Have you ever heard of the Pareto Principle? Actually, it is 80/20 rule, which means 80% of the results that come from 20% of efforts. If I let you know it in simple terms, then it means 80% of your output comes from 20% of your inputs. In this quick blog post, we’ll discuss about the Pareto Principle and how UX designers can use it to create better experiences for their users. So, let’s start reading.
Introduction to the Pareto Principle
“Design is really an act of communication, which means having a deep understanding of the person with whom the designer is communicating.
― Donald A. Norman from The Design of Everyday Things
UX is all about users and making their experiences better. And principles like Pareto really help in that. It can be a helpful tool for UX designers that are looking to create good experiences for users. Whether you have just started learning UI UX design or already have experience in it, this principle is highly recommended to follow.
The Pareto principle = 80/20 rule. In this principle, 20% of the elements will have the biggest impact on the user experience. By focusing on this thing, designers can make more informed decisions about their time and resource investment.
We can use this principle to prioritise design changes or features, make sure those with the biggest impact are given priority.
Although, Pareto principle is not a perfect solution, but if we use it correctly then it let us:
- Identify areas of opportunity
- Ensure all resources will be used on only biggest impact areas.
Benefits of Using the Pareto Principle for UX Designers
There are many benefits of using the Pareto Principle for UX design. Here, they are:
1. Increased Efficiency
By analysing 20% of users diving the 80% of the results, you can mark the areas of your website or app to focus more. This will increase your efficiency at work and will provide you better results.
2. Improved User Experience
By focusing on your most active and engaged users, you can enhance an overall user experience. That you can do by delivering the targeted and relevant content as well as designing features that truly align the needs of target audience.
3. Higher ROI
Optimising your efforts for those users most likely to convert leads to the biggest efficiency. This will result in the higher return on investment in your UI UX Design.
4. Reduced Frustration
It happens when users are satisfied to your website, app, or any product of yours. They are less frustrated and this led to improved customer satisfaction rates. This will increase the time of their stay at your website. It means low bounce rate.
5. Increased Engagement
If you focus on active users, helps to increase engagement, with your website or app. This will make users more still to your website, and the page reviews will be higher.
Examples of How the Pareto Principle Can Be Applied to UX Design
The Pareto Principle or 80/20 rule can be applied to many areas of life, including UX design.
When it comes to UX design, this principle can be applied in different ways. For example, at the time of designing a homepage, a designer might prioritise the 20% of the users who generate 80% of the traffic. Likewise, in software design, they focus on the 20% of the feature, which users depend on most, to enhance impact, and usability.
Tips on Making the Most of the Pareto Principle in UX Design
“Rule of thumb: if you think something is clever and sophisticated beware-it is probably self-indulgence.”
― Donald A. Norman
The Design of Everyday Things
Here are some tips on how to make the most of the Pareto principle for UX designers:
- Start by identifying the top 20% of the users who contribute the 80% of your outcomes.
- Focus on improving the experience for these high-impact users.
- Ensure the left 80% of users still receive a good experience, but avoid on over-investing resources, in low impact areas.
- Continuously monitor results so you can continue to optimise your UX strategy using the Pareto principle, for ongoing improvement.
Wrapping Up!
In conclusion, Pareto Principle is an important tool for UX designers and a must one to keep in mind when creating user experiences. This UX principle provide the guideline for maximising users benefits at the time of interactions with the services or product. By applying the principle correctly, UX designers can create better experiences for their users and boost user satisfaction.
About Author
Hello friends, this is Juhi Srivastava. I’m a UX designer and ADMEC Multimedia alumni. I love writing on UX and designing. As a graduate from ADMEC, I learned a lot from my mentors especially Ravi sir. You can check what I covered in my 6 months diploma in UX design at ADMEC.
