PinterestEXAMPLE 01
Signal a genuinely new control
Pinterest introduces newly added filters with a subtle movement. The change directs attention to something new; repeated movement would risk becoming distracting.
Selective Attention
People notice information that fits their current focus.
01 / UNDERSTAND
The idea
Attention is limited and guided by goals. A person concentrating on one task can overlook other visible information. Design should make essential information available where the person’s attention is likely to be.
People focus on a subset of the information around them. A prominent feature can still go unnoticed when it is unrelated to their immediate goal. Simplified headers, relevant focus, tooltips and targeted guidance can direct attention. Use interruptions carefully and preserve access to surrounding context.
02 / RECOGNISE
See it in real products.
Examples of how the principle can appear in an interface.
Rocket MoneyEXAMPLE 02
Help someone choose an initial focus
Rocket Money asks which selected goal matters first. A single priority can guide the next experience instead of treating every stated goal as equally immediate.
03 / CONNECT
Why it matters.
People may ignore visible information outside their current focus. Direct attention to a relevant action while keeping the surrounding task understandable.
Possible influences to investigate, rather than guaranteed outcomes for every product.
04 / APPLY
Put it into practice.
- 01
Place feedback near its cause
- 02
Reduce competing signals
- 03
Test with realistic tasks and distractions
05 / EXPLORE WITH UPSLIDE
Apply it with Upslide.
Use a practical guide, read a deeper explanation, or examine a related Upslide project.
UX Audit Framework Before SaaS Redesign
Set priority around the user’s role and action, not just what should attract attention.
UI Card Design: Anatomy, Best Practices and Examples
7 mins readUse card anatomy and hierarchy to make one set of information easier to compare.
See how WMPS makes quantities, statuses and material movement easier to scan.
CONNECT THE IDEAS
Related principles
Keep exploring
