and bigger the clickable element, the easier and faster it is to interact with. For instance, imagine you’re using a smartphone to shop for clothes. If the Add to Cart button is tiny and squeezed between other tiny buttons, you’re more likely to tap the wrong one. Fitts’s Law suggests making important buttons large, well-spaced, and placed where users can reach them without stretching their fingers or their patience.

Designing according to Fitts’s Law means not only ensuring big and well-placed buttons but also reducing the chance of accidental clicks. On laptops and desktops, users rely on a mouse or trackpad, so placing commonly used controls where the cursor naturally rests can save time. On smartphones, where thumbs do most of the work, putting major actions near the bottom of the screen can prevent awkward hand movements. For touchscreens, spacing between elements matters a lot—nobody wants to tap a delete button instead of save because they’re placed too close together. By applying Fitts’s Law, designers make sure every tap, click, or scroll feels effortless and error-free. When combined with Jakob’s Law, it ensures both the visual organization and physical interaction flow together, giving users a more natural, enjoyable experience.

Chapter 2: Discovering How Hick’s Law and Miller’s Law Simplify Complex Decisions Online Effectively .

Have you ever visited a website offering so many choices that you felt overwhelmed, uncertain about where to start? Hick’s Law addresses this exact problem. It tells us that the more options presented at once, the longer it takes people to make a decision. Imagine a huge buffet table overflowing with dozens of dishes. At first glance, it might seem exciting, but it can quickly become confusing as you try to pick just one meal. In a digital setting, too many menu items, complicated forms, or countless product categories can slow users down. Designers apply Hick’s Law by limiting initial choices, gradually revealing more options only when needed. This simplification helps users gain confidence and move forward without freezing up in front of a long list of possibilities.

An effective way to put Hick’s Law into practice is by organizing information into layers or steps. Rather than bombarding visitors with every feature at once, good design guides them through a structured path. For example, consider a job application form: instead of showing all fields at the start, it can present the basics first—name, email, and a resume upload. Once the user completes that, the next set of questions appears. This approach keeps decisions manageable. Another strategy is to use smart defaults or recommended options, gently steering people toward a likely choice. By reducing cognitive workload and making the path more direct, websites help users feel more in control. Over time, these small design decisions add up, increasing efficiency and satisfaction during each online interaction.

Miller’s Law introduces a related concept about human memory. It points out that, on average, people can comfortably keep about seven pieces of information in their short-term memory at any one time. Cramming more than that into a single view or step can overwhelm users, causing confusion and forgetfulness. In web design, the technique of chunking breaks complex information into bite-sized segments. Think of a phone number. It’s much easier to remember it as three small chunks of digits rather than one continuous string. Websites use headings, bullet points, and grouping related options together to create logical sections. This helps visitors quickly scan, identify what’s important, and remember key details. By respecting Miller’s Law, designers make content more approachable, guiding users through tasks and information without forcing them to juggle too many details at once.

When Hick’s Law and Miller’s Law join forces, designers create experiences that strike the perfect balance between clarity and completeness. Too many choices clutter the mind, while too many details presented all at once overload memory. By applying these principles, websites can be both rich in content and easy to use. For example, an online learning platform might first show only a few course categories on its main page. After a user selects one category, the site then presents a smaller set of course titles, each with a short description. If the user wants more detail, they can click to expand further. This tiered approach works because it respects human mental limits and prevents digital spaces from feeling like chaotic puzzles. Ultimately, both Hick’s and Miller’s laws ensure users never feel lost in a maze of endless information.

Chapter 3: Exploring Postel’s Law and The Peak-End Rule to Enhance Positive User Impressions .

Postel’s Law reminds designers that users are humans first. This principle is also known as the Robustness Principle and suggests being generous in what your system accepts while being precise in what it sends out. In simpler terms, a website or app should handle all sorts of unexpected user inputs gracefully. Maybe someone enters their birth year as two thousand one instead of 2001. Maybe they type their email address in uppercase letters or insert extra spaces. Instead of rejecting these variations and frustrating the visitor, the design should gently adapt and correct them where possible. By thinking ahead about the many ways people might interact—some planned, some accidental—designers create flexible interfaces that welcome everyone. This human-centered adaptability keeps users engaged and appreciative, knowing the site doesn’t punish honest mistakes.

Embracing Postel’s Law helps ensure that no user feels left out or discouraged by the system’s rigidity. Imagine using a login form that refuses your password just because you added an extra space at the end. Such strictness can annoy people and make them question the site’s usability. In contrast, a more understanding design might trim unnecessary spaces or suggest corrections for typos, showing users that their time and efforts are valued. Beyond text inputs, Postel’s Law also applies to device differences. Responsive design means the site rearranges itself gracefully on different screen sizes, from large desktop monitors to small smartphone displays. By looking ahead and accepting various user behaviors, cultural differences, or language formats, designers build trust. This trust encourages repeat visits, making the digital product feel like a reliable, helpful friend.

