Psychology Principles & Laws to Apply to Your

Web Design

Design is the most important element of any website and it gives the

most effective results when executed with knowledge of psychology.

Psychology is present everywhere in design.

Being a designer, you can’t ignore psychology as it effects the

experience the visitors have on their sites. Though, sometime it looked

too complicated but the truth is they are associated with web design

principles, which are easy to implement.

Therefore we have to be aware of the function of our web design

aesthetics. From “usability design” to “user experience,” we need to be

careful while creating a website for business.

In this article, we will explore some psychology principles and laws which

can assist in the usability / experience of our design as well as the

aesthetic values. You can use them to improve the effectiveness of your

web design even without knowing the theory behind it.

1. The Von Restorff Effect

The Von Restorff effect tells us that the more absurd an element is, the

more it will stand out and be remembered.

2. Psychology of Color

Colors can influence emotions, the positive ones as follows:

Black: sophistication and power

White: cleanliness, sophistication, virtue

Red: courage, power, strength; can also stimulate appetite

Blue: calmness, peace, trust, safety

Yellow: optimism, happiness

Green: balance, sustainability growth

Purple: royalty, spiritual awareness, luxury

Orange: friendliness, comfort, and food

Pink: tranquility, femininity, sexuality

3. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

The pyramid is designed to show the steps one must take to reach self-

actualization.

4. Hick’s Law

Hick’s Law relates to how long it takes someone to make a decision. If

people have more choices to choose from, it will take them longer to

decide.

5. Facial Recognition

Incorporating faces into your design is one of the most effective design

techniques that pulls someone into your web page, or book cover.

6. Fitt’s Law

Fitt’s Law is a scientific law that’s often used to describe computer-

human interaction.

7. Occam’s Razor

Occam’s Razor tells us that the simplest solutions are always the best.

Although this is more of a philosophical idea than a law of design.

No doubt, psychology plays an important role in day to day life. Above

we have mentioned some useful psychology principles and laws you can

apply to your next web development project that can speak to your

audience.