Abdellatif BouhellalAbdellatif BouhellalTrust is often initiated by the initial impression created through look and feel
The aesthetic-usability effect reveals a fascinating human tendency to perceive visually pleasing designs as more user-friendly. This cognitive phenomenon, demonstrated in various experiments, holds significant implications for design acceptance and performance.
In a study led by Elizabeth Sillence and her team, trust in health websites, particularly among hypertension patients, was investigated. Notably, 83% of comments rejecting a site were tied to design factors—look, navigation, color, text size, and name. Conversely, when deciding if a website trustworthy, 74% referenced content quality. Users favored reputable organizations, expert advice, and specific information, highlighting content’s pivotal role in building trust over design factors
This research underscores the delicate balance between aesthetics and functionality, emphasizing designers’ need to recognize the profound impact of visual elements on user perception.
Achieving this balance is crucial, particularly in critical domains like health information dissemination, where trust and credibility are paramount for positive user experiences.
Snap Judgments: Users quickly decide on a website’s trustworthiness. Initial rejection often occurs based on design factors like color, font, layout, and navigation.
Design’s Impact: Critical design elements are decisive in the first phase. Users either engage or dismiss a site based on its visual appeal and usability.
Content and Trust: If a website passes the design test, users shift to assessing content and credibility. Trust is built through reliable information and credible sources. Design opens the door, content seals the trust.