The Peak-End Rule tells us that people remember experiences not by carefully averaging every moment, but by focusing on the most intense point (the peak) and the final part (the end). For websites and apps, this means that even if most of the interaction is smooth and neutral, a single delightful surprise or a frustrating hitch can shape the entire memory. Consider how a food delivery app might show a fun animation or encouraging message right as you finalize your order. That small positive note at the end can color the user’s overall perception. Similarly, a support chat that ends with a heartfelt thank-you, a short personalized suggestion, or a joke can leave the user feeling good, even if the conversation started with a problem. The Peak-End Rule challenges designers to think about emotional impressions, not just technical function.

When combining Postel’s Law with the Peak-End Rule, designers get a powerful toolkit for ensuring that every user’s journey feels both flexible and memorable. By handling unexpected inputs kindly, users feel respected and understood. By consciously planning emotional highlights and a pleasant final interaction, users walk away feeling satisfied and appreciated. Think of a language learning app that is forgiving when you misspell a word and then celebrates your final correct answer with cheerful sounds and visuals. The initial forgiveness removes stress, while the ending positivity cements a happy memory. Over time, these well-crafted experiences influence how people perceive and trust the product. With each visit, users begin to expect understanding, helpfulness, and a final smile at the end, which turns casual visitors into loyal, enthusiastic fans.

Chapter 4: Understanding The Aesthetic-Usability Effect and The Von Restorff Effect for Greater Impact .

The Aesthetic-Usability Effect reveals a subtle truth: people often judge how easy something is to use based on how good it looks. A sleek, polished website can make users believe it’s simpler and friendlier, even if the underlying complexity hasn’t changed. Imagine comparing two smartphones with the exact same features. The one with a beautiful, well-designed interface will often be considered more user-friendly just because it feels more pleasant. Good aesthetics put people at ease and encourage them to explore further. But there’s a catch: making something pretty doesn’t automatically fix deep usability issues. It only sets a positive mood. The real magic happens when beauty is paired with genuine ease of use. When aesthetics and functionality align, users feel confident, appreciated, and willing to engage more deeply.

Applying the Aesthetic-Usability Effect in digital design means paying close attention to details like color choice, typography, spacing, and imagery. Even small design touches, like gentle animations or carefully chosen icons, can make an interface feel more welcoming. However, designers must resist the temptation to hide poor navigation or confusing layouts behind a pretty face. A truly delightful experience happens when visual harmony leads users to understand where to go, what to do, and why to trust the platform. Think about a music streaming app that not only has elegant album covers and smooth animations but also groups songs logically, uses clear labels, and responds quickly. When appearance and usability come together, the user feels supported at every step, forming a positive emotional connection with the product.

The Von Restorff Effect, also known as the Isolation Effect, explains that people remember standout elements in a sea of sameness. When something visually differs from its surroundings—maybe a bright red button among gray ones—it naturally attracts attention and sticks in the memory. Designers can use this principle to highlight the most important actions or information. For example, if a news website wants users to subscribe, placing a uniquely colored Subscribe Now button can draw the eye immediately. But this effect requires restraint. If everything on a page tries to stand out at once, nothing truly stands out. By selectively using contrast—through color, size, shape, or even subtle motion—designers can guide users toward key tasks without overwhelming them. This careful spotlighting helps users move through a website’s flow more smoothly.

When the Aesthetic-Usability Effect and the Von Restorff Effect work together, designers can craft experiences that both please the eye and direct attention where it’s needed most. Beautiful design sets a welcoming stage, encouraging users to trust and engage with the interface. Meanwhile, strategic highlights guide their focus, helping them find essential features or calls to action. Consider an online bookstore with a clean, elegant layout and well-chosen colors that evoke comfort and warmth. If a special sale banner is placed strategically in a contrasting hue, it immediately draws attention without making the page feel chaotic. This combination leads users naturally through the journey—browsing, discovering, and finally clicking that special button that stands out. By blending these two principles, designers create environments that feel both intuitive and memorable.

Chapter 5: Embracing Tesler’s Law and The Doherty Threshold to Streamline User Interactions Seamlessly .

Tesler’s Law, often called the Law of Conservation of Complexity, acknowledges that no matter how much designers try to simplify a system, some complexity will always remain. The question is: who bears this burden—you or the user? Smart design tries to handle as much complexity behind the scenes as possible, sparing users from unnecessary struggles. Consider filling out a complicated tax form online. Without smart guidance, you might face dozens of confusing fields. A well-designed platform using Tesler’s Law might auto-fill personal details, suggest relevant tax credits, and only show extra fields when absolutely necessary. By doing the heavy lifting quietly in the background, designers let users focus on their main goals rather than wrestling with a maze of inputs and instructions.

