No. #107

Illusion of Control
- Overestimating Personal Influence

The illusion of control is the tendency for people to overestimate their ability to control events, leading to an unrealistic sense of influence over outcomes that are largely determined by chance. This can impact user engagement with products, especially those involving elements of chance or risk.

Read more on Wikipedia

Product example

Users of gambling or investment apps may believe they can influence outcomes through skill or strategy, when in fact, they are highly dependent on chance.

Empathy tips

1

Clarify Limits of Control

Clearly communicate the limits of user control over outcomes in products.

2

Risk Awareness Education

Provide educational content on the nature of risk and chance.

3

Encourage Responsible Use

Promote responsible use of apps or features that involve elements of chance.

4

User Support and Resources

Offer support and resources for users who may overestimate their control, including links to external help if necessary.

Need an empathic partner?

Anna Lundqvist portrait
Anna Lundqvist
UX Designer and AI Ethics Strategist guiding innovative product development and educational workshops
Eddy Salzmann portrait
Eddy Salzmann
Design lead and team culture enthusiast driving products and design processes
Ola Möller portrait
Ola Möller
Founder of MethodKit who has a passion for organisations and seeing the big picture
Hire us