Academic UI/UX Research: Key Conferences, Journals, and Emerging Trends

Explore the academic foundations of UI/UX research—from top ACM conferences to leading journals and interdisciplinary innovations driving the future of user-centered design.

Behind every intuitive app, seamless website, or meaningful digital product lies a foundation of rigorous research. In the ever-evolving field of UI/UX design, academic research provides the backbone for innovation, accessibility, and human-centered thinking. From the halls of top universities to global tech conferences, the intersection of design, psychology, and technology is producing groundbreaking work that informs the way we build modern interfaces.

In this blog, Viartisan explores the leading academic drivers shaping UI/UX today: the most prestigious conferences, influential journals, emerging trends like AI-human interaction, and how this knowledge fuels practical design systems.

The Role of Academia in UI/UX Design

UI (User Interface) and UX (User Experience) are no longer viewed as purely artistic or engineering challenges—they’re multidisciplinary endeavors that span cognitive psychology, computer science, artificial intelligence, and sociology. Academic research helps UX professionals:

  • Understand user behavior and cognitive load
  • Improve accessibility and usability
  • Develop inclusive, ethical, and adaptive design systems
  • Innovate with technologies like AI, AR/VR, and conversational agents

At Viartisan, we integrate academic insights into real-world design projects—transforming theory into elegant, user-first solutions.

Leading Conferences in UI/UX Research

1. CHI – ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems

The most prominent venue for HCI and UX research worldwide. CHI papers have shaped the way we think about:

  • Accessibility and inclusive design
  • Emotional UX and cultural sensitivity
  • Human-AI collaboration (e.g., chatbots, virtual assistants)
  • Robotics and interaction design for disability support

Notable works from CHI 2024 included:

  • Co-designed apps for blind users
  • Emotion-aware heart health applications
  • Award-winning research on guide-dog robotic interfaces

Explore more about CHI: ACM CHI Official Site

2. UIST – User Interface Software and Technology

UIST explores the engineering side of UX, featuring research in:

  • 3D interaction and gesture recognition
  • Multi-touch interfaces and motion tracking
  • Software and hardware co-design

Papers like KinectFusion and DiamondTouch (both highly cited) emerged from UIST, influencing everything from AR/VR to smart displays.

3. UMAP – User Modeling, Adaptation and Personalization

UMAP focuses on personalized experiences using user data responsibly. Key themes:

  • Responsible personalization and ethical adaptation
  • Transparency in recommendation systems
  • Semantic web and knowledge-based UX

4. AutomotiveUI

As car interiors evolve into digital ecosystems, AutomotiveUI addresses the unique challenges of UI/UX in:

  • In-vehicle infotainment
  • Safety-driven interaction design
  • Driver distraction and autonomy UI

Other important ACM-sponsored conferences include:

  • DIS (Designing Interactive Systems)
  • MobileHCI (Mobile Human-Computer Interaction)
  • TEI (Tangible, Embedded & Embodied Interaction)

Key Academic Journals for UI/UX Research

1. Human-Computer Interaction (Taylor & Francis)

Focuses on how users learn, think, and interact with systems. Often draws from cognitive science.

2. International Journal of Human-Computer Studies

An interdisciplinary journal combining:

  • Interface design
  • AI and language understanding
  • Psychology and social science methodologies

3. Advances in Human-Computer Interaction

Covers theoretical and practical research across the spectrum of HCI systems.

4. Journal of User Experience (formerly Journal of Usability Studies)

Published by UXPA, this journal bridges academic theory with UX practice, focusing on:

  • Evaluation methods
  • Emotional & affective UX
  • Practical usability testing

Other respected publications include:

  • ACM TOCHI (Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction)
  • Proceedings of the ACM on HCI
  • Behaviour & Information Technology

For journal rankings and influence, see Google Scholar: HCI Journals

Emerging Themes & Interdisciplinary Research

Conversational Human-AI Interaction

There’s a shift from one-on-one chatbot use to polyadic interaction—where AI agents mediate between multiple human users. Research explores:

  • Trust and emotional tone in AI communication
  • Privacy, consent, and social boundaries in AI mediation
  • How AI influences relationships and collaboration

Personalization and Ethical Adaptation

Research in UMAP and related fields shows a growing emphasis on transparency in:

  • Algorithmic recommendations
  • Interface adaptation
  • Explaining “why” users see certain content

Relevant read: Branding & Identity in AI-Driven UX

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Modern UX design borrows from:

  • Psychology (user motivation, perception)
  • Sociology (digital inclusion, cultural UX)
  • AI & Data Science (adaptive systems)
  • Design Thinking (ideation, prototyping, iteration)

At Viartisan, we believe in cross-disciplinary teams blending research with real-world execution.

Research Methods Used in UI/UX

UI/UX researchers use a combination of:

  • Quantitative Methods: Survey data, usability metrics, A/B testing
  • Qualitative Methods: Interviews, ethnographic studies, usability walkthroughs
  • Mixed Methods: Combining stats + behavior insights
  • Thematic Analysis: Finding patterns in user feedback
  • Literature Reviews: Synthesizing findings to guide new explorations

Regular evaluations ensure that products not only work—but resonate with real users.

What UI/UX Professionals Can Learn from Academia

Academic UI/UX research is more than theory—it offers powerful tools, frameworks, and validated methods to improve product design. As we face new challenges in personalization, ethics, accessibility, and interaction, staying informed on research trends will be key.

At Viartisan, we actively track research from CHI, UIST, UMAP, and top journals to inspire the products we design. Whether you’re building your next mobile app, redesigning a dashboard, or creating AI-enhanced systems—we’re here to bridge academic rigor with business value.

Want to work with a team that combines research-driven design with creative innovation? Contact Viartisan today.

Top 10 UI/UX Design Trends 2025 – Shaping Digital Products

As technology evolves, so do the expectations of digital users. In 2025, UI/UX design trends are moving beyond visual polish and diving deep into personalization, emotion, and ethical innovation. Whether you’re designing an app, SaaS product, or website, staying on top of emerging UI/UX trends can help your brand stay relevant, impactful, and user-loved.

In this guide, we break down 10 key UI/UX trends that will shape digital design in 2025—with insights on how Viartisan integrates them into real-world projects for clients across industries.

1. AI-Powered Personalized Interfaces

In 2025, AI-driven customization will go beyond content suggestions. Modern interfaces now learn from real-time behavior, usage history, and environmental context to dynamically adapt UI and flows.

Key applications:

  • Predictive actions based on user journeys
  • Personalized dashboards and navigation structures
  • Context-aware product recommendations

Why it matters: Users expect digital products to anticipate needs without being asked.

How Viartisan applies it: We use behavioral analytics and machine learning to redesign enterprise dashboards that adjust based on role, goals, and frequency of use—maximizing both usability and efficiency.

