Beyond UX Design Avoiding the Appeal to Novelty: When New Isn't Always Better
Mar 12, 2025
Dive into the intriguing world of cognitive biases as the discussion explores the 'Appeal to Novelty.' Discover why new isn't always better and how blindly adopting trends can lead to pitfalls in product development and team dynamics. A compelling real-world story reveals the missteps of updating an effective tool. Learn key strategies to evaluate innovations critically and maintain a balanced approach to change, ensuring your choices are based on effectiveness rather than just novelty.
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Dashboard Debacle
- A team updated an old but effective dashboard, adding new features and modernizing the UI.
- This resulted in user frustration and decreased efficiency, highlighting the importance of prioritizing functionality over novelty.
Software Novelty Traps
- The appeal to novelty manifests in software through unnecessary framework switches, feature rebuilds, and trendy design choices.
- These changes, driven by a desire for newness, often prioritize appearance over actual user needs and effectiveness.
Appeal to Novelty Explained
- The appeal to novelty leads to adopting unproven solutions, dismissing traditional approaches as outdated.
- This bias, amplified by 'tech bro' culture, prioritizes the appearance of innovation over actual improvement.