Hick's Law

As the number of choices increases, decision-making becomes more difficult, as the brain takes longer to process more options.
neurology
Perception and Cognition
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Simplifies user choices by limiting options

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Over-simplification can restrict user exploration

Best paired with

Progressive Disclosure
Gradual information exposure reduces decision fatigue.
Nudge
Subtle cues help guide users through complex choices.
View more pairings
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Navigation
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User Dashboards
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Task Success
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Cognitive Load
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Decision-Making

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The Study

Hick's Law explores how individuals' decisions and perceptions are influenced by underlying psychological mechanisms. Research on this bias has revealed its role in everyday behaviours and decision-making processes. Studies often involve experiments where participants' reactions are observed to determine the bias's impact. This understanding helps designers and marketers craft more effective, user-centric experiences.

The result

The results indicate that hick's law significantly influences decision-making by altering perception, recall, or emotional response. These findings provide valuable insights into cognitive behaviour, informing design strategies.

Actionable tips

1.

Limit choices for faster decision-making.

2.

Group related options to simplify navigation.

3.

Test choice complexity for optimal user flow.

Ingredient pairings

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Best pairings

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Progressive Disclosure

Encourages better choices while preventing overload.
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Nudge

Supports decision-making while maintaining autonomy.
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Feedback Loop

Promotes learning while avoiding overwhelming decisions.
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Choice Architecture

Reduces cognitive load while preserving flexibility.
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Worst pairings

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Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

Increases stress and leads to rushed choices.
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Scarcity Principle

Exploits cognitive overload to drive impulse decisions.
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Overconfidence Effect

Encourages poor decision-making by ignoring limitations.
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Decoy Effect

Distorts rational decision-making through option framing.

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