2. Voice and Conversational UI

With the maturity of NLP (natural language processing), voice interfaces and chat UIs are now integral to daily workflows.

Design considerations:

  • Natural dialogue flows
  • Multi-turn conversations
  • Tone-aware chatbot personalities
  • Integration with screen-based fallback UI

Trend shift: From robotic FAQs to context-rich, helpful conversation partners.

Best use cases: Healthcare apps, fintech onboarding, smart homes, and B2B SaaS support.

3. Inclusive & Accessible Design by Default

Designing for everyone is no longer optional—it’s a business necessity. Accessible design improves UX for all users, not just those with disabilities.

Emerging practices:

  • High contrast and motion sensitivity toggles
  • Semantic HTML and ARIA for screen readers
  • Audio alternatives for visual content
  • Inclusive language and representation in UI

Viartisan’s philosophy: Accessibility is baked in at the wireframe stage—not retrofitted during QA.

4. Immersive Microinteractions

Microinteractions are the smallest moments of delight that build emotional connection. In 2025, they’re more thoughtful, goal-driven, and integrated with motion design.

Effective microinteractions:

  • Swipe feedback in mobile apps
  • Hover previews on desktop UI
  • Animated loading states and confirmations

Pro insight: Good microinteractions should feel invisible until they’re missing.

Viartisan tools: We use Lottie, Framer Motion, and custom SVG animation libraries to craft UX that “feels alive.”

5. 3D and Spatial Interfaces

With WebGL, Three.js, and immersive tools, 3D is no longer just eye-candy—it’s functional. Especially in industries like architecture, education, and retail.

2025 applications:

  • Product configurators (AR previews)
  • Virtual classrooms with interactive 3D models
  • Metaverse-ready interface components

Design note: Spatial interfaces must stay intuitive and accessible—3D shouldn’t overwhelm clarity.

6. Emotional UX & Neurodesign

Emotion-driven design focuses on what users feel, not just what they do. It leverages behavioral psychology and visual hierarchy to nudge user emotion.

Tools of emotional design:

  • Color theory for mood
  • Rhythm and repetition in UI
  • Music or sound for emotional resonance
  • AI-generated mood-driven layout suggestions

Why it matters: Emotionally resonant design improves memory retention and brand loyalty.

7. Dark Mode as a Brand Experience

In 2025, dark mode isn’t just for battery saving—it’s an intentional part of brand identity.

Tips for design:

  • Use soft contrast tones instead of pure black
  • Customize illustrations and icons for each mode
  • Avoid reverse type pitfalls (e.g. white on saturated color)

Case study: Viartisan helped a fintech client build a dual-mode UI system with auto-adaptive theme triggers based on user time zone and light sensors.

8. Zero UI Interfaces (Gesture, Eye-Tracking, AR)

As hardware evolves, UI becomes invisible. Voice, gesture, and gaze-based interactions are defining new paradigms in UX.

Use cases:

  • Gesture-based navigation in smart fitness apps
  • Eye-tracking menus in AR/VR headsets
  • Smart mirror or kiosk experiences

Design challenge: Maintain usability without relying on visual cues. Haptic feedback, spatial sound, and user training play major roles.

9. Ethical & Transparent UX

Privacy, transparency, and sustainability are not just legal matters—they’re brand values.

Emerging practices:

  • Ethical onboarding with opt-in clarity
  • Transparent personalization and data use
  • Interface minimalism to reduce cognitive load
  • Carbon-aware UI decisions (image compression, low-power animations)

2025 outlook: Trust-centric UX will influence purchasing decisions as much as product features.

10. Modular & Scalable Design Systems

Design systems are evolving from static component libraries to dynamic ecosystems that:

  • Auto-sync with development environments
  • Include behavioral logic, not just visuals
  • Enable rapid testing and rollout at scale

Components of modern design systems:

  • Token-based design logic
  • Responsive layout patterns
  • Theme variants and accessibility modes
  • Cross-platform documentation (React, Figma, Storybook)

Viartisan solution: We build modular UI systems that scale with your product—from MVP to global platform.

Designing for 2025 and Beyond

The future of UI/UX is not about trends—it’s about building meaningful, inclusive, scalable, and emotionally intelligent experiences.

At Viartisan, we don’t just follow trends—we help define them through thoughtful design, emerging tech, and user-first strategy. If you want your digital product to stand out in 2025 and beyond, we’re ready to build it with you.

Top 10 Web Design Companies to Elevate Your Brand Online

A great website isn’t just about looks—it’s about performance, user experience, and measurable results. In today’s digital-first world, your website is your storefront, salesperson, and storyteller. Choosing the right web design companies is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your brand. Whether you’re building a new website from scratch or redesigning to improve conversions, this curated list of top 10 web design agencies will help you make the right choice.

Each agency featured here has a proven track record, a strong design philosophy, and the ability to deliver tailored solutions that move brands forward.

1. Viartisan (Vietnam)

Best for: UI/UX design, custom development, branding and motion design

Viartisan is a leading creative agency headquartered in Vietnam, known for fusing design, technology, and strategy into cohesive digital experiences. What sets Viartisan apart is its unique blend of youthful energy, creative vision, and technical expertise. They serve global startups and established brands looking to elevate their presence through beautifully crafted websites, apps, and brand identities.

With over 390+ projects delivered and a team of 20+ experts, Viartisan prioritizes fast delivery, visual innovation, and scalable architecture.

  • Website: viartisan.com
  • Services: Web design, UI/UX, mobile development, branding, 2D/3D illustrations, interactive animation
  • Industries: Technology, eCommerce, healthcare, SaaS, education
  • Strengths: Agile team structure, creative-first process, cost-efficiency for global clients

If you want a partner that not only designs but strategizes for your growth, Viartisan is the web design company to trust.

Web Design Companies
Viartisan

2. Clay (USA)

Best for: Product UI/UX design for high-growth SaaS and tech enterprises

Based in San Francisco, Clay is a digital product design agency with a strong portfolio of work for top-tier clients including Google, Slack, and Facebook. They’re known for meticulous UX design, high-fidelity prototyping, and emotionally engaging digital products.

  • Website: clay.global
  • Services: UX research, web design, enterprise UI, product strategy, brand identity
  • Highlight: Their design sprints and user testing cycles produce high-performing interfaces that convert
Web Design Companies
Clay

3. Beyond (USA, UK)

Best for: Strategic, enterprise-level digital transformation

Beyond is a global design and technology agency helping enterprise brands innovate at scale. With offices in London, New York, and San Francisco, Beyond blends strategy, design, and engineering to help businesses build purposeful experiences.

