The Dunning-Kruger effect is a cognitive bias that impacts individuals' perception of their own abilities. For designers and clients, this bias can have significant implications for the overall quality of the user experience. If designers recognize the risks associated with the Dunning-Kruger effect and implement strategies to minimize its impact, they can create more effective and user-centered designs.
CEO of Experience Dynamics, Frank Spillers explains how designers need to be aware of bias:
The Dunning-Kruger effect comes from the research of psychologists David Dunning and Justin Kruger. It refers to the phenomenon where individuals with low ability in a particular domain overestimate their competence. Meanwhile, individuals with high ability tend to underestimate their competence. The overarching risk is that those who lack knowledge or skill in a specific area often have an inflated sense of their own expertise. They can’t recognize the complexity of the issue at hand. Nor can they see that they are ill-equipped to handle it. They are both unskilled and unaware. As a result, they exhibit a high level of confidence in their abilities despite their actual incompetence.
This effect stems from a lack of metacognitive abilities—the ability to accurately assess one's own knowledge and skills. People who are less competent in a domain are also less likely to recognize their own deficiencies or limitations. As a result, they may exhibit overconfidence and make poor judgments or decisions based on their limited understanding of the subject matter. They can’t understand that they can’t understand the issue at hand in full. Nevertheless, they might insist on making what they believe are the best choices—a potentially hazardous situation in some circumstances.
The many biases that affect the mind.
© Shin Kok, Fair Use
In the context of user experience (UX) design, the Dunning-Kruger effect can have many negative consequences for a product or service. When individuals involved in a design project are unaware of their own limitations, they may fail to recognize the sheer complexity of user needs and preferences. They can’t grasp the many points about the users’ contexts and other vital attributes about these users. This can lead to designs that are not user-friendly or fail to address the core problems that various types of users face.
Additionally, designers and team members who overestimate their abilities may be less receptive to feedback and less likely to seek input from others. This can result in a lack of collaboration and a failure to incorporate diverse perspectives into the design process. Ultimately, the Dunning-Kruger effect can hinder the ability of designers to create effective and user-centric designs for real users in the target audience.
Ultimately, this overestimation of design abilities can lead to poor user experiences and spell trouble for a brand if it doesn’t recognize and check this bias. It highlights the importance of humility, ongoing learning and user-centered design in the field of UX when design teams are creating products and services. Product designers and service designers need to be aware of this human tendency to overestimate abilities—and overlook realities—throughout the UX design process. Anyone with a voice on the design team, including all stakeholders and clients, likewise should keep the limitations and risks associated with the Dunning-Kruger effect top of mind.
The following examples highlight the range of ways in which the Dunning-Kruger effect can manifest in UX design—and the potential negative impact on the user experience:
A designer who is new to the field may overestimate their abilities and assume they have a deep understanding of user needs. They may also overlook the importance of proper user research and user testing. Without proper training and experience, they may overlook important design principles and make decisions that negatively impact the user experience.
On the other end of the spectrum, an experienced designer may underestimate their abilities and fail to recognize their expertise. They may question their design decisions excessively. This can lead to a lack of confidence and hesitation in the design process.
Designers who work in isolation without seeking feedback from users or collaborating with other professionals may fall victim to the Dunning-Kruger effect. Without external perspectives, they may become overly confident in their own design choices and miss opportunities for improvement.
A designer who dismisses user feedback or fails to consider alternative perspectives due to an inflated sense of their own expertise may alienate users and create designs that do not meet these users’ needs.
It’s also important to recognize how the effect can manifest in stakeholders or clients. They may believe that their limited understanding of UX design is enough to make design decisions. Not only can this jeopardize the success of a design project, but it can also lead to a lack of trust between designers and clients. Many unskilled clients won’t see eye to eye with designers—as they fail to understand that they can’t see eye to eye at such important technical levels. As a result, miscommunication can arise easily, and clients may have a resistance to explore alternative design approaches or incorporate innovative ideas. Here are some examples of the Dunning-Kruger effect on the client side:
A client with limited knowledge of UX design insists on implementing design choices. These choices have no basis in user research or best practices, and can stem from personal preferences or eccentricities. Despite the best advice of the UX designer, the client believes their ideas are superior. However, that’s because of their incomplete understanding of UX principles and user needs. Also, they may have inaccurate grasps of fundamental issues such as visual design. As a result, the final product may not meet user needs. A subpar user experience will follow for a large number of users.