Embracing Tesler’s Law often involves intelligent defaults, automated features, and well-organized workflows. E-commerce platforms that store your shipping address and payment details save you from retyping them each time. Password managers reduce the complexity of remembering long strings of characters. Even simple interfaces that guess what you mean if you type something slightly incorrect are helping shoulder the cognitive load. These thoughtful touches reassure users that the site is on their side, smoothing out bumps along the journey. Of course, this approach requires designers and developers to anticipate user needs, test different scenarios, and continuously refine their systems. But the payoff is huge: a site that respects Tesler’s Law makes complicated tasks feel almost effortless, increasing the likelihood that users will return and recommend it to others.

The Doherty Threshold sets a performance benchmark, suggesting that for optimal productivity, a system should respond to a user’s action within about 400 milliseconds. If it takes longer, people grow impatient and can lose their focus. If you tap a button on your smartphone and wait seconds for a reaction, your frustration grows. Designers and developers who respect the Doherty Threshold look for ways to make interfaces feel responsive and alive. Sometimes, they don’t even have to speed up the actual process—they can give reassuring visual feedback. For example, when a page is loading, showing a skeleton screen or a gentle progress animation can signal that the site is working and not leaving the user in limbo. This simple psychological trick reduces anxiety and keeps people engaged.

Combining Tesler’s Law and the Doherty Threshold results in digital experiences that feel efficient, responsive, and respectful of the user’s time and effort. A good example might be an online photo editor that preloads frequently used tools, guesses your next action based on your editing history, and applies changes nearly instantly. By minimizing the complexity the user encounters (Tesler’s Law) and ensuring quick reactions to their actions (Doherty Threshold), the platform keeps its audience satisfied and confident. Over time, users come to trust that when they click, swipe, or type, the system will be quick on its feet and do most of the hard work behind the scenes. It’s like having a helpful assistant who not only understands what you need but also delivers results before you start worrying.

Chapter 6: Reflecting on Ethical Considerations When Designing for Human Well-Being and Trust Effectively .

Until now, we’ve explored principles that make user experiences smoother, more intuitive, and more enjoyable. But there’s a deeper layer to consider—ethics. Designers hold significant power in shaping how people think, feel, and act online. The way features are arranged, colors are chosen, or content is presented can influence users in subtle or profound ways. Research shows that smartphones can distract our minds, and certain online patterns may encourage addictive behaviors. For example, infinite scrolling, where content never ends, can trap people in a loop, causing them to spend more time than intended. Similarly, constant notifications can disrupt focus. Designers must recognize that they have a responsibility not just to please users or increase engagement, but to respect their mental well-being and personal boundaries.

Ethical considerations go beyond avoiding trickery. It also means thinking about all types of users, including those who might have disabilities, limited internet access, or be unfamiliar with certain cultural references. Inclusive design ensures that different groups feel welcomed and able to use the product successfully. Features like adjustable font sizes, high-contrast color schemes, captions on videos, and simple language can make a huge difference. By deliberately designing with empathy, we can prevent unintentional harm. Moreover, ethical design involves transparency and honesty. If a website uses personal data, it should clearly explain why and how. If it suggests recommendations, it should be open about its criteria. Users deserve to know the reasoning behind what they see, so they can make informed choices and maintain trust.

Sometimes, designers face tough choices. Certain design patterns, called dark patterns, manipulate people into doing things they don’t really want—like unintentionally signing up for newsletters or feeling rushed to buy due to false scarcity messages. While these tactics might boost short-term profits, they corrode long-term trust. Eventually, users catch on and feel tricked. Ethical design means choosing not to employ such manipulative tactics, even if they might increase clicks or conversions right now. It means placing human values—like honesty, respect, and well-being—above quick gains. Over time, an ethically designed product fosters a relationship with users that’s built on genuine usefulness, not deceit. This bond is priceless and can lead to loyal customers who stick around because they feel genuinely cared for.

Ethical design also involves embracing responsibility. Just as builders are responsible for safely constructed houses, designers and developers must ensure their digital buildings don’t harm users. By looking at the psychological effects of design choices, creators can spot where they might accidentally trigger anxiety, addiction, or dissatisfaction. This might mean rethinking endless content feeds, offering tools to limit screen time, or providing easy ways to log out and take breaks. Ethical designers encourage users to maintain healthy boundaries with technology. They consider what’s best for the user’s long-term happiness, not just immediate gratification. When businesses and teams practice these principles, they send a message: We value you as a person, not just a click or a sale. That message resonates, fostering respect, loyalty, and a more humane digital world.

