My name is Nadav; I'm a UX & Behavioral Designer. Focuses on an intuitive experience that continues the user's behavioral patterns. The questions about interactions between a product, the human brain, and visual perception are mysterious. They intrigue me with how to create a product experience that will provoke the person's emotions to make him act in the shortest time and in the highest quality way possible for that moment. I LOVE people. I love discovering their perception, vision, thinking patterns, desires, hidden needs, behavior patterns, and so on; everything that could potentially help me create an authentic experience.
My Mentoring Topics
- UX Strategy – focus on how to set KPIs against the goals and how to create a UX roadmap.
- Usability Testing – what we should identify during usability testing to maximize the results.
- Emotional Design – persuasion, human brain structure, biases, attractiveness as a trigger, negative emotions.
- UCD – the importance of user-centric design and how to focus on it, persona development against user research.
- Portfolio feedback and brainstorming on how to improve it.
A.
18.October 2022I had an awesome first session! It's obvious Nadav is very professional and passionate about this field. It's great to have people like him sharing their knowledge and experience. I'm looking forward to our next sessions.
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Emotional - How Feelings Shape Our Thinking
Leonard Mlodinow
Key Facts and Insights from "Emotional - How Feelings Shape Our Thinking" The human brain is a lot more emotional than we think it is, and our feelings often guide our decisions and actions. Emotions contribute significantly to our cognitive processes. They help us process information, make decisions, and guide our behavior. Our emotions are deeply intertwined with our thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions, creating a complex interplay that shapes our reality. Even our logical thinking and decision-making processes are influenced, if not dictated, by our emotions. Emotions are not just psychological experiences; they have physical manifestations in our bodies as well. Our emotions can be manipulated by external factors, such as social and environmental cues, leading us to respond in ways that may not align with our true feelings. Understanding the role of emotions in our thinking can help us manage our emotional responses better, leading to healthier mental states and improved decision-making. Emotion and cognition are not separate entities; they are intertwined and influence each other. This concept challenges the traditional dichotomy between emotion and reason. The book utilizes a variety of scientific research, studies, and real-life examples to explain the complex relationship between emotions and cognition. The author also provides practical tips and strategies for managing emotions and using them as tools for better decision-making and problem-solving. An In-depth Analysis of "Emotional - How Feelings Shape Our Thinking" Emotional - How Feelings Shape Our Thinking by Leonard Mlodinow is an illuminating exploration of the complex relationship between our emotions and cognitive processes. The book dismantles the conventional dichotomy between emotion and reason, demonstrating that our feelings are not just psychological experiences but also play a significant role in our decision-making and problem-solving processes. One key insight that resonates throughout the book is the idea that our emotions guide our thoughts, actions, and perceptions. This notion is backed by extensive scientific research, which shows that our feelings and emotions are deeply intertwined with our cognitive processes, influencing how we perceive reality. Our emotions are not just responses to external stimuli; they also shape our beliefs, decisions, and behaviors. Another noteworthy idea in the book is the physical manifestation of emotions. Our feelings are not confined to our minds; they also have physical consequences in our bodies. This understanding underscores the importance of managing our emotional responses to maintain our physical health. The author also delves into the concept of emotional manipulation. Our emotions can be influenced by external factors like societal norms, environmental cues, and social pressure. These influences can lead us to act in ways that do not align with our true feelings, resulting in cognitive dissonance. Understanding these influences can help us better manage our emotional responses and make decisions that are more aligned with our authentic selves. Mlodinow provides practical tips and strategies for managing emotions and using them as cognitive tools. He emphasizes the idea that understanding the role of emotions in our thinking can lead to better decision-making and healthier mental states. These practical insights make the book not just a theoretical exploration but also a practical guide for emotional management. In conclusion, Emotional - How Feelings Shape Our Thinking offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the complex interplay between emotions and cognition. It challenges traditional dichotomies, underscores the importance of emotional management, and provides practical insights for harnessing our feelings to enhance our cognitive processes. This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the intricate relationship between our feelings and thoughts.