A stakeholder who has attended a few UX design workshops or read a few articles on the topic may overestimate their design skills. They may believe they have a comprehensive understanding of UX principles. Also, they may dismiss the expertise of the UX designer and impose their own design solutions on the product team. That may cause a lack of user-centricity and potentially undermine the effectiveness of the design.
A client with limited knowledge of UX design can fail to recognize the complexity and nuances involved when designers create effective user experiences. They may underestimate the importance of conducting user research, usability testing or iterative design processes. That may result in a superficial and ineffective design solution that does not address user needs.
Author, Speaker and Leadership Coach, Todd Zaki Warfel explains how designers need to adjust their communication for other project personnel:
UX designers face several risks when it comes to the Dunning-Kruger effect. Here are significant ones:
The danger of a client or powerful stakeholder overruling valid design decisions: Power and wisdom may sometimes not be in sync. For example, a client may base decisions on personal preferences rather than the necessary user experience design foundations (namely, design principles and user research). Consequently, they might go against the sound advice of the design team and ignore the best guidance from designers, UX researchers and product managers.
The potential for designers to become overconfident in their abilities and overlook important aspects of the user experience: This can lead to designs that are not intuitive, difficult to use or fail to meet user needs.
Impaired decision-making: When designers are overly confident in their own expertise, they may dismiss valuable feedback or fail to consider alternative perspectives. This can result in missed opportunities for improvement and a lack of innovation in the design process.
Hindrance of professional growth and development: If designers are unaware of their own limitations, they may be less motivated to seek further education or skill development. This can limit their ability to adapt to new technologies and design trends. Ultimately, this can hinder their career progression.
Morgane Peng, Design Director at Societe Generale, explains common issues when designers deal with individuals who do not understand design:
Users can also fall victim to the Dunning-Kruger effect. Here are some examples that designers should consider for the overall user experience in a website or app or service:
Inadequate user onboarding: Users who overestimate their understanding of a product may struggle with the onboarding process. This can lead to frustration and a higher likelihood of abandonment. To address the Dunning-Kruger effect, designers should create intuitive onboarding processes that cater to users with varying levels of expertise.
Reduced user engagement: Overconfident users may overlook important features or fail to engage with the product in meaningful ways. This can result in a diminished user experience. If they acknowledge the Dunning-Kruger effect, UX designers can implement strategies to guide users to discover and utilize all relevant features.
Misinterpretation of feedback: Users with limited expertise may provide feedback that stems from misconceptions. This can potentially lead to misguided design decisions if designers do not properly contextualize their input. If UX designers recognize the Dunning-Kruger effect, they can carefully evaluate user feedback and distinguish between valid insights and misunderstandings.
Decreased product adoption: If novice users encounter difficulties because they have overestimated their proficiency, they may be less likely to adopt the product or recommend it to others. For designers to address the Dunning-Kruger effect, they should create an environment that accommodates users across the expertise spectrum, and foster a positive first impression and encourage continued usage for a wide range of target users.
Impaired brand perception: A user's experience with a product can significantly influence their perception of the brand as a whole. Frustrations that come from the Dunning-Kruger effect can lead to negative associations and impact brand loyalty. If designers understand and mitigate the effect, they can help cultivate positive brand experiences for users of all skill levels.
Above all, designers need to keep users on board via empathy with them, as this video explains:
To prevent or minimize the impact of the Dunning-Kruger effect in UX design, designers can implement several strategies:
Practice self-awareness and reflection: Designers should cultivate self-awareness and regularly reflect on their own knowledge and limitations. This requires them to acknowledge areas where they may lack expertise and be open to learning from others.
Demonstrate expertise and value: Designers should strive to demonstrate their expertise and the value they bring to the design process. They can achieve this through effective communication and showcasing past successful projects. Plus, they can provide case studies that highlight the positive impact of user-centered design.
Seek diverse perspectives: Designers should actively seek feedback from users, stakeholders and other professionals. If they embrace diverse perspectives, they can help uncover blind spots. This can lead to more inclusive and user-centered design solutions.
Engage in continuous learning: Designers should prioritize continuous learning and professional development. They should stay up-to-date with industry trends, attend conferences and workshops, and seek out new knowledge. That way, they can help combat the Dunning-Kruger effect and ensure they possess the latest tools and techniques.
Value collaboration and teamwork: It’s essential to create a collaborative environment where designers can openly share ideas, seek input and challenge each other's assumptions. A culture of collaboration and embracing diverse perspectives can foster more innovative and user-centric designs.
