Cognitive Biases - Psychology for Product Design

Understanding psychological patterns that influence human decision-making, first systematically studied by Kahneman and Tversky. Essential for creating user experiences that work with human psychology.

When to Use This Skill

• Designing user onboarding flows
• Improving conversion rates ethically
• Analyzing why users behave unexpectedly
• Reviewing designs for dark patterns
• Planning pricing and positioning strategies
• Understanding decision-making in user research

Core Biases at a Glance

Progressive Disclosure

Ethical Framework

Before applying a bias, ask:

1. Is this helping the user? → STOP if NO
2. Would I be comfortable if exposed? → STOP if NO
3. Does this create long-term value? → STOP if NO
4. Would this work on an informed user?
   → YES (persuasion) / NO (manipulation)

Quick Reference

Acquisition:
├── Social Proof → "Join 50,000+ users"
├── Anchoring → Show premium first
└── Scarcity → "Limited beta access"

Activation:
├── Commitment → Small first steps
├── Planning Fallacy → Realistic estimates
└── Loss Aversion → Show progress at risk

Retention:
├── Sunk Cost → "Your history, connections"
├── Confirmation → Personalized experience
└── Social Proof → "Your team uses this"

References

• Thinking, Fast and Slow - Daniel Kahneman
• Predictably Irrational - Dan Ariely
• Hooked - Nir Eyal
• Dark Patterns Hall of Shame