  • Website: bynd.com
  • Services: UX strategy, digital design, engineering, analytics
  • Clients: Google, Facebook, Mailchimp, Snap
  • Why choose them: Ideal for companies seeking large-scale innovation and deep digital product expertise
Web Design Companies
Beyond

4. BKWLD (USA)

Best for: Brands looking for bold, immersive, cinematic websites

Pronounced “backwild,” BKWLD is an experience design agency that blends storytelling with digital to deliver visually powerful, emotionally resonant websites.

  • Website: bkwld.com
  • Services: Creative direction, web development, digital content, art direction
  • Notable Work: They’ve worked with the likes of Netflix, Sonos, and Adobe
  • Unique touch: They push visual boundaries while maintaining performance and UX integrity
Web Design Companies
BKWLD

5. Lounge Lizard (USA)

Best for: Full-service web design and digital marketing under one roof

Lounge Lizard is known for its data-driven web design combined with branding and digital marketing. They specialize in creating websites that not only look great but are built to convert leads and improve customer engagement.

  • Website: loungelizard.com
  • Services: Web design, SEO, branding, digital marketing, social media
  • USP: Ideal for businesses looking for a unified agency that can handle everything from website to traffic growth
Web Design Companies
Lounge Lizard

6. Ueno (Global)

Best for: Visually rich websites with a modern design language

Now acquired by Twitter, Ueno was a boutique creative agency recognized for crafting clean, user-centric websites and branding projects. Despite its acquisition, their legacy remains influential.

  • Website: ueno.co
  • Clients: Airbnb, Google, Dropbox, Uber
  • Core style: Clean layouts, strategic storytelling, and interactive flair
Web Design Companies
Ueno

7. Ramotion (USA)

Best for: SaaS companies and digital-first brands

Ramotion provides branding, web, and product design for startups and tech companies. They specialize in scalable UI/UX systems and digital brands that evolve with the business.

  • Website: ramotion.com
  • Strength: Design systems for scaling products (perfect for seed-to-series B startups)
  • Bonus: They also offer design system audits and visual identity refreshes
Web Design Companies
Ramotion

8. Isadora Agency (USA)

Best for: Complex enterprise UX/UI and digital platforms

Isadora is a digital transformation agency that specializes in reshaping enterprise workflows through custom websites and platform design.

  • Website: isadoradigitalagency.com
  • Approach: Collaborative, research-driven, highly visual
  • Who it’s for: Mid-size to large companies with internal tools, dashboards, or web apps
Web Design Companies
Isadora Agency

9. Huemor (USA)

Best for: Conversion-focused sites for mid-market businesses

Huemor helps brands create memorable web experiences that drive results. They’re known for combining storytelling, strategy, and creativity with CRO best practices.

  • Website: huemor.rocks
  • Key strengths: Site performance optimization, storytelling, brand personality
  • Popular platforms: WordPress, Shopify, HubSpot
Web Design Companies
Huemor

10. Hello Monday (Denmark)

Best for: Emotionally engaging, award-winning websites

Hello Monday is a creative studio with a global reputation for pushing digital boundaries. Their work is often interactive, playful, and inspiring—making them a go-to for brands looking to connect on a deeper level.

  • Website: hellomonday.com
  • Creative signature: Highly animated, story-driven, playful websites
  • Awards: Webby, Awwwards, FWA, and more
Web Design Companies
Hello Monday

How to Choose the Right Web Design Company for Your Needs

When selecting a web design company, consider more than their portfolio. Ask:

  • Do they understand your business goals?
  • Can they deliver strategy as well as visuals?
  • Do they offer development, not just design?
  • Is their process collaborative and transparent?

Your website is your most powerful branding and conversion tool. Choosing the right agency means partnering with a team that listens, thinks strategically, and delivers on time.

👉 If you’re looking for a creative and strategic partner with a global mindset and local dedication, Viartisan is here to build experiences that perform beautifully—visually and functionally.

The Role of UI/UX Design in Building Trust and Security Perception in Online Banking

In the digital transformation of financial services, online banking applications have become a daily essential for millions of users. However, offering cutting-edge features is no longer enough. What truly determines user retention and brand loyalty lies in how intuitive, secure, and trustworthy the digital experience feels.

In this article, Viartisan explores how UI/UX design significantly shapes user trust and security perception in online banking apps—and how design teams can implement principles that both delight and protect users.

Why UI/UX Matters More Than Ever in Digital Banking

The user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) of banking apps play a decisive role in customer behavior. A clean, consistent layout paired with smooth task flows not only reduces friction but also reassures users that the app is secure and reliable. In fact, design isn’t just about visuals—it tells a story of trustworthiness.

When users interact with banking apps, they need to:

  • Feel in control: Well-structured information architecture and familiar navigation build a sense of security.
  • See signs of protection: Visual cues such as padlock icons, biometric login, or two-factor authentication help users recognize that strong security measures are in place.
  • Receive clear feedback: Confirmations after transactions or alerts for suspicious activity increase user confidence in the app’s transparency and efficiency.

From Aesthetic to Assurance: The Dual Role of UX in Security

While robust backend security is essential, what truly impacts user perception is how that security is communicated through design. According to recent studies, even the most secure platforms may be abandoned if users perceive them as unsafe.

Effective UX design in banking apps should:

  • Make secure actions (e.g. password resets, identity verification) seamless and non-intrusive.
  • Offer helpful guidance when errors occur, especially with login failures or failed transactions.
  • Educate users proactively on threats like phishing or identity theft through microcopy or support content.
  • Showcase transparency by explaining data handling policies clearly within the UI.

Real-World Examples: What Works and What Doesn’t

Effective designs:

  • Monzo’s playful yet functional UI uses color psychology and illustrated icons to establish trust and ease.
  • Dashboard views that summarize account balances and upcoming payments give users a stronger sense of financial control.
  • Biometric login integration (e.g. Face ID, fingerprint) enhances both convenience and the feeling of secure access.

Poor designs:

  • Complex onboarding with excessive steps can frustrate users and spark distrust.
  • Cluttered interfaces and inconsistent navigation make users feel lost—and worry about data mismanagement.
  • Lack of visible security cues during sensitive transactions can cause users to abandon actions.

Design Principles to Boost Trust and Security in Banking Apps

At Viartisan, we apply the following design principles to maximize trust and security perception for financial clients:

To Build Trust:

  • Consistency in layout, fonts, colors, and component behavior.
  • Clarity and simplicity in language and task flows.
  • Feedback-rich interactions, especially for key financial actions.
  • Transparency around terms, fees, and privacy policies.
  • Personalization that reflects user behavior and preferences.

To Reinforce Security:

  • Seamless integration of strong authentication methods (e.g. MFA, biometrics).
  • Use of visual security cues in sensitive areas (padlocks, HTTPS, badges).
  • Security education integrated into onboarding and help sections.
  • Friendly error messages that guide users instead of alarming them.
  • Frequent app updates with clear communication of security improvements.

