Neurodesign in UX: What cognitive science can teach us about better interfaces

Neurodesign in UX: What cognitive science can teach us about better interfaces

The Brain is lazy (In a good way)

Our brains are built to conserve energy, so design can shape trust in the first seconds. Emotional decisions are made quickly, and then justified logically. Design language, onboarding, and subtle motion can help create a sense of trust and responsiveness.

When users see something they recognize, they feel safe and in control.

Users spend most of their time on other websites and expect your product to work the same way. Using common visual metaphors reduces learning curves and helps users feel comfortable and in control.

Memory is short — like, really short

Users can only hold about 4 items in their working memory at a time. If your app relies on users remembering instructions, it can lead to failure. Providing loading states, undo actions, and animated transitions can help support users' short-term memory.

Book recommendations if you want to dig deeper

• "Neuro Web Design" by Susan Weinschenk - Super readable, packed with examples
• "100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People" by Susan Weinschenk - A designer's favorite
• "Don't Make Me Think" by Steve Krug - Aligns with how brains behave
• "The Design of Everyday Things" by Don Norman - Insights into human-centered design thinking

Good UX is about designing experiences in the mind, not just screens. Neurodesign helps us understand how cognitive science can improve interfaces for users.