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Placebo in modern design
And how does an important medical principle affect our design sensibilities?
Imagine using a new app. You tap a button, and a loading animation spins on the screen. Even though it lasts just a second, it makes you feel like the app is working hard to fetch your data or, is it?
This little animation is a perfect example of a placebo in design.
Netflix Progress Loader.
Now let’s first understand this cool phenomenon and why it relates to our designs.
So, What is a Placebo?
In medical terms, a placebo is a treatment that doesn’t actually have an active effect but can make people feel better simply because they believe it works.
By extending its definition and rephrasing it in design terms, a placebo is a visual element that doesn’t necessarily perform a practical task but makes users think about the task going on and makes them feel better about their experience.
Why use Placebos in Design?
Enhancing User Experience
Placebos can make interactions feel smoother and more satisfying.
Example: Loading animations such as progress bars or loading spinners can make a wait feel shorter, even without doing anything.
Building Trust and Confidence
Small design details can reassure users that the system is working as it should.
Example: “Saving” notification after editing a document doesn’t speed up the actual save process or contribute to it whatsoever, but confirms that your work is safe.
Guiding User Behavior
Placebos can gently nudge users towards certain behaviors and provide appropriate feedback.
Example: a subtle vibration or sound when a button is pressed provides physical feedback to a virtual action that can make the action feel more real and satisfying.