Final Thoughts

UI/UX design is not merely a layer of polish in fintech products—it’s a strategic tool to build emotional confidence and behavioral trust. In an industry where a single misstep can cause user drop-off or brand damage, thoughtful digital experience design becomes a competitive edge.

As the financial landscape embraces AI and immersive technologies, design teams must continue to ask: Does this experience feel safe? Does it empower users to act confidently?

At Viartisan, we don’t just design screens—we design trust.

Web design: The digital foundation of modern brand identity

Web Design as a Brand Differentiator

In today’s hyper-digital landscape, a business’s website often serves as its first—and sometimes only—point of contact with potential clients. As such, the importance of web design transcends mere aesthetics; it is an essential pillar in building a strong, credible, and memorable brand.

Whether you are a startup aiming to stand out or a corporation seeking to refresh your digital presence, understanding the role of web design in branding is no longer optional—it’s strategic.

In this article, we’ll explore what web design truly encompasses, why it’s crucial for brand success, and how businesses can harness design trends and principles to their advantage.

What is Web Design? Key Concepts and Components

Web design refers to the process of planning, conceptualizing, and arranging content online. While often associated with the visual aspects of a site (such as layout, colors, and typography), modern web design incorporates a range of disciplines, including user experience (UX), user interface (UI), information architecture, and responsive design.

Key components of effective web design include:

  • Visual Design: Color schemes, typography, imagery, and layout that reflect the brand identity.
  • Navigation: Intuitive menus and structure that guide users smoothly through the website.
  • UX/UI Design: Creating seamless, user-centered interactions that prioritize usability and accessibility.
  • Responsive Design: Ensuring websites function optimally on various screen sizes and devices.
  • Speed and Performance: Fast-loading pages to reduce bounce rate and improve SEO rankings.

Web design is where functionality meets branding—every design decision communicates something about your company’s identity, values, and professionalism.

Why Web Design is Critical for Branding

A well-designed website serves as a digital storefront, building trust and reinforcing your brand message. Here’s why web design matters:

  • First Impressions Matter

Studies show that users form an opinion about a website in as little as 0.05 seconds. A clean, modern design instills professionalism, while a cluttered or outdated look can erode trust immediately.

  • Consistent Branding

Web design allows for consistent application of brand elements—logos, fonts, color palettes, voice—across all digital touchpoints, strengthening brand recognition.

  • User Engagement and Retention

An engaging design combined with intuitive UX encourages users to stay longer, explore more, and convert. Every element should support the user’s journey toward your desired action (purchase, sign-up, contact).

  • SEO and Visibility

Google favors well-structured, mobile-optimized, and fast-loading websites. Good web design inherently supports on-page SEO through proper heading use, clean code, image optimization, and user behavior metrics.

Design Principles for an Effective Business Website

To ensure your website aligns with your brand goals and user expectations, consider the following design principles:

  • Brand-Driven Visual Identity

Use consistent brand elements (colors, fonts, logos) throughout the site. Align visuals with the brand’s tone—whether minimalist and elegant or bold and energetic.

  • Intuitive User Navigation

Structure your site logically with clear menus, breadcrumbs, and CTAs. Anticipate user needs and reduce friction at every interaction point.

  • Responsive & Mobile-First Design

Over 60% of global website traffic comes from mobile devices. A responsive design ensures your site functions beautifully across smartphones, tablets, and desktops.

  • Content Hierarchy & Readability

Use headings, subheadings, bullet points, and short paragraphs to make content scannable. Highlight key messages through strategic placement and emphasis.

  • Speed Optimization

Compress images, use lazy loading, and minimize code to improve loading time. A fast website reduces bounce rates and improves SEO.

Emerging Web Design Trends for 2024–2025

Staying current with design trends can make your brand feel modern and innovative. Here are some noteworthy trends shaping the future of web design:

  • Minimalist & Clean Aesthetics

Less is more. Clean lines, whitespace, and simple color schemes create a premium and clutter-free user experience.

  • Dark Mode & Adaptive Themes

Offering both light and dark themes improves user comfort and reflects cutting-edge UX awareness.

  • AI Integration & Chatbots

Intelligent interfaces, from chatbots to personalized recommendations, enhance customer service and user engagement.

  • Micro-Interactions & Animations

Subtle animations (button hover effects, loading animations) guide users and create delightful, responsive feedback loops.

  • Mobile-First Animations

Mobile-optimized animations help enhance engagement without sacrificing performance on smaller devices.

  • Real-World Examples

    • Apple: Clean layout, whitespace, and strong product-centric focus.
    • Airbnb: Intuitive UX paired with vibrant imagery and subtle micro-interactions.
    • Dropbox: Minimalist design with playful illustrations and a consistent color palette.

Common Web Design Mistakes to Avoid

Even well-meaning businesses can fall into these common traps when designing their websites:

  • Focusing solely on looks without considering functionality or user flow.
  • Ignoring mobile optimization, which can alienate a large portion of visitors.
  • Inconsistent branding, leading to confusion or mistrust.
  • Overloading with animations that slow down performance or distract from key content.
  • Lack of clear CTAs, leaving users uncertain of what action to take next.

A website must blend aesthetics with strategic intent. Form should always follow function.

Web Design as a Strategic Brand Investment

In a digital-first world, your website is more than a virtual business card—it’s a dynamic tool for brand storytelling, lead generation, and market positioning. High-quality web design not only enhances user experience but also reinforces brand credibility and drives measurable results.

Whether you’re building from scratch or redesigning an outdated platform, investing in professional, user-centric web design is one of the most impactful moves a modern business can make.

Are you ready to elevate your brand through impactful web design?
Partner with Viartisan that understands branding, UX, and growth. Contact us today for a tailored consultation.

Measuring UX success: A comprehensive guide to KPIs (key performance indicators) for data-driven design

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of User Experience (UX) design, achieving true success requires more than just intuitive design and adherence to best practices. While these are undoubtedly important, they must be complemented by a rigorous approach to measurement. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) serve as the cornerstone of this approach, providing the quantifiable data necessary to evaluate design effectiveness, track progress, and drive continuous improvement. This comprehensive guide delves into the crucial role of KPIs in UX design, offering a detailed exploration of their definition, significance, selection, and application.

Understanding UX KPIs: Quantifying the intangible

At their core, KPIs are, as the Interaction Design Foundation article defines, “measurements of performance.” They are specific, measurable values that act as indicators of progress towards achieving particular objectives. In the context of UX, KPIs take on the crucial task of translating often-subjective aspects of the user experience – such as ease of use, satisfaction, or efficiency – into objective, quantifiable data. This translation allows designers to move beyond relying on gut feelings or anecdotal evidence and instead ground their decisions in concrete data.