Conduct proper user research and testing: This is essential to validate design decisions and ensure they align with user needs and preferences. If designers involve users throughout the design process, they can mitigate the risk of the Dunning-Kruger effect and create designs that truly meet user expectations.
UX Strategist and Consultant William Hudson explains the need for proper user research:
Educate clients and stakeholders: It’s vital to teach clients and stakeholders about the principles and best practices of UX design. Designers should provide these individuals with a deeper understanding of the complexities involved. From there, clients and non-design-oriented stakeholders may become more receptive to the expertise and recommendations of UX designers. When these channels of communication are open, valid input and evidence-based insights and rationale for design decisions will be more likely.
Provide user insights and data: The use of user insights and data can help counteract the Dunning-Kruger effect as they will ground design decisions in empirical evidence. When designers incorporate user research, usability testing and analytics, they can provide objective data to support recommendations. Also, they can illustrate the impact of different design choices on the user experience.
Overall, it’s crucial for designers to continually challenge their own assumptions, seek feedback and remain open to learning and growth. When they understand and navigate the complexities of the Dunning-Kruger effect, they can help create exceptional user experiences that meet the needs and expectations of all users.
Take our course User Experience: The Beginner’s Guide.
Read our insightful piece Deformation Professionnelle and the Dunning-Kruger Effect – When Expertise Isn’t So Great.
Find further fascinating insights in How to improve Experience Design by managing cognitive biases by Marina Shapria, Ph.D.
Read The Beauty of the Dunning-Kruger Effect in the UX by Pavel Nekoranec for additional information.
David Dunning and Justin Kruger, two social psychologists, discovered the Dunning-Kruger effect. In 1999, they published a study showing that people with little knowledge or skill in a particular area often overestimate their abilities. At the same time, those with more knowledge or skill tend to underestimate their capabilities. This discovery highlights a key psychological bias where one's lack of knowledge leads to a false sense of confidence, whereas true expertise may bring about a more humble self-assessment.
Take our Master Class How To Remove Bias From Your Products with Indi Young, Researcher, Author, Speaker and Coach, to understand more about bias and design.
The Dunning-Kruger effect and impostor syndrome contrast sharply in how individuals assess their abilities. David Dunning and Justin Kruger discovered the Dunning-Kruger effect, showing that people with limited knowledge or skill in a particular area often overestimate their abilities. In contrast, those with significant knowledge or skill might underestimate their capabilities. This phenomenon leads less experienced individuals to possess a false sense of confidence, while the more knowledgeable doubt their competencies.
Impostor syndrome, on the other hand, involves individuals feeling like they do not deserve their success or positions, fearing they might be exposed as a "fraud." This syndrome often affects highly skilled or successful people who, despite external evidence of their competence, cannot internalize their accomplishments. They believe they have fooled everyone into thinking they are more competent than they actually are.
While the Dunning-Kruger effect reflects overconfidence in one's abilities due to a lack of knowledge, impostor syndrome describes a lack of confidence despite evidence of high competence. Both phenomena underscore the complex nature of self-assessment and the psychological challenges individuals face in recognizing and valuing their own skills and knowledge accurately.
Get a sharp and clear view of what good design calls for when a designer has the confidence to pursue empathy with the users:
The Dunning-Kruger effect and "deformation professionnelle" are both psychological concepts, but they differ in their focus and application.
The Dunning-Kruger effect refers to a cognitive bias in which people with low ability at a task overestimate their ability. In contrast, those with high ability may underestimate their competence. This effect is particularly evident in situations where individuals lack the expertise to recognize their own incompetence. "Deformation professionnelle" is a French term that translates to "professional deformation" and refers to the tendency of professionals to perceive the world through the narrow lens of their own profession. It can lead to a limited perspective on issues and an inability to consider alternative viewpoints outside of one's professional expertise.
The Dunning-Kruger effect primarily focuses on individuals' self-assessment of their own competence, often in comparison to others. On the other hand, "deformation professionnelle" centers on the impact of professional training and experience on an individual's worldview and decision-making processes.
Take our Master Class How To Remove Bias From Your Products with Indi Young, Researcher, Author, Speaker and Coach, to understand more about bias and design.
When designers address the Dunning-Kruger effect, they must consider several ethical points. First, it’s crucial to respect all team members' perspectives. Designers should acknowledge that individuals may overestimate their abilities due to a lack of knowledge. However, they should approach this situation with empathy and support, not judgment.
