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This is the forty first second of D&T Special, a more in-depth view of topics that interest the Canvs team. Today’s topic – Designing with psychology to make products stick.
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✍️ From the Canvs Research & Editorial Desk
Product design has a lot to do with psychology. It’s less about how people should behave and more about how they actually do. The shortcuts we take, the habits we form, the way we respond to small cues. These all decide whether a product feels effortless or frustrating.
This week the Canvs R&E team has spent some time pondering this concept, let’s dive into some details.
What follows are a few psychological principles that show up often in product design. The names might sound quite technical at first, but once you see the examples from everyday products, you’ll realise they’re just simple patterns of human nature, and when applied well, they can help your product do good.
Key takeaways from this read:
1. Delight works only when the basics are solid
Google Doodles or Asana’s flying unicorns stand out because the main product already works well. If the core flow is clunky, no amount of “surprise” will save it.
2. Habits form when external nudges turn into internal triggers
A ping or notification might get someone’s attention once, but the real stickiness comes when the product ties itself to a feeling or situation.
3. What you see in testing isn’t always how people behave in real life
People act differently when they know they’re being observed. A user might carefully read every word in a lab test but rush past instructions at home. That’s why remote tools and natural settings often give more honest insights.
📰 In other news
✨ Product find of the week
From vehicle design to industrial design to video game art, Plasticity gives you the tools to create perfect solids and surfaces. It is easy to use and has a focus on artistic workflows.
Some highlights from the past month of D&T
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