The indispensable role of KPIs in UX design

The strategic implementation of KPIs in UX design yields a multitude of benefits, transforming the design process from an art form to a data-informed discipline:

  • Objective Evaluation: Moving Beyond Subjectivity
    • KPIs provide a framework for evaluating design effectiveness in a clear and objective manner.
    • Instead of relying on subjective opinions or personal preferences, designers can leverage data to support their assessments and justify their design choices.
    • This objectivity is crucial for fostering constructive discussions among stakeholders and ensuring that design decisions are aligned with user needs and business goals.
  • Data-Driven Decision-Making: Guiding Design Iterations
    • KPIs empower designers to make informed decisions based on concrete evidence.
    • By tracking KPIs, designers can identify what aspects of the design are performing well and which areas require improvement.
    • This data-driven approach facilitates iterative design, allowing designers to continuously refine and optimize the user experience based on user behavior and feedback.
  • Tracking Progress Over Time: Demonstrating UX Value
    • KPIs enable designers to monitor the impact of design changes and track progress towards achieving specific UX goals.
    • This longitudinal perspective is essential for demonstrating the value of UX to stakeholders and justifying investments in UX research and design.
    • By showcasing how UX improvements positively influence key metrics, designers can build credibility and secure buy-in for future UX initiatives.
  • Identifying Areas for Improvement: Focusing Design Efforts
    • KPIs serve as diagnostic tools, helping designers pinpoint specific areas within the user experience that are underperforming or causing user frustration.
    • This granular level of insight allows designers to prioritize their efforts and focus on the most impactful improvements, maximizing the efficiency of the design process.
  • Alignment with Business Objectives: Connecting UX to ROI
    • UX KPIs can be strategically aligned with broader business objectives, such as increasing conversion rates, improving customer retention, or reducing support costs.
    • This alignment demonstrates the direct contribution of UX design to the overall success of the business, strengthening the case for UX investment and recognition.
Measuring UX success
Emily Stevens, Fair Use

Strategic considerations for KPI selection

Choosing the right KPIs is a critical step in the UX measurement process. The selected KPIs will directly influence the insights gained and the actions taken. The following considerations are essential:

  • Relevance: Tailoring KPIs to Specific Goals
    • KPIs must be directly relevant to the specific UX goals of the project and the overarching objectives of the product or service.
    • For example, if the primary goal is to increase user engagement, relevant KPIs might include time spent on the site, number of interactions, or feature adoption rate.
    • Carefully consider the specific context and tailor the KPIs accordingly.
  • Measurability: Ensuring Quantifiable Data
    • KPIs must be quantifiable, meaning they can be expressed as numerical values.
    • This ensures that data can be tracked objectively and that performance can be compared over time.
    • Avoid vague or subjective metrics that cannot be reliably measured.
  • Actionability: Driving Meaningful Change
    • KPIs should provide insights that lead to actionable improvements in the design.
    • The data should highlight specific areas where changes are needed and suggest potential solutions.
    • Avoid KPIs that are merely descriptive but do not offer guidance for action.
  • Clarity: Fostering Shared Understanding
    • KPIs must be clearly defined and easily understood by all stakeholders involved in the project, including designers, developers, product managers, and business leaders.
    • This shared understanding is crucial for effective communication and collaboration.
  • Balance: Capturing a Holistic View
    • Employ a balanced set of KPIs to capture different aspects of the user experience.
    • Avoid relying on a single metric, as this can provide a narrow and potentially misleading view of performance.
    • Consider both behavioral metrics (what users do) and attitudinal metrics (what users say or feel).

Illustrative examples of UX KPIs

The specific KPIs used will vary depending on the product, industry, and project goals. However, here are some commonly used examples of UX KPIs:

  • Task Success Rate:
    • The percentage of users who successfully complete a predefined task within the interface.
    • This metric directly measures the effectiveness of the design in enabling users to achieve their objectives.
    • Example: Percentage of users who successfully complete a purchase on an e-commerce website.
Measuring UX success
Jakob Nielsen and Raluca Budiu, Fair Use
  • Time on Task:
    • The average amount of time users take to complete a specific task.
    • This metric measures the efficiency of the design and identifies potential areas of friction or complexity.
    • Example: Average time it takes users to fill out a registration form.
Measuring UX success
Aparna Subhash, Fair Use
  • Error Rate:
    • The number of errors users make while attempting to complete a task.
    • This metric highlights usability issues and areas where users are likely to encounter difficulties.
    • Example: Number of incorrect password entries during a login attempt.
Measuring UX success
Sandro Meyer, Fair Use
  • User Satisfaction (CSAT):
    • A measure of users’ subjective satisfaction with a product or service.
    • Often collected through surveys or questionnaires using rating scales.
    • Example: Average rating on a scale of 1 to 5 for overall product satisfaction.
  • Net Promoter Score (NPS):
    • A measure of customer loyalty and the likelihood of users recommending the product to others.
    • Based on a survey question asking users how likely they are to recommend the product on a scale of 0 to 10.
    • Users are categorized as Promoters, Passives, or Detractors.
  • Conversion Rate:
    • The percentage of users who complete a desired action, such as making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, 1 or downloading a file.  
    • This metric directly reflects the effectiveness of the design in driving business goals.
    • Example: Percentage of website visitors who complete a purchase.
  • Retention Rate:
    • The percentage of users who continue to use the product or service over a specific period.
    • This metric indicates the product’s ability to retain users and build long-term engagement.
    • Example: Percentage of app users who remain active after 30 days.
  • Abandonment Rate:
    • The percentage of users who abandon a process before completion, such as leaving a shopping cart or abandoning a form.
    • This metric highlights potential usability issues or points of friction that are causing users to drop off.
    • Example: Percentage of users who abandon their shopping cart before completing the checkout process.

Tools and techniques for effective UX measurement

To accurately track and measure UX KPIs, designers can leverage a variety of tools and techniques:

  • Analytics Tools:
    • Tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, and Mixpanel provide valuable data on user behavior, such as page views, bounce rate, session duration, and user flow.
    • These tools offer quantitative insights into how users are interacting with the product and can help identify areas for improvement.
  • Usability Testing:
    • Conducting usability tests with representative users allows for direct observation and measurement of user behavior.
    • Usability testing can be used to measure task success rate, time on task, error rate, and other behavioral metrics.
  • Surveys and Questionnaires:
    • Tools like SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, and Qualtrics enable designers to gather user feedback on satisfaction, usability, and other attitudinal metrics.
    • Surveys can be used to collect both quantitative (e.g., rating scales) and qualitative (e.g., open-ended responses) data.
  • Heatmaps and Session Recordings:
    • Tools like Hotjar, Crazy Egg, and FullStory provide visual representations of user interactions and recordings of user sessions.
    • Heatmaps show where users click, scroll, and hover, while session recordings allow designers to observe individual user behavior and identify pain points.
  • A/B Testing:
    • This technique involves comparing two or more variations of a design element or page to determine which performs best in terms of a specific KPI.
    • A/B testing allows designers to make data-driven decisions about design changes and optimize the user experience.
Measuring UX success
Long Le, Fair Use

Conclusion: Embracing data-driven UX for user-centric success

In conclusion, KPIs are indispensable tools for UX professionals who strive to create user-centered and effective digital experiences. By carefully selecting, rigorously tracking, and thoughtfully analyzing KPIs, designers can gain a deeper and more nuanced understanding of their users, empower data-driven design decisions, and effectively demonstrate the tangible value of UX design to their organizations. Embracing a data-driven approach is no longer a luxury but an essential prerequisite for creating successful and sustainable digital products and services that truly resonate with users and achieve business objectives.