Second, it’s vital to promote continuous learning and feedback. Designers should create an environment where everyone feels comfortable seeking and giving constructive feedback. This practice helps individuals recognize their skill levels more accurately and fosters an atmosphere of growth and development.
Third, honesty and transparency about one's abilities are essential. Designers should encourage honesty in self-assessment and openness about areas for improvement. This honesty leads to more effective team collaboration and better project outcomes.
Finally, inclusivity and diversity in design teams can mitigate the Dunning-Kruger effect. When designers value diverse perspectives and skills, they can create a more balanced understanding of competencies within the team. This diversity helps to check overconfidence and promotes a more accurate self-assessment among team members.
These ethical considerations ensure that designers navigate the Dunning-Kruger effect respectfully and constructively, leading to a more inclusive, empathetic and effective design practice.
UX Designer and Author of Build Better Products and UX for Lean Startups, Laura Klein explains the value of cross-functional teams, given that communication between teams is important to identify abilities clearly.
Designers can work to address the Dunning-Kruger effect to significantly enhance inclusivity and accessibility in design when they foster a culture of humility and openness. First, when designers recognize their own limits in understanding diverse user needs, they become more inclined to involve users from varied backgrounds in the design process. This involvement ensures that products cater to a wider range of abilities and perspectives, making them more accessible and user-friendly.
Second, when designers acknowledge the Dunning-Kruger effect, they encourage themselves to seek out and value expertise beyond their own, especially from individuals with direct experience of accessibility challenges. This can lead to more innovative and effective design solutions that better meet the needs of all users.
Third, when design teams understand this cognitive bias, they can create more inclusive work environments. They become more receptive to learning from each other, and recognize that everyone has unique strengths and areas for growth. This mutual respect and learning can lead to more collaborative and effective design outcomes.
In summary, when designers address the Dunning-Kruger effect, it can help break down barriers to inclusivity and accessibility in design. It promotes a more empathetic approach to design, where design teams can not just consider diverse user needs but also actively seek them out and integrate them into the design process.
See why accessibility is such a vital issue in this video:
The Dunning-Kruger effect influences client-designer relationships in terms of communication and expectations. When designers overestimate their abilities due to the Dunning-Kruger effect, they may promise more than they can deliver. This overconfidence can lead to unrealistic timelines or underestimating the complexity of a project, resulting in missed deadlines or subpar work.
On the other side, clients with limited knowledge in design might also fall prey to the Dunning-Kruger effect, and overestimate their understanding of the design process. Such clients may challenge professional recommendations, request unfeasible changes, or have unrealistic expectations, complicating the design process.
To mitigate these issues, designers need to place a key emphasis on effective communication. Designers should clearly explain their design choices, project timelines and the complexity involved. If they educate clients about the design process, they can help set realistic expectations and build trust.
Similarly, designers should practice humility, recognize their limitations, and be open to feedback. If designers acknowledge that there is always room for improvement, they can foster a collaborative relationship with clients, leading to more successful outcomes.
An understanding and addressing of the Dunning-Kruger effect in these relationships can lead to better communication, more realistic expectations, and ultimately, higher satisfaction for both clients and designers.
Take our Master Class How To Remove Bias From Your Products with Indi Young, Researcher, Author, Speaker and Coach, to understand more about bias and design.
The Dunning-Kruger effect is not culturally specific; researchers have observed it universally across various cultures. This phenomenon, where people with limited knowledge or skills overestimate their abilities, and those with more knowledge or skills underestimate theirs, reflects a basic human cognitive bias. It stems from the difficulty individuals have in accurately assessing their own skills and knowledge, regardless of cultural background.
Studies have shown that while the magnitude and manifestations of the Dunning-Kruger effect can vary among different cultures due to factors like societal values and education systems, the underlying principle remains consistent. For example, cultures that highly value modesty and self-effacement may see a less pronounced overestimation among the less competent. Conversely, in cultures that emphasize self-confidence and individual achievement, the effect might be more evident.
This universality suggests that the Dunning-Kruger effect is rooted in fundamental aspects of human psychology, such as the way people process information and evaluate themselves. It’s crucial to recognize this bias for personal development and improving skills accurately, regardless of cultural context.
Get a sharp view of what’s really going on in modern design and what designers truly need to know. Don Norman, the Grandfather of UX Design, shows clear views of what designers need to consider:
Tongji University by Daniel Foster (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/danielfoster/4792534618/in/photostream/In UX design, the Dunning-Kruger effect can significantly influence the outcomes of user research, often in challenging ways. In user research, this effect can manifest in several ways:
Participants overestimating their tech savviness: Users with limited technical expertise might overestimate their ability to navigate complex interfaces. This can lead them to provide overly positive feedback on a product that might actually be confusing for the broader user base.
