Humans are wired to pay close attention to patterns and changes in their environment. This trait dates back to prehistoric times, where being able to spot changes in patterns could mean the difference between life and death. In a world where food was scarce, detecting changes in the pattern of animal movements could signal the presence of prey. On the other hand, changes in the pattern of natural phenomena like weather could mean an approaching danger.
In today’s world, this instinctive response to patterns and changes in our environment still exists, and it plays a big role in how we interact with the world around us. This is especially true when it comes to our experience with design and digital products. Our brains are trained to seek out patterns and predictability, but when everything is routine and predictable, it can become boring and disengaging.
That’s why it’s important for designers to break patterns in their designs. Doing so can create an element of surprise and unpredictability that captures our attention and keeps us engaged. By breaking patterns, designers can introduce unexpected elements that disrupt our assumptions and force us to pay attention. This can make even the most mundane tasks and interactions feel fresh and exciting.
For example, consider a website that always has the same layout and structure. After a while, users will become familiar with the layout and stop paying attention to it. However, if the designer were to introduce a new element, such as a pop-up window that appears unexpectedly, it would instantly capture the user’s attention and break the routine. This can also add a sense of playfulness and personality to the design that makes it more memorable and engaging.
In conclusion, the human brain is wired to pay close attention to patterns and changes in our environment. This trait dates back to prehistoric times when spotting changes in patterns could mean danger or food. In today’s world, this instinctive response to patterns still exists, and it plays a big role in how we interact with the world around us. Designers can use this knowledge to their advantage by breaking patterns in their designs to keep users engaged and create an element of surprise and unpredictability. So, next time you’re designing a product or experience, consider breaking the routine and adding a touch of unpredictability to keep your users on their toes.