Unexplored Strategies in User Experience Design for Compelling Results

In the ever-evolving world of user experience (UX) design, a growing number of companies are embracing ethical practices that not only enhance user engagement but also increase conversion rates. By utilising techniques that are both effective and morally sound, UX designers aim to drive decisions without resorting to manipulation, extortion, or misleading users.

One such technique is the use of easy-to-read text, which encourages users to complete tasks as they perceive them as easier to accomplish. This straightforward approach can be particularly beneficial in complex tasks, as breaking them down into smaller, easily completed steps can help users navigate through more efficiently.

Another strategy is the strategic presentation of prices. Consumers tend to perceive prices ending in .99 as less than the next whole number, even though the difference is minimal. Similarly, the fewer digits in a price tag, the less it costs in a consumer's perception. This pricing strategy is commonly used in retail environments and can be a powerful tool in UX design.

Moreover, providing a countdown to completion can motivate users to finish a task. People are more motivated to finish tasks when they think they're closer to finishing than at the start, a concept that has been supported by conformity experiments showing that people will obey authority figures.

Companies such as riprip have gained recognition for their innovative approach by developing ethical alternatives to dark patterns. Their mobile games explicitly avoid typical gambling mechanics and dark UX patterns, providing users with a fair and enjoyable experience. Similarly, startups supported by the Circular Economy Accelerator, like PROSERVATION and Biomyc, provide sustainable alternatives in product materials, showing successes in circular economy applications.

Offering pricing options with a middle choice often results in users choosing the middle option. This phenomenon, often referred to as the "middle-choice bias," can be utilised to offer users a sense of safety and balance in their choices.

In a multiple choice situation, people often choose the middle option due to a feeling of safety. This observation can be applied in UX design to offer users a sense of control and predictability, leading to increased user satisfaction and engagement.

By employing these ethical techniques, UX designers can potentially increase user engagement and conversion rates without compromising on moral principles. These techniques, when used together, form a powerful arsenal in the pursuit of creating intuitive, user-friendly interfaces that cater to the needs of the modern user.