Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

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MENTAL MODEL · M1147

Jakob's Law

Jakob's Law
CreatemediumInnovation Methods
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Users spend most of their time on other websites/apps. Therefore, they expect your website/app to behave in the same way as other products.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

- Innovation restraint: Avoid unconventional interactions (e.g., placing the 'back' button at the bottom right). Following conventions is the best way to reduce user learning costs.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Users spend most of their time on other websites/apps and have developed existing interaction habits; your product following conventions can reduce learning costs and cognitive friction.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Practice this model in one real situation:

Check to track your progress (stored locally)
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Source support: Explicit

  • link
    lawsofux.comhttps://lawsofux.com/jakobs-law/ZH · Explicit
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