Data and Design Principles for Explaining the Value of UX Investment
1. The earlier problems are found, the lower the cost
Validation during the design stage is an investment that reduces rework after launch.
- The original article introduces that the cost of fixing errors after launch can be up to 100 times higher than in the early design stage.
- Verifying key flows in a prototype can reduce both development time and user inconvenience.
2. Speed and first impressions determine the user’s next action
Users evaluate the screen before reading the content.
- A visual first impression is formed in about 0.05 seconds.
- In the case cited in the original, reducing loading time by 0.1 seconds increased conversion rates by about 8–10% on retail and travel sites.
- It is a reason to check both screen polish and loading performance together.
3. Reduce the burden of choice and reading
Design that makes it easy to find the needed information matters more than showing a lot of information.
- Hick’s Law: As the number of options increases, the time needed to make a decision also lengthens.
- Whitespace and readability: Create a structure that is easy to scan with headings, spacing, and short sentences.
- Goal-gradient effect: Help users feel progress by showing the steps completed and the process remaining.
4. Repeat small tests and measure results
The value of UX is more concrete when explained through changes before and after improvement.
- The original highlights research showing that a 5-person test can uncover about 85% of usability issues, and emphasizes repeated validation.
- This figure should not be seen as a guarantee that applies to all user groups and tasks.
- Look at inquiry volume, rework time, and task completion time together with conversion rates.
