Expected Utility Theory
A theory in economics that models how rational individuals make decisions under risk by maximizing the expected utility of their choices. Essential for understanding decision-making under risk.
29 topics found for:
“utility theory”
Allais Paradox
A decision-making paradox that shows people's preferences can violate the expected utility theory, highlighting irrational behavior. Important for understanding inconsistencies in user decision-making and designing better user experiences.
Paradox of Value
An economic theory that explains why some necessities, such as water, are less expensive than non-essentials, like diamonds, despite their greater utility. Useful for understanding consumer behavior and designing pricing strategies.
Standard Economic Model
A theoretical framework in economics that assumes individuals act rationally and seek to maximize utility, used to predict economic behavior and outcomes. Important for understanding traditional economic theories and designing systems that account for rational decision-making.
Grounded Theory
A research method that involves forming a theory based on data systematically gathered and analyzed. Useful for developing design theories and solutions that are directly grounded in user research and data.
Theory of Reasoned Action
A psychological theory that predicts an individual's behavior based on their intention, which is influenced by their attitudes and subjective norms. Important for understanding and predicting user behavior and designing interventions to influence actions.
Deductive Research
A research approach that starts with a theory or hypothesis and uses data to test it, often moving from general to specific. Essential for validating theories and making informed decisions based on data.
Homo Economicus
A theoretical concept in economics that portrays humans as rational and self-interested agents who aim to maximize their utility. Important for understanding economic decision-making and designing systems that align with rational behavior.
Instrumental Value
The worth of something based on its ability to help achieve a desired end or goal. Useful for understanding and prioritizing design elements that contribute to user goals.
Social Learning Theory
A theory that suggests people learn behaviors, skills, and attitudes through observing and imitating others, as well as through direct experiences. Crucial for understanding how users acquire new behaviors and designing educational or training programs.
Systems Theory
An interdisciplinary study of systems, examining the complex interactions and relationships between components within a whole. Crucial for understanding and designing complex, interconnected systems.
Decision Utility
The value or satisfaction derived from a decision, influencing the choices people make. Crucial for understanding user preferences and designing experiences that maximize satisfaction.
Culinary Theory
The study of cooking techniques, ingredients, and the cultural significance of food, providing insights into creativity and innovation in other fields. Useful for drawing parallels between culinary arts and design, fostering creativity and innovation.
Innovation Theory
The study of how new ideas, products, and processes are developed and brought to market. Essential for fostering creativity and ensuring the continuous improvement and relevance of products.
Humanistic Theory
A psychological perspective that emphasizes the study of the whole person and the uniqueness of each individual, focusing on concepts such as self-actualization and personal growth. Crucial for understanding and designing experiences that cater to individual user needs and potential.
Discounted Utility
A concept in behavioral economics that describes how future benefits are perceived as less valuable than immediate ones. Important for understanding user preferences and designing experiences that account for time-based value perceptions.
Cultural Theory
The study of cultural norms, values, and practices and their influence on human behavior. Useful for designing products that are culturally sensitive and relevant.
Learning Theory
The study of how people acquire knowledge, skills, and behaviors through experience, practice, and instruction. Useful for creating educational content and interactive tutorials that enhance user learning.
Optimization Theory
The study of finding the best solution from a set of feasible solutions. Crucial for improving efficiency and performance in design and development processes.
Prospect-Refuge
A theory in environmental psychology that suggests people prefer environments where they can see (prospect) without being seen (refuge). Useful for understanding environmental design and creating spaces that feel safe and inviting.
Information Foraging
The theory that users search for information in a manner similar to animals foraging for food, aiming to maximize value while minimizing effort. Important for designing efficient and user-centered information retrieval systems.
Brand Archetypes
The use of universal character types and personalities to define and communicate a brand's identity. Important for creating a relatable and memorable brand personality.
Function Allocation
The process of determining which tasks should be performed by humans and which by machines in a system. Essential for optimizing system efficiency and usability.
Ego States
A concept in transactional analysis that describes three different aspects of the self: Parent, Adult, and Child, each influencing behavior and communication. Important for designing communication strategies and interfaces that resonate with different user states.
Archetypes
Universal, symbolic patterns and images that derive from the collective unconscious, used in design to create meaningful and resonant experiences. Useful for creating designs that tap into universal human experiences and emotions.
Adaptive Control of Thought
A cognitive architecture model that explains how humans can learn and adapt to new tasks. Useful for understanding user learning and behavior adaptation, informing better user experience design.
Reward Power
The ability to influence others' behavior by offering positive incentives or rewards, commonly used in organizational and social contexts. Crucial for understanding dynamics of motivation and influence in team and organizational settings.
Narratology
The study of narrative and narrative structure and the ways that these affect our perception. Useful for understanding and applying narrative techniques in design and communication.
Messenger Effect
The phenomenon where the credibility of the source of information influences how the message is received and acted upon. Crucial for designing communication strategies that leverage trusted sources.