Focuses user attention on critical elements.
May distract users from other important aspects.
Attentional Bias refers to the tendency to prioritise specific information while ignoring other relevant details. Numerous studies, including those by MacLeod et al. (1986), demonstrate that emotionally charged stimuli capture attention more effectively than neutral ones. In one experiment, participants were quicker to respond to emotionally charged words, indicating that attention is often involuntarily drawn to personally significant or emotionally salient information.
The study concluded that attention naturally gravitates toward emotionally charged stimuli, influencing perceptions and memory retention. This suggests that emotionally resonant content can direct user focus in digital interfaces.
1.
Capture attention with emotionally engaging visuals.
2.
Avoid cognitive overload with selective emphasis.
3.
Prioritise key info with visual hierarchy and contrast.
