How does the IKEA Effect work?

So, why do we value products more highly when we've put in the effort?

The IKEA effect suggests that even if we don't gain additional benefits from our involvement, the satisfaction of completing a task plays a huge role. Think about it: the sense of accomplishment from successfully assembling a piece of IKEA furniture can outweigh the pleasure of simply purchasing a pre-made item.

This phenomenon isn't limited to furniture; it extends to DIY projects, cooking, and other hands-on activities. When we put in the effort, we experience a great sense of satisfaction and pride in what we've created.

What makes it work?

The IKEA effect hinges on three vital cognitive principles:

• Competence: Completing a task fulfills a cognitive-behavioral need, boosting our sense of competence.

• Effort Justification: The harder we work for something, the more value we assign to it. There's immense satisfaction in seeing the results of our labor.

• The Endowment Effect: When we feel ownership over an item, it automatically becomes more valuable to us.

For the IKEA effect to take hold, we must achieve "successful completion." If you're struggling with confusing instructions, you're unlikely to overvalue that dining table!

What can UX design learn from the IKEA Effect?

Many companies leverage user efforts in their design and marketing strategies. The concept of "co-creation" involves getting consumers engaged through focus groups, industry influencers, and brand evangelists. The key is that users must be aware of their effort—if they're not involved, they won't feel that same sense of attachment.

To tap into the IKEA effect, UX designers need to motivate users to engage with challenging but not overwhelming tasks. When users feel a sense of accomplishment, their attachment to the product strengthens, boosting loyalty and satisfaction.

Here are two ways to make this happen:

• Add Simple Activities to the UX Process: Making the user experience more interactive encourages users to invest in your products. Like IKEA, simple tasks—like customizing orders by adjusting colors, sizes, or materials—keep users engaged. This creative freedom fosters a deeper connection to the product, increasing the likelihood of a purchase.

• Make the Design Process Client-Centered: Involve clients as much as possible in the design process. When clients feel they've collaborated on a project, they're more likely to value the results. UX designers can facilitate this by seeking client feedback and showcasing how their input shaped the final product. This user-centered approach cultivates a sense of ownership, leading to stronger client loyalty.

Summary

In essence, the IKEA effect teaches us that users tend to overvalue their creations because they've contributed to their development.

Users' satisfaction with the outcome increases When they invest time and effort into building a product. For UX designers, harnessing the IKEA effect means encouraging users to actively participate in creating their products, fostering pride and satisfaction along the way.

This heightened engagement can lead to greater brand loyalty and user satisfaction. Interestingly, the IKEA effect can still manifest even if a user doesn't enjoy the process or finds little value in the final product.

The sense of accomplishment from completing a task can elevate self-worth and pride, regardless of the project's overall appeal.