Explore how psychology drives effective UX design. Learn practical methods for integrating psychological principles into your design process and gain insights into ethical considerations and storytelling techniques.

Why do some apps just "feel right," while others completely miss the mark?

Maybe psychology is the missing ingredient in your UX toolkit.

Today, I sit down with a UX veteran who has spent years decoding the hidden psychology behind successful design. My guest has crafted user experiences for powerhouse brands like Estée Lauder and Sleep Number, translating user psychology into multimillion-dollar successes. We discuss the critical psychological principles that UX designers often overlook—principles that separate the unforgettable from the easily ignored.

We explore why something as subtle as the direction of a model’s gaze can drastically change user behavior, how color psychology isn't just a theory but is measurable through rigorous A/B tests, and how storytelling shapes user engagement and stakeholder buy-in. We also offer practical advice for UX designers on ethically using psychological insights without descending into manipulative dark patterns.

If you've ever questioned why users behave as they do, or how you can leverage human psychology to create better designs, this episode will equip you with powerful insights and actionable techniques. Don't miss this eye-opening conversation that could fundamentally change how you approach UX design.

Topics:

• 02:34 - The Importance of Psychology in UX Design

• 04:01 - Psychology in Design: Real-World Applications

• 05:20 - The Role of Color in UX Design

• 06:47 - Understanding User Behavior Through Testing

• 08:01 - Ethics in UX Design

• 09:33 - The Power of Storytelling in UX

• 17:10 - The Role of Faces and Eye Tracking in Design

• 23:06 - The Importance of Visual Design Principles

• 33:49 - Storytelling: A Fundamental Human Experience

• 40:13 - Book Review: Bending Reality

• 40:54 - Storytelling in UX Design

• 41:41 - Practical Applications of Storytelling at Work

• 42:36 - Effective Communication Strategies

• 45:13 - Psychology and Gender in the Workplace

• 50:23 - Ethical Implications in Design

Helpful Links:

• ⁠Connect with Mara on LinkedIn⁠

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