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This article has been edited from Interation Design with the title “Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)”.

How to use visual hierarchy and alignment to improve UI design

Introduction

Your brain is constantly scanning everything it sees, searching for visual cues that tell it where to focus. In UI design, this means your users are doing the same — scanning screens, looking for what’s important. By applying visual hierarchy and alignment correctly, you can help users navigate your interface more easily, quickly understand what’s important, and enjoy a more seamless user experience.

In this article, we’ll break down how to use visual hierarchy and alignment to improve your UI design, with practical examples and actionable tips.

Master Visual Hierarchy for Clear and Effective UI

What is visual hierarchy?

Visual hierarchy is the arrangement of UI elements in a way that reflects their importance. It’s how you guide your users’ eyes from the most important parts of your interface to the least important. Elements like size, color, spacing, contrast, and placement all contribute to what users notice first — and what they may ignore.

Why it matters

Without a clear hierarchy, users get lost. If everything looks the same, nothing stands out. They may feel overwhelmed, unsure where to click, and end up abandoning the experience altogether.

Pro tip: Design with intention. If you want a user to read or interact with something, make sure it visually stands out.

Real-world example

Think about websites that use large, bold headlines to grab attention, followed by subheadings and body text. That’s visual hierarchy at work. The user knows where to start and what to read next — all without having to think too hard.

Use Alignment to Support Scannability and Flow

Why alignment is essential

Alignment is one of the clearest signs that a UI has been professionally designed. Even if users don’t consciously notice good alignment, they can feel the difference. Proper alignment makes interfaces feel tidy, trustworthy, and easier to navigate.

Align text with text

Avoid aligning content based on icons, images, or decorative elements. Instead, align your text elements with each other. This helps users scan your content quickly and makes everything feel more cohesive.

Example:

In a testimonial section, align the actual quotes and names—not the quotation marks or avatars. This creates clean lines that are easier to follow visually.

Horizontal alignment

When content blocks are horizontally aligned (especially across the top), it helps users scan across sections naturally. Try to align based on x-height (the height of lowercase letters), not just the top of the tallest character. This creates a more visually consistent experience.

Also, when placing content side by side, ensure they fall along the same eye-line. Misalignment can break the user’s flow and increase cognitive load.

Tip: Don’t squish elements together to shorten the page. White space is your friend — it separates content and improves comprehension.

Combine Visual Hierarchy and Alignment for Better UI

Visual hierarchy and alignment are most powerful when used together. Making key elements stand out and aligning everything clearly allows users to scan your interface effortlessly and take action faster.

Practical comparison

Imagine two versions of the same webpage:

  • One with inconsistent alignment, equal emphasis on every element, and no visual anchors
  • One with clear headings, aligned content blocks, and strong visual flow

Which one would you rather use? The second, obviously. It’s easier to scan, easier to read, and ultimately, more effective.

Conclusion

Understanding and applying visual hierarchy and alignment is foundational to good UI design. These principles make your interface easier to scan, more enjoyable to use, and more effective at guiding user actions.

Take time to regularly review your designs. Ask yourself:

  • Where does your eye go first?
  • Are important elements standing out?
  • Is everything aligned in a way that supports easy reading?

Better yet, ask someone else to review your interface and tell you what they notice first — and what confuses them. These small insights can lead to big improvements.

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This article has been edited from Balsamiq Logo with the title “How to use visual hierarchy and alignment to improve UI design”.

Mobile User Experience: Limitations and Strengths

Mobile User Experience – Mobile devices have revolutionized how we live and perform daily tasks. We can not only access nearly any kind of content on mobile devices, but many modern smartphones allow us to perform actions like depositing checks, processing credit card payments, ordering food and paying for groceries, digitally signing documents, and even locking our home doors. This new technology, the smartphone, has simplified certain tasks.

Mobile-Research Project

Over the past seven years, we have conducted an ongoing, self-funded mobile-usability project involving multiple rounds of user testing on various mobile websites and applications. The project included 151 participants, primarily from the US, with additional sessions in Australia, Hong Kong, Netherlands, Romania, and the UK. Participants in all studies used their own mobile phones in our lab.

While initial studies encompassed a range of phone types (including touchscreen phones, non-touch smartphones, and feature phones), more recent research has concentrated on touch phones, reflecting current market trends. Furthermore, our latest studies focused specifically on phablets (touchscreen smartphones with screens larger than 5.3 inches). When relevant, we asked participants to show us their installed apps and then assigned tasks using either mobile apps or the web.

In addition to user testing, we employed other research methodologies such as diary studies and expert reviews. We have also evaluated numerous mobile sites and apps as part of client projects, though we cannot disclose specific findings from these studies. This confidential research informs and inspires our publishable research.

The mobile research discussed here was distinct from our research on tablet user experience. Despite some similarities (e.g., handheld touchscreens), tablets and phones have different usage patterns and interaction-design constraints, leading to distinct usability guidelines for each device category.

Mobile Limitations and Strengths

Mobile phones present both strengths and limitations. These factors influence the creation of effective mobile user experiences.

Small Screen

Despite the trend toward larger screens, the portability and convenience of mobile phones are largely due to their small size. Compared to desktop and even laptop screens, phone screens can display significantly less content. Consequently, screen size is a major constraint for mobile devices. Content that fits above the fold on a 30-inch monitor may require five screenfuls on a small 4-inch screen. This means mobile users must (1) expend greater effort to access the same amount of information and (2) rely on short-term memory to recall information not currently visible on the screen. It is therefore not surprising that mobile content is twice as difficult.

Each new design element or piece of content added to a mobile screen displaces something else (or pushes it below the fold). Careful consideration of the opportunity cost of each new element is crucial: What are the implications for users if element B is omitted to include element A? Is element A more critical than element B? Content and feature prioritization is essential. While this report offers general guidelines, the optimal approach often depends on the specific users and tasks involved.

“Chrome” refers to the user-interface elements that facilitate the use of a site or application. Users visit a site to find necessary information or complete a task, not to admire the aesthetics of buttons, navigation, menus, and other design elements. Content is always important (on both mobile and desktop), but while desktop screens offer ample space for both content and chrome, mobile designers often need to minimize chrome to maximize space for essential content.

