How Understanding UX Can Help Developers Create Better Products [Part 1/3]
Tags: webdev, frontend, ux, design
Published: 2023-04-22 06:30:00

As technology continues to evolve, user experience (UX) has become an integral part of product development. In today's world, consumers demand products that are not only functional but also easy and enjoyable to use. This is where UX comes in - it ensures that a product is designed with the end-user in mind, resulting in a positive user experience. As developers strive to create better products, understanding UX principles can make all the difference. From improving usability to increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty, incorporating UX into development processes can lead to more successful products overall. In this blog post, we'll explore why understanding UX is essential for developers and how it can help them create better products.

## **Law 1: Hick's Law**
![GIF - Keep it simple](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/yzik1vrjtbhlzgmztdwf.gif)

Hick's Law states that the more choices a user is presented with, the longer it will take them to make a decision. As a developer, you can simplify your user interface by presenting fewer options to the user. Keep it simple and easy to navigate!

## **Law 2: Fitts's Law**
![GIF - The Bigger, The Better](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/7gtyxv1n6a2hxxnivdqp.gif)

Fitts's Law states that the time it takes for a user to select a target is directly proportional to the distance and size of the target. As a developer, you can make your buttons and clickable areas larger and easier to select. Your users will appreciate it!

## **Law 3: Jakob's Law**
![GIF - Follow the Leader](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/e8pwkfo72v7ha29rresg.gif)

Jakob's Law states that users expect your website or app to work the same as other websites or apps they've used before. As a developer, you can follow established design patterns and conventions to make your product easier for users to understand and use.

## **Law 4: Miller's Law**
![GIF - Less Is More](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/m8o237nex7r6jqiwr33u.gif)

Miller's Law states that people can only hold about seven pieces of information in their working memory at once. As a developer, you can limit the amount of information presented to the user at once. Keep it simple and concise!

## **Law 5: Doherty Threshold**
![GIF - Keep Response Time Short](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/n2eq0idqyzv0g0f7kbd3.gif)

The Doherty Threshold states that users can detect delays in response time of less than 400 milliseconds. As a developer, it's crucial to prioritize fast-loading and responsive interfaces to ensure a smooth and frustration-free user experience.

## **Law 6: Aesthetic-Usability Effect**
![GIF - Beauty Affects Usability](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/uiwpzg7xc9fl6yy7yg5h.gif)

The Aesthetic-Usability Effect states that users perceive aesthetically pleasing designs as more usable. As a developer, you can prioritize aesthetics in your design to improve the user experience.

## **Law 7: Goal Gradient Effect**
![GIF - Motivate User Progress](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/2nrdnka1f80hiwd0a1t5.gif)

The Goal Gradient Effect suggests that individuals are more motivated to complete a task as they approach its end. As a developer, you can design your product to leverage this effect by visually representing progress and milestones, encouraging users to continue their journey.

By following these laws of UX, you'll be well on your way to creating digital products that users will love. Keep it simple, easy to navigate, and visually pleasing, and you'll be off to a great start. Stay tuned for the next blog, where we'll explore the other laws of UX!