Flag

We stand with Ukraine and our team members from Ukraine. Here are ways you can help

Become a member

Get exclusive access to thought-provoking articles, bonus podcast content, and cutting-edge whitepapers. Become a member of the UX Magazine community today!

Home ›› Psychology and Human Behavior

Psychology and Human Behavior

See All Topics
Read these first

The Cortex-First Approach: Why UX Starts Before the Screen

  • Cognition, Design Psychology, Psychology, Psychology and Human Behavior, User Experience, User Research, UX Design

Explore why psychology, not pixels, decides whether users flow effortlessly or freeze in confusion, and how understanding cognition changes everything about UX design.

Article by Tushar Deshmukh
IDEAS IN BRIEF
The Cortex-First Approach: Why UX Starts Before the Screen
  • The article explains why UX design fails when it ignores what users’ brains are already doing before they even see the interface or click the first button.
  • The piece shows how aligning design with users’ mental models and emotional states creates effortless experiences, while violating them causes hesitation even in “perfect” interfaces.
  • It outlines the Cortex-First approach, showing how great UX starts by understanding cognitive patterns, emotional responses, and subconscious expectations rather than visual aesthetics.
Read Article →
Share
Share:The Cortex-First Approach: Why UX Starts Before the Screen
6 min read

The Psychology of Trust in AI: Why “Relying on AI” Matters More than “Trusting It”

  • AI in UX, Artificial Intelligence, Cognition, Human-AI Interaction, Human-Centered Design, Psychology, Psychology and Human Behavior, User Research, UX Design

Trusting AI isn’t the goal — relying on it is. This article explores why human trust and AI reliance are worlds apart, and what UX designers should focus on to make AI feel dependable, not human.

Article by Verena Seibert-Giller
IDEAS IN BRIEF
The Psychology of Trust in AI: Why “Relying on AI” Matters More than “Trusting It”
  • The article argues that “reliance,” not “trust,” is the right way to think about users’ relationship with AI.
  • It explains that human trust and AI reliance are driven by different psychological mechanisms.
  • The piece highlights that predictability, transparency, and control make users more willing to rely on AI.
  • It concludes that users don’t need to trust AI as a partner — only rely on it as a dependable tool.
Read Article →
Share
Share:The Psychology of Trust in AI: Why “Relying on AI” Matters More than “Trusting It”
4 min read

Designing the Invisible between humans and technology: My Journey Blending Design and Behavioral Psychology

  • Artificial Intelligence, Cognition, Design Psychology, Human-Centered AI, Human-Computer Interaction, Interaction Design, Psychology and Human Behavior, UX Design

Designing for AI goes beyond buttons and screens; it’s about building invisible connections of trust, understanding, and psychology between humans and technology.

Article by Anina Botha
IDEAS IN BRIEF
Designing the Invisible between humans and technology: My Journey Blending Design and Behavioral Psychology
  • The article explores the shift from designing visible interfaces to shaping invisible psychological connections between humans and AI.
  • It emphasizes that trust, reliability, and understanding are more critical design challenges than traditional UI or UX elements.
  • The piece argues that AI design is less about predefined flows and more about building relationships grounded in psychology and human behavior.
Read Article →
Share
Share:Designing the Invisible between humans and technology: My Journey Blending Design and Behavioral Psychology
4 min read

Unveiling the Influence of Cognitive Biases on Design Decision-Making

  • Design, Human factors, Psychology and Human Behavior

Navigating the Creative Landscape.

Article by Adri Mukund
IDEAS IN BRIEF
Unveiling the Influence of Cognitive Biases on Design Decision-Making
  • The article explores the influence of cognitive biases on design decision-making, outlining various types of biases and offering strategies for mitigating their impact to foster inclusivity and objectivity in design processes.
Read Article →
Share
Share:Unveiling the Influence of Cognitive Biases on Design Decision-Making
6 min read

​6 Ways to Improve Psychological AI Apps and Chatbots

  • Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, Psychology and Human Behavior

Repetitiveness, complicated setups, and lack of personalization deter users.

Article by Marlynn Wei
IDEAS IN BRIEF
​6 Ways to Improve Psychological AI Apps and Chatbots
  • Personalized feedback, high-quality dynamic conversations, and a streamlined setup improve user engagement.
  • People dislike an overly scripted and repetitive AI chatbot that bottlenecks access to other features.
  • Tracking is a feature that engages users and develops an “observer mind,” enhancing awareness and change.
  • New research shows that users are less engaged in AI apps and chatbots that are repetitive, lack personalized advice, and have long or glitchy setup processes.
Read Article →
Share
Share:​6 Ways to Improve Psychological AI Apps and Chatbots
3 min read

Behavioral Design: What Is It? And Why Should You Learn To Apply It?

  • Behavioral Science, Conversational Design, Design, Design Theory, Psychology and Human Behavior, The rise of design

The opposite direction is the right one.

Article by Marcelo Brum
IDEAS IN BRIEF
Behavioral Design: What Is It? And Why Should You Learn To Apply It?
  • The article introduces the concept of Behavioral Design, emphasizing the importance of understanding cognitive biases and delivering value to all parties involved in the user experience.
Read Article →
Share
Share:Behavioral Design: What Is It? And Why Should You Learn To Apply It?
4 min read
✕

Join the UX Magazine community!

Stay informed with exclusive content on the intersection of UX, AI agents, and agentic automation—essential reading for future-focused professionals.

Hello!

You're officially a member of the UX Magazine Community.
We're excited to have you with us!

Thank you!

To begin viewing member content, please verify your email.

Tell us about you. Enroll in the course.

    ✕

    This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Check our privacy policy and

    Accept policy