The IKEA Effect describes the phenomenon whereby people attach more value to things if they have been involved in making them. This behavior results from the fact that personal involvement increases emotional attachment and thus the perceived quality.

Origin

The term was introduced by behavioral economists Michael I. Norton, Daniel Mochon and Dan Ariely in their 2011 study "The IKEA Effect: When Labor Leads to Love". Their research showed that people are willing to pay more for items they have built themselves than for finished ones, even though the material value is the same.

  • Norton, M. I., Mochon, D., & Ariely, D. (2011). The IKEA Effect: When Labor Leads to Love. Journal of Consumer Psychology, 21(3), 453–460.

Application in UX and UI design

In UX and UI design, the IKEA Effect can be used by actively involving users in the design process. For example, through personalizable interfaces or interactive design elements that allow users to make their own adjustments. This involvement promotes a stronger bond with the product and increases satisfaction with the user experience.

Furthermore, the IKEA Effect can be enhanced by gamified elements that require users to complete small tasks or customizations to achieve the end product. This makes users feel invested and develop a more positive attitude towards the product.

However, it should be noted that too much complexity or effort can deter users. It is important to find a balance between the possibility of personalization and the simplicity of the user interface.

A practical example is the unpacking and initial operation of a smartphone, such as an Apple product. The experience of personalized setup, if positive, increases user satisfaction and promotes long-term emotional attachment to the product.

Impact on the User Experience

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Further information