Topic: Paradox of Choice

Faculty: Mayuri Patil

Department: UX Design

Designation: Assistant Professor

University: Kalinga University

PARADOX OF CHOICE

Do we need a lot of choices? Can we be satisfied within limits? Maybe yes—maybe no. In the world that we live in, there is an abundance of options to make our lives delightful. Certain research says that multiple choices can confuse and delay the result. We have choices in what to eat, what to wear, where to go and what not. In the maze of choices, we forget the mundane living—a habitat where choices are limited but on par. Change is the only constant in life, the truth. Gradual effective changes do not appear but occur behind the lines, like how you started watering the Bonsai you bought on a whim.

The digital age has fragmented our choices the freedom of options has limited the value of satisfaction & happines. The materialistic living has changed the perspective. Accountability of decision-making is a redundant thought with less to no closure. Use of applications and availability of

If we take Netflix, it has been one of the most popular OTT platforms for almost a decade. The home screen of Netflix is full of choices and has many options divided into categories from new releases, trending top 10 references, popular on Netflix and many more. The digital appeal is groundbreaking but the visual appeal gives rise to confusion if you are trying to watch or find something new.

Paradox of Choice should be incorporated in design process. As Hick’s Law says more the option leads to confusion, giving the user ultimate control over the entity. As designers are responsible for attributing those choices, they should be compliant in offering and suggesting. While ideating, designers should practice with different tools to examine the product as a user themselves to verify and check if the choices provided will confuse or diffuse the rhythm and hierarchy of action for end user.