Design Friction

Abstract

This study evaluates if intentionally added design friction affects users level of satisfaction when using a mobile application. Today most applications are designed to have as little friction as possible. An interesting question is if a more mindful interaction will lead to more satisfied users. In this study two prototypes inspired by the Headspace application where tested. One prototype had added design friction and the other had none. The participants were asked to rate their experience and to choose which prototype they preferred. The result shows that most participants of the test would choose the mobile application with added design friction and that they felt more satisfied when they had a clear understanding of the goal of the task.