ViewHooked - How to Build Habit-Forming Products
Nir Eyal
Key Facts and Insights from the Book The Hook Model: This is the central concept in the book, describing a four-step process that companies use to build customer habits: Trigger, Action, Variable Reward, and Investment. Triggers: These are cues that prompt the user into action. They can be external or internal, with internal triggers being more powerful as they are tied to emotions and thoughts. Action: This is the behavior performed in anticipation of a reward. The simpler the action, the more likely it is to occur. Variable Reward: The reward given after the action, which varies in nature to create a sense of unpredictability, thereby increasing user engagement. Investment: This is the user's contribution of time, data, effort, or money, which increases the likelihood of the user returning and repeating the cycle. Manipulation Matrix: This is a framework describing how products can be ethical or unethical based on whether they materially improve the user’s life and whether the maker would use the product. Habit testing: A process for identifying which elements of the Hook Model are working within a product and which are not. The role of frequency: The more frequently a user engages with a product, the more likely they are to form a habit around it. Behavioral design: The process of designing products to guide user behavior through the Hook Model. Importance of user psychology: Understanding user psychology is key to building habit-forming products. In-Depth Summary and Analysis "Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products" by Nir Eyal is a seminal work in the field of behavioral design and user engagement. The book provides a comprehensive guide for companies aiming to create products that are not just useful, but habit-forming. The central concept in the book is the Hook Model, a four-step process that companies use to build customer habits. This model involves a trigger, an action, a variable reward, and an investment. Triggers, acting as cues that prompt the user into action, are an essential first step in the Hook Model. They can be external, like notifications or emails, but the most powerful triggers are internal, tied to the user's emotions and thoughts. This concept aligns with numerous psychological theories, such as classical conditioning, where a conditioned stimulus triggers a conditioned response. The second step in the Hook Model is the Action. This is the behavior performed in anticipation of a reward. Eyal points out that the simpler the action is, the more likely it is to occur, corroborating Fogg's Behavior Model which posits that behavior happens when motivation, ability, and a trigger come together at the same time. The third step, Variable Reward, is perhaps the most intriguing. By varying the nature of the reward, companies can create a sense of unpredictability, thereby heightening user interest and engagement. This concept draws from B.F. Skinner’s operant conditioning theory, which found that variable rewards are more engaging than predictable ones. The final step, Investment, is the user's contribution of time, data, effort, or money. This step not only increases the likelihood of the user returning and repeating the cycle, but also aligns with the psychological concept of the sunk cost fallacy, where people continue a behavior due to the investment they've already made. Beyond the Hook Model, Eyal introduces the Manipulation Matrix – a tool to help makers understand where their product stands ethically. He argues that if a product materially improves the user’s life and the maker would use it themselves, it can be considered ethical. The book also discusses the importance of Habit Testing – a process for identifying which elements of the Hook Model are working within a product and which are not. This iterative approach aligns with the Lean Startup methodology of build-measure-learn. Eyal also emphasizes the role of frequency in habit formation. He argues that the more frequently a user engages with a product, the more likely they are to form a habit around it. This reflects the psychological concept of repetition and reinforcement in habit formation. Finally, Eyal delves into the realm of behavioral design – the process of designing products to guide user behavior through the Hook Model. At the core of this process is understanding user psychology, which is key to building habit-forming products. Here, Eyal echoes the sentiment of many behavioral economists and psychologists, emphasizing the need to understand cognitive biases and heuristics that influence user behavior. In conclusion, "Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products" provides valuable insights into the principles of behavioral design, user psychology, and ethical manipulation. It offers a robust framework for creating habit-forming products, making it an essential read for anyone involved in product development, marketing, and user experience design.
ViewThe Design of Everyday Things - Revised and Expanded Edition
Don Norman
Key Insights from "The Design of Everyday Things" The importance of user-centered design: Good design always puts the user at the center and considers their needs, preferences, and goals. The concept of affordances: Affordances are the potential actions that can be performed with an object. They guide the user on how to interact with the object. The role of signifiers: Signifiers indicate where the action should take place. They are crucial in guiding the user on what to do and where to do it. Error and fault tolerance: Good design should anticipate possible errors and include mechanisms to prevent them or make recovery easy. The principle of mapping: Mapping refers to the relationship between controls and their effects. Good mapping makes a product intuitive to use. Feedback and visibility: Users should receive immediate feedback on their actions. Visibility of the system’s status helps users understand what is happening. The concept of conceptual models: A conceptual model is the user’s understanding of how a product works. Good design helps users build accurate conceptual models. Inclusive design: Designs should be usable by as many people as possible, regardless of age, ability, or situation. The importance of constraints: Constraints limit the actions that can be performed and guide the user towards correct use. Iterative design and testing: Design is a process that involves creating prototypes, testing them, and refining based on feedback. An In-Depth Analysis of "The Design of Everyday Things" "The Design of Everyday Things" by Don Norman provides a comprehensive exploration of the principles that should guide good design. At its core, the book emphasizes the importance of user-centered design. This concept is not only about making things aesthetically pleasing but also about ensuring they are functional, intuitive, and easy to use for the user. It is the bridge between the user and the object's functionality. The book introduces the concept of affordances, which are the possible actions that a user can perform with an object. For example, a button affords pushing, and a door handle affords pulling or pushing. Affordances guide the user on how to interact with the object, making the design more intuitive. Complementing affordances are signifiers, which indicate where the action should take place. For instance, a handle on a door is a signifier that communicates to the user where to push or pull. These signifiers are crucial in guiding the user on what to do and where to do it. Norman also emphasizes