Understanding the Framing Phenomenon

The framing effect in UX design is a psychological phenomenon where the way information is presented can influence how users perceive and make decisions. It's like how a picture frame can make a painting look different depending on its size and style.

Here are a few examples to illustrate this concept:

1. Choosing a Subscription Plan:

Imagine you're on a streaming platform trying to pick a subscription plan.

Option A: "Basic Plan - ?199/month: Limited Access"

Option B: "Standard Plan - ?499/month: Balanced Features"

Option C: "Premium Plan - ?649/month: Ultimate Experience"

Even though the "Standard Plan" is in the middle and costs more than the "Basic Plan," it might seem like a better deal because it's presented as a balanced choice. This is the framing effect at work.

2. Discounts and Savings:

Imagine an e-commerce website offering a product with two pricing options.

Option A: "Save 50% on this product!"

Option B: "Get 50% off this product!"

Users are more likely to be drawn to Option B because it frames the discount as a benefit they're gaining.

3. Time Frames for Tasks:

Consider a task management app offering two options for completing a task.

Option A: "Complete this task in 7 days or less!"

Option B: "Complete this task in more than 3 days!"

Users might be more inclined to choose Option A as it presents a shorter time frame in a positive light.

4. Health and Wellness Apps:

In a fitness app, users might be presented with progress updates in different ways.

Option A: "You've completed 70% of your goal!"

Option B: "You have 30% left to reach your goal!"

Users may feel more accomplished with Option A, as it frames the progress positively.

The way the options are framed influences your perception and decision. UX designers use this knowledge to present information in a way that guides users towards desired actions, like choosing a specific plan or clicking a certain button. It's all about making the user's experience smoother and more effective!