The time it takes to make a decision increases with the number and complexity of choices available.

As I delve deeper into UX design, reading the chapter on Hick’s Law in The Laws of UX was a game-changer. The law, which states that decision time increases with the number of choices, made me realise how crucial it is to simplify user interactions. While it sounds intuitive, the chapter helped me understand the psychological science behind it and how it applies to design in a more structured way.

This logarithmic relationship highlights that as the number of choices grows, decision time increases exponentially, not just in a linear fashion. This reinforced the idea that too many options can overwhelm users and slow them down. The book provided practical examples, like how Google uses filters to narrow down choices for users, showing how reducing options at each step speeds up decision-making. This insight made me realise that limiting choices in navigation menus, forms, and product filters can drastically improve the user experience. Reflecting on my own work, I noticed that I often overloaded users with options, thinking more choices would be better. Now, I understand that fewer, more targeted options result in quicker, clearer decisions.

In conclusion, Hick’s Law has reshaped how I approach UX design, teaching me that simplicity and reducing decision overload are key to creating intuitive, user-friendly experiences. This principle will definitely influence my future designs.