the importance of error and fault tolerance in design. A well-designed object anticipates the possible errors a user might make and includes measures to prevent these errors or make recovery easy. This can be seen in software applications that offer undo functions or confirmation prompts before deleting files. The principle of mapping, another key concept, refers to the relationship between controls and their effects. Good mapping ensures that a product is intuitive to use. For instance, the controls on a stove should be arranged in the same layout as the burners they control. Norman also stresses the importance of feedback and visibility. Users should receive immediate feedback on their actions, and the system’s status should be visible at all times. This helps users understand what is happening and reinforces their sense of control. The concept of conceptual models is also central to Norman's thesis. A conceptual model is the user’s understanding of how a product works. Good design helps users build accurate conceptual models, making the product easier to use. The book also explores the idea of inclusive design. Designs should be usable by as many people as possible, regardless of their age, ability, or situation. This pushes designers to think beyond the 'average' user and consider a broad range of use scenarios. Norman also discusses the importance of constraints in guiding user behavior. Constraints limit the actions that can be performed and guide the user towards correct use. They can be physical, psychological, or cultural. Finally, the book emphasizes the importance of iterative design and testing. Design is a process that involves creating prototypes, testing them, and refining based on feedback. This process ensures that the final product is as user-friendly and effective as possible. Through these principles, "The Design of Everyday Things" offers vital insights on how to create products that are not just functional and beautiful, but also intuitive and pleasurable to use. It encourages designers to empathize with users, understand their needs and behaviors, and design products that make their lives easier and more enjoyable. As such, it is a must-read for anyone interested in design, usability, or human-computer interaction.
ViewEmotional Design - Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things
Don Norman
Key Insights from "Emotional Design - Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things" Emotion and Design: Design should elicit emotions, as emotions have a significant role in decision-making and perception of usability. Three Levels of Design: Norman identifies visceral, behavioral, and reflective as the three levels of emotional design. Importance of Aesthetics: Aesthetics matter as they can impact the perceived usability of a product. Positive Emotions and Problem-Solving: Positive emotions broaden cognitive abilities and improve problem-solving skills. Attractive Things Work Better: People tend to believe attractive products function better, a concept known as the aesthetic-usability effect. Emotional Ties to Objects: People often create emotional ties to objects, which can impact their long-term usage and perception of these objects. Design for Emotional Impact: Designers should aim to create an emotional impact, not just functional usability. The Role of Culture in Emotional Design: Cultural context is essential in emotional design, as different cultures may perceive and respond to design elements differently. Emotions and Memory: Emotions play a significant role in memory formation, thus impacting how users remember their interactions with a product. Designing for User Experience: Emotional design is a crucial aspect of enhancing the overall user experience. Role of Negative Emotion: Negative emotions can also be useful in design, as they can serve as motivators for change. An In-Depth Analysis of "Emotional Design - Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things" In "Emotional Design - Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things," Don Norman elucidates the essence of designing products that elicit emotions, highlighting the role of emotions in shaping user experience and decision-making. He postulates that design is not merely about functionality; instead, it is about creating an emotional experience that enhances the overall usability and perception of a product. Norman delineates emotional design into three levels: visceral, behavioral, and reflective. The visceral design pertains to the initial impact of a product, its look, and feel. This level of design is about immediate emotional reaction, which is inherently subconscious and universal across cultures. On the other hand, the behavioral design is about the use and experience of a product. It concerns how the product works, its functionality, and its performance. The reflective design, the highest level, considers the rationalization and intellectualization of a product. It involves the conscious thought, the story one tells oneself about the product, its use, and the meaning it brings into one's life. Norman argues that aesthetics significantly influence a product's perceived usability. Beautiful things seem to work better, a phenomenon he attributes to the aesthetic-usability effect. This concept underscores that people have a tendency to believe attractive products are more user-friendly, even if they are not. This insight should prompt designers to consider aesthetics in their designs, not just functionality. Emphasizing the role of positive emotions, Norman states that they broaden cognitive abilities and improve problem-solving skills. Thus, a well-designed product that elicits positive emotions can make users more tolerant of minor difficulties they may encounter while using it. Norman further discusses the emotional ties people often establish with objects. These emotional bonds can significantly influence the long-term usage and perception of these objects. Hence, designing for emotional impact is not just about creating a positive initial reaction but also about fostering a lasting emotional relationship with the product. The role of culture in emotional design is also highlighted. Norman emphasizes that cultural context is critical, as different cultures may perceive and respond to design elements differently. Consequently, a good design should take into account the cultural background of its target users. Emotions also play a significant role in memory formation. Users are likely to remember their interactions with a product more vividly and accurately if they experienced strong emotions during those interactions. This understanding can be leveraged in design to create memorable user experiences. Norman concludes by stressing the importance of emotional design in enhancing the overall user experience. While usability is important, it is the emotional design that truly makes a product enjoyable, memorable, and desirable. Interestingly, Norman also points out that negative emotions have a place in design. They can serve as motivators for change, pushing users to seek solutions and improve their situation. Thus, evoking negative emotions at the right moment can be a useful design strategy. In sum, "Emotional Design - Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things" provides valuable insights into the role of emotions in design and how they can be leveraged to create better user experiences. The book emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to design, one that considers not just the functional aspects but also the emotional impact of a product.
