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
---
Support our sponsors!
Ok web designers. Let’s talk about the “c” word—creative burnout.
You’re working on a site for a really big client, but between resourcing, feedback, tight budgets and even tighter deadlines—it doesn’t make the cut. Wix Studio helps close that gap, so you can deliver your vision with less friction. Built for agencies and enterprises, you get total creative control over every last pixel. With no-code animations, AI-powered tools, reusable design assets, advanced, intuitive layout tools and a Figma to Wix Studio integration, you can design the way you want to and deliver when you need to.
And if you’re worried about the learning curve eating into time you don’t have—don’t be. Wix Studio is intuitive by design, so your entire team can hit the ground running.
For your next project, check out wixstudio.com