Chapter 7: Practical Strategies to Align User-Centered Design With Responsible and Compassionate Choices Today .

Putting ethics into practice isn’t just about theory—it’s about real strategies that guide everyday design decisions. One valuable approach is creating design guidelines or principles within a company. These guidelines might say things like, We won’t use deceptive patterns, or We will always offer a clear way to unsubscribe. By openly stating these commitments, teams keep themselves accountable. They can also regularly review their products to ensure they aren’t slowly drifting toward harmful habits. Encouraging open discussions about ethics in design meetings can bring different perspectives to the table. Sometimes, a team member may spot a subtle detail that others missed—a slightly confusing button label or a layout that pressures users into making impulsive decisions. When everyone feels responsible, better ethical choices naturally emerge.

User testing is another powerful tool. By watching how real people interact with a product, designers can identify moments when users feel stressed, misled, or overwhelmed. Maybe a checkout process feels too pushy, or a sign-up page isn’t transparent about data usage. These observations guide improvements. Ethical design also thrives when teams diversify their viewpoints. Including people from different backgrounds, ages, abilities, and regions helps catch blind spots. A team consisting of only one demographic might fail to see how their choices impact others who live differently. Bringing fresh eyes to the design process reveals hidden biases, ensuring the final result respects a wide range of users. Over time, this inclusive approach not only improves usability but also upholds ethical standards that protect everyone’s interests.

Another strategy is slow design, which respects users’ time and attention. Instead of pushing for constant interaction, designers can build moments of calm—pauses, gentle reminders, or breaks—allowing users to breathe. For instance, an app can encourage users to step away after extended use, or a platform can highlight that a user’s attention is valuable and should be spent wisely. Transparent language is also crucial. If a feature records location data, say so plainly and explain why. When users understand the reasoning behind design choices, they feel more in control. They can choose to engage or not, based on their comfort level. Over time, this honesty builds trust. Users learn that the product respects their intelligence and autonomy, ultimately creating a relationship that’s founded on mutual understanding and care.

Finally, ethical design isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. As technologies evolve, so do the challenges. Today’s user experience involves not just traditional websites but also voice assistants, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and more. Each new technology brings fresh dilemmas. By committing to learning, listening to user feedback, and adapting as needed, designers can keep ethics at the heart of their work. It helps to view ethical design as a continuous journey rather than a final destination. Over time, the result is a digital world where people feel safe, informed, and respected. This environment encourages creativity, growth, and innovation without sacrificing integrity. As more companies adopt responsible practices, users benefit from experiences that reflect their true needs and values, proving that kind, user-centered design can shape a better future.

All about the Book

Discover the essential principles of effective design in ‘Laws of UX’ by Jon Yablonski. This comprehensive guide demystifies user experience, providing actionable insights for creating visually appealing and functional designs that captivate users.

Jon Yablonski is a renowned UX designer and educator, dedicated to advancing user experience principles and visual design, offering invaluable insights for aspiring and experienced designers alike.

UX Designers, Product Managers, Web Developers, Graphic Designers, Digital Marketers

Web Design, User Research, Graphic Art, Coding, Digital Photography

User Experience Optimization, Visual Design Principles, Accessibility in Design, Understanding User Psychology

Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.

Don Norman, Aarron Walter, Dan Saffer

Awwwards Site of the Day, Webby Awards Honoree, CSS Design Awards Winner

1. How do design principles enhance user experience effectively? #2. Can understanding cognitive biases improve design decisions? #3. What role does visual hierarchy play in usability? #4. How do consistency and standards influence user comfort? #5. Why is accessibility crucial in user experience design? #6. How can storytelling enhance interaction and engagement? #7. In what ways does feedback impact user satisfaction? #8. What are the effects of color on user emotions? #9. How does layout affect navigation and comprehension? #10. Can simplicity and clarity reduce user frustration? #11. What strategies promote effective user task completion? #12. How do motivation and reward systems influence behavior? #13. Why is empathy important in designing for users? #14. How does context influence users’ decision-making processes? #15. What are the benefits of user-centered design practices? #16. How can designers create intuitive interfaces easily? #17. Why is testing with real users critical for success? #18. How do affordances guide user interactions naturally? #19. What is the significance of error prevention in design? #20. How can humor improve user engagement in experiences?

Laws of UX, Jon Yablonski, User Experience Design, UX Principles, Design Psychology, Usability Guidelines, Human-Centered Design, Digital Product Design, UX Best Practices, Visual Design, Interaction Design, Design for Users

https://www.amazon.com/Laws-UX-Practical-Designing-Experience/dp/173504696X

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