Psychology Principles Every Designer Should Master (with Susan Weinschenk)

Today on The Design Psychologist, we're diving deep into the intersection of psychology and design with none other than Susan Weinschenk, PhD—the person you’ll literally find next to the term “design psychologist” in the dictionary.  Susan is a pioneer in applying behavioral science to UX and product design, and the author of essential books like How to Get People to Do Stuff and 100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People. 

In this conversation, we explore Susan's journey from psychology to design, how human factors evolved into today’s UX, and why understanding the three parts of the brain is crucial for anyone building products. 

You’ll also hear us unpack:

• Why emotional and unconscious processing drives most user behavior
•  Why dopamine isn't about pleasure—but about anticipation
• What most designers get wrong about memory and readability
• The neuroscience of storytelling and why it matters for websites, apps, and products
• The psychology behind gamification—and what truly motivates users
• Why stories are essential in product and communication design
•  Why every UX decision should start with a “micro-moment” 

Resources Mentioned:

• 100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People and 100 MORE Things Every Designer Needs To Know About People  by Susan Weinschenk
• Neuro Web Design: What Makes Them Click?  (2nd Edition) by Susan Weinschenk
• Redirect by Timothy D. Wilson
• Robert Sapolsky’s research on dopamine

Connect with Susan Weinschenk:

• Website
• LinkedIn

Find The Design Psychologist on your favorite podcasting platforms (or share this link with a friend): https://designpsychologist.buzzsprout.com/2395044/follow

If today’s conversation helped you think more deeply about your work, I’d love it if you left a quick rating or review on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast listening app. It helps more thoughtful designers discover the show—and keeps these meaningful insights coming your way. Just a star rating or a sentence or two makes a big difference. Thanks for listening!