Have you ever noticed how people feel a special attachment to things they build or customize themselves? Whether it’s assembling IKEA furniture or personalizing an app profile, the IKEA effect shows us that users tend to value their own contributions more highly.

In UX, this means that involving users in the creation or personalization of experiences can increase their engagement, satisfaction, and loyalty. This article dives into the psychology behind the IKEA effect and how to harness it in your designs.

What is the IKEA effect?

The IKEA effect is a cognitive bias where people place disproportionate value on products they partially created. Named after the Swedish furniture retailer, this effect was documented in experiments showing participants valued their own assembled items more than identical pre-assembled ones.

Why the IKEA effect matters in UX

Applying this effect to UX design reveals powerful ways to deepen user involvement:

• Increased ownership: When users invest effort, they feel more connected to the product
• Greater satisfaction: Self-made or customized elements create emotional attachment
• Boosted loyalty: Users are more likely to stick with a product they helped shape
• Motivated engagement: Personalization drives repeated interaction and advocacy

Examples of the IKEA effect in digital products

Many successful products leverage this bias:

• Personalized dashboards: Users tailor views, filters, and layouts to fit their needs
• Customization features: From avatars to theme settings, personalization invites ownership
• User-generated content: Forums, reviews, and shared media create investment
• Co-creation workflows: Collaborative tools where users contribute to content or design

How to design for the IKEA effect

To activate this bias thoughtfully:

• Offer meaningful customization: Let users personalize important elements, not just superficial details
• Encourage small wins: Break tasks into manageable parts that users can complete and feel proud of
• Provide feedback and recognition: Show progress, badges, or confirmations of user contributions
• Avoid overwhelming complexity: Ensure the effort required is rewarding, not frustrating
• Balance control and guidance: Help users make choices without feeling lost

Building loyalty one contribution at a time

The IKEA effect reminds us that user effort translates into emotional value. By designing experiences that invite contribution, personalization, and co-creation, you build stronger connections and foster lasting loyalty.

So next time you design a feature, ask yourself: how can users build it with you—and love it more for it?