Researchers' bias: UX researchers, especially those new to the field, might overestimate their ability to interpret user behavior accurately. They might potentially overlook critical insights or misinterpret user feedback due to a lack of experience.
Design decisions that come from flawed insights: When either users or researchers overestimate their understanding, the insights they gather can lead to design decisions that do not accurately address user needs or solve the right problems. This can impact the product's overall usability and effectiveness.
To mitigate these effects, it's crucial for UX teams to foster a culture of continuous learning, encourage humility and ensure the team and stakeholders consider diverse perspectives. When teams employ mixed-method research approaches and validate findings through multiple rounds of testing, it can also help counteract the biases that the Dunning-Kruger effect introduces. This can lead to more accurate and user-centered design outcomes.
Take our Master Class How to Conduct Effective User Interviews with Joshua Seiden, Co-Author of Lean UX and Founder of Seiden Consulting.
Gibbs, S. (2016). The above average effect in an end-user computing context (Doctoral dissertation, Department of Tourism, Sport and Society).
This doctoral thesis by Gibbs (2016) explores the above-average effect within the realm of end-user computing (EUC), shedding light on how this social bias manifests in a rapidly evolving domain crucial for many workplaces. By merging the concepts of the above-average effect and EUC, the study offers a unique perspective on how personal factors interact with cognitive biases to shape perceptions of skill levels in oneself and others. The research not only confirms the presence of the above-average effect in EUC but also uncovers unexpected interactions between variables that moderate its impact, challenging previous assumptions. Additionally, while mixed evidence regarding the Dunning-Kruger Effect's role presents, the study highlights the complexities of cognitive biases in dynamic environments like EUC. Overall, this work contributes significantly to understanding biases in skill assessment and has implications for training and skill development in modern workplaces.
2. Zhou, Q. (2020). Cognitive Biases in Technical Communication. In 2020 IEEE International Professional Communication Conference (ProComm). DOI: 10.1109/ProComm48883.2020.00012.
Zhou's (2020) paper on Cognitive Biases in Technical Communication, presented at the 2020 IEEE International Professional Communication Conference, delves into the crucial role cognitive biases play in shaping communication within technical contexts. By categorizing biases related to past experiences, stimuli response, decision-making, and social contexts, the paper offers insights tailored for technical communicators and users in engineering fields. This work stands out for its practical approach, providing examples and strategies for addressing and leveraging cognitive biases to enhance communication effectiveness. By highlighting the significance of understanding these biases, the paper contributes to improving engineering communication practices and user experiences, making it influential in the field of technical communication.
1. Lidwell, W., Holden, K., & Butler, J. (2023). Universal Principles of Design, Updated and Expanded Third Edition: 200 Ways to Increase Appeal, Enhance Usability, Influence Perception, and Make Decisions (Volume 1). Rockport Universal.
Universal Principles of Design by Lidwell, Holden, and Butler has been influential for its comprehensive coverage of essential design principles across various disciplines. The book's format makes it accessible and practical for designers of all levels. By encompassing concepts from marketing campaigns to complex control systems, this encyclopedia serves as a valuable resource for designers, engineers, architects, students, and anyone looking to enhance their design expertise and creativity.
2. Moore, K. (2024). The Dunning-Kruger Conundrum: Decoding Human Overconfidence, Expertise Deception, and the Lemon Juice Heist That Inspired a Psychological Revolution (Cognition Insights Series Book 3) [Kindle Edition].
The Dunning-Kruger Conundrum by Kurt Moore delves into the intriguing story of the Lemon Juice Heist involving McArthur Wheeler, which led to the discovery of the Dunning-Kruger Effect. Through this captivating narrative, Moore explores the complexities of human overconfidence and the deception of expertise. By unraveling cognitive biases that fuel unwarranted confidence, the book sheds light on the delicate balance between actual knowledge and perceived knowledge. With relatable anecdotes and real-life examples, Moore navigates readers through the nuances of cognitive illusions, offering insights that resonate with personal experiences. This book serves as a mirror reflecting the intricacies of human thought processes, providing a fresh perspective on self-awareness and decision-making in a world filled with illusions.
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Here’s the entire UX literature on the Dunning-Kruger Effect by the Interaction Design Foundation, collated in one place:
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