Design thinking
Why did the chicken cross the road?
Instinct, learning, and the chicken’s journey
In the world of design, there’s a captivating interplay between instinct and learning- much like the timeless debate of nature versus nurture. It’s a puzzle that unravels when we ponder the age-old question: “Why did the chicken cross the road?”
Instinct, our natural gut feeling, guides our initial reactions to designs. It’s that immediate impression influencing our clicks, scrolls, and interactions. A blend of evolutionary traits and past experiences that shape how we engage with the world around us. Much like the chicken’s natural urge to move or explore, users might instinctively navigate through designs based on an inherent inclination.
Yet, learning plays a significant role in shaping our reactions to said designs. Each encounter with interfaces adds to our experiences. Positive ones cement certain behaviors, leading us toward familiar and intuitive patterns. Negative experiences steer us away from pitfalls. It’s akin to the chicken observing and learning from other chickens. Similarly, users learn from past interactions with interfaces, developing behaviors and preferences that guide their future interactions.
Consider a cozy bookstore, brimming with stories and experiences. The layout instinctively draws us in, while our previous encounters with beloved books guide us as we browse. The familiarity of knowing our way to the Sci-fi section or effortlessly finding the hidden gems among the classics becomes second nature.
Similarly, picture the local farmer’s market. A vibrant space thoughtfully designed to engage us. The arrangement of stalls and the lively ambiance instinctively capture our attention. Yet, it’s our familiarity from past visits, knowing which stalls offer our favorite goods, that steers our journey.
And the answer to that age-old question? “Why did the chicken cross the road?” Because the other chickens did too.
In this dance between instinct and learning, designers craft experiences that resonate and evolve alongside users. Both elements play crucial roles in shaping how individuals (or chickens!) navigate their environment.
Let’s embrace this interplay, creating designs that invite users on a journey they genuinely desire, not because they must, but because they want to.
Go stir the pot.