This does not imply that chrome should be eliminated from mobile design. A usable interface requires some chrome. However, mobile screens necessitate a high content-to-chrome ratio.

Portable = Interruptible

Mobile phones are portable, easily fitting into a pocket or purse and accompanying us everywhere. Because we use phones in various contexts and situations, we are more likely to experience interruptions while using them: external events in the environment may demand our attention, forcing us to pause our activity on the small screen. Consequently, attention on mobile is often fragmented, and mobile sessions tend to be short. In fact, the average mobile session duration is 72 seconds. In comparison, our studies indicate an average desktop session of 150 seconds, more than twice as long.

Short mobile sessions necessitate designing for interruptions: saving user state and enabling users to save their progress.

Designers should preserve context and facilitate seamless context recovery and task resumption. Mobile apps or websites must consistently save state to accommodate interruptions. They should also strive for smooth transitions back to the app/website, minimizing the need for users to redo previously completed work.

Furthermore, mobile users may not always make immediate decisions and may prefer to revisit content later in contexts with greater bandwidth or on larger screens. Enabling users to save history, email information to themselves or others, or share information is important. It is also beneficial to allow users to access their data and actions across different platforms.

Designing for interruptions extends beyond saving state. It also involves prioritizing essential information and simplifying tasks and interactions. Due to fragmented attention, it is crucial to present users with what they need as quickly as possible. Overwhelming them with details and requiring them to sift through large amounts of text for relevant information is not conducive to interruption-friendly design. The core information should always precede the details. Simpler tasks are quicker to complete and easier to resume than complex ones with numerous steps and options.

Single Window

While some phone manufacturers are exploring the implementation of multiple windows on the screen, the limited screen size of mobile devices makes this approach impractical, even with today’s larger-screen phones. The vast majority of users can only view a single window (and thus a single application or website) at a time; they cannot split the screen (as on a desktop) to work with multiple apps simultaneously.

The single-window constraint dictates that designs should be self-sufficient: Mobile tasks should be easily completed within a single app or website. Users should not be required to exit an app (or website) to find necessary information that the app does not provide. It’s important to remember that pen and paper, even if available, are often impractical for on-the-go use. If users must transfer information between apps, they will likely need to copy and paste it (or, worse, rely on memory, increasing cognitive load); this makes the interaction more complex and prone to errors. Apps and websites should be self-contained and should not require external resources, whether physical or digital.

Touchscreen

Touchscreens offer both advantages and disadvantages. Gestures represent a hidden, alternative user interface (UI) that, when designed with appropriate affordances, can make interactions fluid and efficient and can conserve screen real estate. However, gestures can also suffer from low memorability and discoverability. Additionally, typing accurately on a small virtual keyboard can be challenging, and accidental touches are common.

Typing is a significant challenge: On a soft keyboard, users must constantly divide their attention between the text they are entering and the keypad area. Touch typing is impossible without haptic feedback, and keypads are small with crowded keys.

Another difference between touch input and input methods like a mouse is that the target size needed to optimize reach time and minimize errors is considerably larger for touch than for mouse interaction. Therefore, not only is the screen smaller than a laptop or desktop screen, but buttons and other interactive elements need to be larger than those on a regular monitor.

The presence of numerous target areas on a touchscreen increases the likelihood of accidental touches. These can disorient users and cause confusion about what occurred. The “undo” function, one of the original 10 usability heuristics, is even more critical on touch devices.

Variable Connectivity

Even with the prevalence of fast cellular networks and widespread Wi-Fi, coverage is not consistently available or reliable. Phone users frequently encounter connectivity issues. Each new page load can result in significant delays when the network is slow or unstable.

To ensure users can complete their tasks on your mobile site or app, it is essential to consider waiting times. Design lightweight pages that contain as much relevant information as possible to minimize the number of client-server round trips. Reduce the number of steps and, ultimately, the number of page loads.

GPS, Camera, Accelerometer, Voice, and Other Phone Features

While phones have limitations, they also offer unique features, some of which are accessible only to apps, while others are available to websites as well. The camera, microphone, and GPS are conveniently integrated and can simplify input and overcome some of the challenges of typing. Photographs can convey nuanced information that is often difficult to capture in text (e.g., describing a product). Notifications allow users to receive immediate updates about relevant events. Touch ID enables users to log in using a fingerprint, eliminating the need to type passwords. And technologies like Apple Pay and Google Wallet enable users to make payments in person or online using their phones, without entering credit card information.

If a phone has a camera, avoid requiring users to manually enter barcodes. If it has GPS, avoid asking them to enter zip codes. Leverage phone features whenever possible to minimize user effort.

New Research Report

Our extensive mobile-usability findings are compiled in our report “Mobile User Experience.” (This report has since been updated in a newer edition, incorporating subsequent events and research.) Many guidelines reflect current mobile patterns and interactions, and older guidelines have been revised with updated examples.

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This article has been edited from NNG with the title Mobile User Experience: Limitations and Strengths by author Raluca Budiu.

UX in 2024: Navigating the era of late-stage design

Reflections from the 9th Annual State of UX Report by the UX Collective

In its ninth edition, the State of UX 2024 report by the UX Collective delivers a sharp and honest snapshot of where the design industry stands today. Drawing from over 1,000 curated articles and insights from a global community of over 500,000 readers, the report captures the patterns, tensions, and shifts that shaped UX throughout 2023.

This year’s theme? Late-stage UX — a term inspired by late-stage capitalism — describing an industry at a crossroads: oversaturated, increasingly driven by business metrics, and shaped by rapid automation.

What Defines Late-Stage UX?

The report outlines five key characteristics shaping the current UX climate:

  1. Automation
    The rise of AI is transforming the design workflow. While it opens new creative doors, it’s also automating tasks once core to the designer’s role — particularly in entry- to mid-level positions.
  2. Saturation
    There are now more designers than available roles, especially as companies scale back hiring and redefine design team structures post-pandemic.
  3. Commoditization
    Design has become more about consistency and scalability than innovation or delight. Frameworks and design systems are prioritized over differentiated experiences.
  4. Financialization
    Design decisions are now deeply entangled with business KPIs, shareholder value, and ROI metrics. Human-centered approaches are increasingly tempered by financial constraints.
  5. Disintegration
    User trust is declining. Misinformation, dark patterns, and data exploitation have made many people skeptical, disengaged, or vulnerable in digital spaces.

