Users often perceive aesthetically pleasing design as design that’s more usable.

Chapter 7 of Laws of UX on the Aesthetic-Usability Effect was by far the most interesting to me. Designing aesthetically pleasing interfaces is one of my favourite parts of the design process, so reading about how visual appeal can actually influence a user's perception of usability felt particularly relevant. It validated why I’ve always placed so much importance on how things look—but it also made me realise some potential pitfalls.

The chapter explained how users are more likely to tolerate usability issues if a product is visually appealing. This was both fascinating and a little concerning. While an attractive design can create more positive first impressions and even build trust, it can also mask underlying problems. It made me realise that when conducting usability testing, I need to be careful not to let a beautiful interface distract from uncovering real usability issues. Just because users like the look of something doesn't necessarily mean it’s working well.

This principle encourages me to be more critical and thorough in my design evaluations. I still want to create visually stunning interfaces, but now I understand the importance of balancing beauty with function. Usability tests should dig deeper than surface impressions, ensuring that designs are not just attractive, but genuinely easy and satisfying to use.

Overall, the Aesthetic-Usability Effect has made me more aware of the psychological impact of visual design. It will definitely influence how I approach both the creative and testing phases of my future projects.