In an era of unrelenting digital immersion, the interface between human wellbeing and user experience (UX) design has never been more critical. At its heart, UX design is about creating products and services that are usable, accessible, and delightful. But beneath these practical and aesthetic considerations lies a deeper potential—to shape emotional states and support mental wellbeing.
This dual role—of utility and empathy—places UX design at a fascinating crossroads. How can we as designers create experiences that not only serve a functional purpose but also foster positive emotions and mitigate the risk of harm?
Good UX as an emotional scaffold
A well-designed user experience is more than just a polished interface or smooth functionality, it’s a subtle orchestration of interactions that will evoke trust, joy, and satisfaction while reducing frustration, anxiety and confusion.
Consider how Google’s homepage uses simplicity to help reduce cognitive load and isolate the task, or how Duolingo gamifies language learning to transform a somewhat daunting undertaking into an engaging journey. These designs are underpinned by principles that prioritise the user’s emotional journey, not just their transactional or content goals.
The science behind UX and emotional states
Research underscores the profound connection between digital interactions and psychological wellbeing. A 2020 study published in Frontiers in Psychology highlights how positive user experiences can activate reward pathways in the brain, promoting feelings of achievement and satisfaction. Conversely, poorly designed systems can elevate stress hormones, leading to frustration and disengagement (Fogg, 2003).
Psychologists have long studied the interplay between environment and mood—and digital environments are no exception. The frameworks of emotional design, pioneered by Don Norman, remind us that products influence users on visceral, behavioural, and reflective levels. A cheerful animation, a reassuring error message, or an intuitive navigation flow can provide real moments of levity and empowerment.
Principles of UX that support wellbeing
Clarity reduces cognitive load: Ambiguous designs and overly complex interfaces create cognitive strain. Clear visual hierarchies, concise copy, and intuitive navigation reduce the mental effort required, fostering a sense of ease.
Empathy drives accessibility: Inclusive design ensures that products work for users of all abilities. Accessible solutions, from screen reader compatibility to colour contrast, not only expand usability but also promote equity and dignity.
Feedback fosters trust: Immediate and transparent feedback—such as progress indicators or confirmation messages—reinforces user confidence and reduces uncertainty.
Playfulness encourages positivity: Gamification elements, delightful animations, or moments of surprise can spark joy. These flourishes create emotional resonance, making experiences memorable and enjoyable.
Control mitigates stress: Allowing users to customise settings or undo mistakes reduces feelings of helplessness. When users feel in control, their stress levels drop.
Consistency provides comfort: Familiar design patterns reduce the learning curve and eliminate friction. Consistent layouts and predictable interactions anchor users in the familiar, lowering anxiety.
Designing to avoid harm
The inverse of fostering positive emotional states is mitigating risks that stem from poor design. Dark patterns, such as manipulative design tactics, exploit user vulnerabilities, leading to regret and distrust. Overly engaging mechanisms, like infinite scroll or intrusive notifications, can exacerbate feelings that overwhelm or lead to compulsive behaviour. These pitfalls highlight the ethical responsibility of designers to appropriately balance and prioritise user wellbeing over short-term metrics like time-on-site or click-through rates. Sacrificing the former for the latter, doesn’t sound like the route to sustainable success
A call for mindful design
The future of UX design as it evolves will not simply be about more efficient interfaces or dazzling visuals. It’s a commitment to understanding the human condition and creating experiences that honour it. This requires a shift in mindset—from users as customers to users as people.
As we design the digital environments of tomorrow, we as UX designers, hold immense power to influence emotional states, mental health, and overall wellbeing. Let us wield this power with care, aligning our designs not only with business goals but also with the needs of the human spirit.
To borrow a phrase from Don Norman, “Attractive things work better,” but perhaps more importantly, they feel better too. UX in a nutshell is how a digital experience makes someone feel. In a world increasingly mediated by screens and immersive tech, users feeling better might just be the most profound metric of all.
User Experience Director