The Design Community’s Response

Despite these challenges, the UX community continues to rise to the moment. The 2024 report doesn’t just critique—it celebrates the people and ideas pushing the industry forward with courage, creativity, and nuance. A few highlights:

  • Writers and Thinkers
    Contributors like Daley Wilhelm, Slava Polonski, Rosie Hoggmascall, and Pavel Samsonov offered fresh, critical perspectives throughout the year—redefining what it means to practice thoughtful, ethical design.
  • Data Storytelling
    Platforms like Pudding.cool stood out for their brilliant use of data visualization to unpack cultural and technological trends.
  • Maggie Appleton’s Visual Essays
    A fusion of anthropology, programming, and design, her work challenges how we think about generative AI and technology’s role in our lives.
  • Vivianne Castillo’s Advocacy
    A constant voice reminding us that our worth is not measured by output alone: “Breathe in: I am more than what I produce. Breathe out: My rest requires no apology.”
  • Rest of World’s Editorial Excellence
    By spotlighting underrepresented markets and voices, they remind us that good design must be globally inclusive.
  • Brad Frost’s Reflection on Atomic Design
    A bold invitation to re-examine the purpose behind our design systems: “Are we capturing human potential or just redrawing rectangles?”
  • Conversations at Config and SmashingConf
    From Halli Thorleifsson’s vulnerable storytelling to the welcoming spirit of Vitaly Friedman’s events, the conferences proved that the design community still thrives on human connection and shared growth.
  • Brazil’s Vibrant UX Scene
    Content creators across Brazil — Rafael Frota, Kakau Fonseca, Karina Tronkos and many more — continue to enrich the global conversation with original work in Portuguese, despite market pressures.

Looking Ahead

As we move deeper into 2024, the design industry faces tough questions — about its values, its direction, and its responsibility to users. The State of UX 2024 doesn’t offer simple answers, but it does offer something just as valuable: clarity, honesty, and a sense of community.

Want to deepen your knowledge of UI, UX, Branding, Develop, and Illustration? Read more helpful articles at Viartisan.

At its core, this report is a tribute to the resilience of designers worldwide—those who keep questioning, adapting, and creating with intention.
Written by: Fabricio Teixeira & Caio Braga
Illustrated by: Fabio Benê
Edited by: Emily Curtin
Narrated by: Laura Vandiver
Published by: The UX Collective (ISSN: 2766–5267)

Explore the full report here: The State of UX in 2024

The Strong Pull of What’s Already There: Why Defaults Matter

It seems web users might be more easily influenced than we think. A fascinating study by Professor Thorsten Joachims and his team at Cornell University shed light on how people interact with search engine results pages (SERPs). Their research revealed a significant tendency for users to click on the very first listing far more often than its actual relevance would suggest – highlighting the powerful influence of default options.

Initial findings, consistent with previous studies, showed that a whopping 42% of users clicked the top search result, while only 8% opted for the second one. This isn’t entirely surprising, as we know top positions generally attract the most attention.

However, the truly insightful part of the study involved a clever manipulation. The researchers secretly used a script to swap the order of the top two search results before they were displayed to users. So, the listing that was originally second now appeared first, and the original top result was moved to the second position.

Even with this swap, the results were striking. Users still clicked the new top entry 34% of the time, while the new second entry received 12% of the clicks.

The Magnetic Effect of the Top Spot

This experiment helps us understand why the top result gets so much attention. There are two main possibilities:

  1. Search engines are incredibly accurate at determining relevance and almost always place the best result first.
  2. Users click the top result simply because it’s at the top. This could be due to laziness (we naturally start from the top) or because users assume the search engine has correctly identified the best option.

The study’s findings indicate that the truth lies in a combination of both factors.

If users were always clicking the best link, then swapping the top two should have also swapped the click percentages. But this didn’t happen; the top spot still commanded the most clicks.

Conversely, if users blindly trusted the search engine and clicked the first link solely because it was first, then swapping the order shouldn’t have changed the percentages at all. This also wasn’t the case. The click-through rate of the top link decreased from 42% to 34%. This means that 8% of users shifted their clicks: 4% clicked the second result (which was originally first), and another 4% explored other options further down the page.

To further understand the accuracy of the search engine’s rankings, the researchers had human evaluators judge the relevance of the websites. Since there’s no definitive way to objectively determine the “best” website for a given query, they averaged the ratings of five individuals – likely the most reliable method for assessing information relevance.

The evaluation revealed that the original top result was judged the most relevant only 36% of the time, while the second result was deemed most relevant 24% of the time. Interestingly, the two top results were considered equally relevant 40% of the time. This shows that while the search engine was often correct, it was wrong about one-fourth of the time. (When the top two are equally relevant, the placement doesn’t really matter, so these instances were counted as “correct.”)

Considering how often the search engine’s top pick wasn’t actually the most relevant, users clicked it far too often. And when the top two were switched, too few users adjusted their behavior. The clear conclusion is that there’s a significant bias towards clicking the top link, although the quality of the link does still play a role.

For search engine marketers, the implications are clear: achieving that top spot is incredibly valuable. However, it’s equally crucial to have compelling “microcontent” – like effective page titles and summaries – that increases the likelihood of users perceiving your site as relevant. Unfortunately, controlling these snippets can be challenging on major search engines like Google, which often displays unhelpful and unclear descriptions. You have more control over this for internal search engines on your own website or intranet, assuming you can encourage content creators to write good summaries.

Defaults Extend Beyond Search

The power of defaults isn’t limited to search results. Users frequently rely on pre-selected options in various aspects of user interface design. For instance, they rarely delve into complex customization features, making it essential to optimize the default user experience, as this is what most people will stick with.

In forms and applications, pre-filling fields with the most common value can significantly improve usability. For example, on a conference registration form, if someone registers for the New York event, the country field could default to “United States.” If they register for the London event, it could default to “United Kingdom.” While users from other countries will need to change this, they would have had to specify their country anyway if the field was left blank. By using the most frequent value as the default, we save many users a small amount of effort.

Defaults offer two key usability benefits:

  • By presenting a representative value, they act as just-in-time instructions, helping users understand how to complete a field.
  • By showing a frequent value, they provide insight into the commonly expected response, as opposed to less typical ones. This knowledge can even be used for sales purposes – for example, by pre-selecting a one-year subscription option over a monthly one. However, consistently defaulting to the most expensive option can erode trust, so it’s important not to overdo it.

By guiding and informing users, well-chosen default values help reduce errors. Therefore, it’s crucial to select defaults that are genuinely helpful, rather than simply choosing the first item alphabetically or whatever happened to be at the top of an initial list.

Reference:

Thorsten Joachims, Laura Granka, Bing Pan, Helene Hembrooke, and Geri Gay, “Accurately Interpreting Clickthrough Data as Implicit Feedback,” Proceedings of the Conference on Research and Development in Information Retrieval (SIGIR), 2005. (Note: The link leads to a PDF file, which is an academic paper.)

This article has been edited from Nielsen Norman Group with the title The Power of Defaults by author Jakob Nielsen.