Jakob's Law

Jakob's Law

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Users prefer websites and applications to work in a way they are already familiar with. This is because they spend most of their time on other sites and form expectations based on those experiences.

When a new website follows established conventions, users can focus on their goals instead of learning a new interface. This creates a sense of familiarity and reduces cognitive load.

Leveraging existing Mental Models is a key aspect of applying Jakob's Law. By designing interfaces that align with users' existing mental models, we can create a more intuitive and efficient user experience.

When introducing changes to an established design, it's important to manage the transition carefully. One way to do this is to allow users to continue using the familiar version for a period of time, which can help reduce frustration and resistance to change.