ViewStrategic Writing for UX - Drive Engagement, Conversion, and Retention with Every Word
Torrey Podmajersky
Key Facts or Insights from "Strategic Writing for UX - Drive Engagement, Conversion, and Retention with Every Word" UX writing is a crucial part of designing a user-friendly and intuitive product or service. It helps in guiding users, providing them with information, and enhancing their overall experience. The book emphasizes the value of simplicity and clarity in UX writing. Users appreciate direct, easy-to-understand instructions and information. Testing and iteration are fundamental aspects of UX writing. The author stresses the importance of continuously testing the effectiveness of your copy and refining it based on user feedback. The book provides practical methods to optimize UX writing for increased engagement, conversion, and retention. Podmajersky suggests that UX writing should align with the brand's voice and tone. This consistency adds to the credibility and trustworthiness of a brand. Understanding the user's perspective is crucial. The book emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding the users' needs, behaviors, and emotions. UX writers need to be mindful of linguistic and cultural nuances while crafting the copy, as it can significantly influence the user's perception and experience. The book underscores the importance of collaboration in UX writing. A UX writer should work in harmony with the design team and stakeholders for an integrated and comprehensive approach. Podmajersky provides numerous real-world examples to illustrate the principles and strategies of UX writing. She also discusses the future of UX writing, delving into the role of artificial intelligence and automation in this field. In-depth Analysis Torrey Podmajersky's "Strategic Writing for UX" is a practical guide that contributes significantly to the understanding and application of UX writing. The author, with her extensive experience in the field, presents a comprehensive view of UX writing and its impact on user engagement, conversion, and retention. The book underlines the value of simplicity and clarity in UX writing. This aligns with one of the fundamental principles of usability - that users should find the product easy to use and understand. In my years of teaching and research in this field, I have found that users appreciate direct and clear instructions. This book reinforces this point, and I believe it is a crucial takeaway for anyone who wants to improve their UX writing skills. Testing and iteration form an essential part of UX writing, as the book rightly points out. UX writing, like any other aspect of UX design, is not a one-time process. It involves continuous refinement based on user feedback and changing user needs. I have always emphasized this iterative approach in my teachings, and this book provides practical methods to implement this process effectively. The book's emphasis on aligning UX writing with the brand's voice and tone is another important aspect. Consistency in voice and tone not only adds to the brand's credibility but also makes the user experience more seamless. This is a point I often highlight in my lectures, as many brands overlook this aspect and end up confusing their users with inconsistent messaging. Understanding the user's perspective is another essential point that the book emphasizes. A successful UX writer needs to empathize with the users, understand their needs, behaviors, and emotions. This user-centered approach is something I have always advocated, and this book provides clear guidelines on how to achieve this. Considering linguistic and cultural nuances in UX writing is a point that many UX writers overlook, but the book highlights its importance. In a globalized world where products and services cater to diverse audiences, it is crucial to ensure that the UX writing does not alienate or confuse any user group due to linguistic or cultural differences. Collaboration is a recurring theme in this book. The author stresses the importance of UX writers working closely with the design team and stakeholders for an integrated approach. This is in line with my teachings, where I emphasize that UX design is a collaborative effort and not a solitary endeavor. Real-world examples in the book provide practical insights into how the principles and strategies of UX writing are implemented. These examples not only make the concepts relatable but also provide a clear understanding of their application. Finally, the book delves into the future of UX writing, discussing the role of artificial intelligence and automation. This forward-looking perspective is valuable as it prepares UX writers for the evolving landscape of this field. In conclusion, "Strategic Writing for UX" provides valuable insights and practical guidance on UX writing. It is a comprehensive resource that can enhance the understanding and skills of both beginners and experienced professionals in this field.
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D.
20.October 2022It is clear that Nadav is a gifted teacher! There was a lot of fluidity and professionalism in the session. Nadav spends his time teaching the material professionally and efficiently. Thank you very much, Nadav. Looking forward to the next lesson (: