How to Outsmart 5 Design Biases

Design biases can creep in like a ninja at midnight and silently undermine your creative process. Understanding biases is important for you and your business because they shape how you think, make decisions, and interact with products. Whether you design new solutions or steer business visions, mental shortcuts can lead you astray. Learn how to outsmart these 5 design biases to ensure your designs are high-quality and centered around the user.

1. Confirmation Bias is the Unwanted Cheerleader 

Confirmation bias leads us to focus on information that supports what we want to be true while ignoring conflicting evidence. It creates tunnel vision for designers and product decision-makers that blocks out alternative ideas and solutions.

Example: Imagine you fall in love with an early design concept. When user tests give mixed reviews, they lean heavily on the positive feedback and ignore the negative. This causes you to miss key insights because you only pay attention to the information confirming your pre-existing beliefs.

How to Outsmart Confirmation Bias: 

• Seek feedback from people who challenge your assumptions.
• Use clear and measurable goals to make objective decisions.
• Listen to real user needs, even if they don’t meet your expectations.

2. The Availability Bias is the Trendy Trap 

Availability bias happens when you base decisions on the most recent details they remember. It’s like digging into your brain and quickly pulling out the information brimming at the top.

Example: You just read about the new Pantone color of the year and decided to use it for your next design. However, once the product is released, you realize it clashes with your brand identity. Instead of choosing the best solution for your needs, you relied on the easiest information to recall, which limited the design possibilities.

How to Outsmart Availability Bias: 

• Explore many ideas and test if they align with your goals and objectives.
• Encourage brainstorming to move beyond obvious concepts.
• Concentrate on what’s meaningful, not what you conveniently think of.

3. Anchoring Bias is the First Idea Syndrome 

Anchoring bias occurs when early information sets your tone for future decisions. Putting too much weight on the first thing you learn creates unfair expectations for alternative design ideas and solutions. 

Example: During a brainstorming session, you suggest using a low-cost plastic. Now, every other material (like aluminum or sustainable composites) feels too expensive because the team is anchored to the first suggested price. This limits your creativity and stifles your ability to explore more innovative solutions.

How to Outsmart Anchoring Bias: 

• Treat all ideas equally and evaluate them on individual merit.
• Call out anchors early to keep discussions open and balanced.
• Revisit your initial assumptions to make sure you don’t squash your creativity.

4. The Status Quo Bias is a Designer's Comfort Zone 

Status quo bias is your preference to stick to the familiar, even when change could lead to better results. It’s like sinking into a comfy couch, you’re safe, but not necessarily productive or easy to get away from. 

Example: A designer avoids adopting new AI tools because they’re comfortable with traditional methods. Staying in your comfort zone means missing out on new, possibly more efficient, workflows and solutions. Sticking to the status quo can lead to a fear of innovation, despite its potential for improvement.

How to Outsmart Status Quo Bias: 

• Challenge norms and question if there’s a better way to achieve your desired function.
• Foster a culture of experimentation where your failure can lead to discovery.
• Remember that every innovative design started as a bold idea.

5. The Bandwagon Bias is Following Over Leading

The bandwagon bias tempts you to follow popular trends because they work for others. The relatable fear of missing out makes you jump on the latest crazes without considering if they fit your goals. 

Example: You want to add a flashy new feature to a product because it’s popular among your competitors. However, instead of enhancing your user experience, the feature feels unnecessary and out of sync with the brand. The result is an overdesigned, less functional, and more expensive product. Think critically and make the right choices for your business, don’t just follow others.

How to Outsmart Bandwagon Bias: 

• Focus on what your users truly want and need.
• Prioritize simple and timeless design instead of chasing fads.
• Test ideas with your users to see if they improve usage and functionality.

Navigate Design Biases for Better Solutions

Biases can be creativity’s silent saboteur in your design process. They are ready to derail your best intentions by playing tricks on your brain. Recognizing these biases helps you develop more valuable and effective solutions. By being mindful of these mental shortcuts, you can break free from limitations and unlock your full design potential. The next time you start a design project, keep these biases in check and let purpose, not shortcuts, guide your decisions.

At Beyond Design, we actively challenge cognitive biases to craft thoughtful and functional solutions. Explore how we turn this mindset into impactful designs by visiting our Work and Services pages, and keep checking back for insights that inspire better design thinking!