Emotional Design Lab

Norman's 3-Level model applied to real interfaces. Not theory for theory's sake — this is how emotion drives design decisions.

Visceral

~200ms

Amygdala

First sight. Before thinking. Look, feel, gut reaction.

Behavioral

During use

Cerebellum

How it works. Usability, efficiency, comfort.

Reflective

After use

Prefrontal cortex

What it means. Identity, self-expression, brand.

Visceral: 5-Second Test

Pick the design that "feels right" — don't think, just react. You have 5 seconds per pair.

Color Temperature

Border Radius

Information Density

Behavioral: Navigation Task

Find "Settings" in both layouts. Which is faster?

Menu

Home

Content area for Home

Reflective: Brand Identity

Which app would you recommend to a friend? Not which is "best" — which feels like you.

UX-Tips × Norman 3-Level

13 UX-Tips dimensions mapped to Norman's framework. From the thesis: which dimensions predict brand loyalty?

AestheticsLook & feel, first impression visual
Visceral
UtilityFunction & usefulness during use
Behavioral
EfficiencySpeed & task efficiency
Behavioral
FeedbackSystem response to user actions
Behavioral
Learning & Ease of UseEase of learning & navigation
Behavioral
ControlUser control over interaction
Behavioral
Physical CharacteristicsTouch, gesture, physical interaction
Behavioral
EmotionFeelings after the experience
Reflective
EngagementConnection with the product
Reflective
InnovativeInnovation & differentiation
Reflective
SocialSocial aspect & identity
Reflective
Value-AddedPerceived added value
Reflective
SatisfactionOverall satisfaction
Reflective

The 3 Hypotheses

Each level of Norman's model predicts a different aspect of brand loyalty. The thesis tests all three.

H1

Visceral Design has a positive effect on Brand Loyalty

First impression matters. When an app looks good immediately — colors, layout, visual harmony — users form a positive emotional bond before they even use it. Measured through the Aesthetics dimension (visual appeal, attractiveness, color harmony).

1 dimension3 items measured5-second test + eye tracking
H2

Behavioral Design has a positive effect on Brand Loyalty

Does the app work well? Can you do things fast? Does it respond when you tap? The behavioral level covers usability, efficiency, and physical interaction. If using the app feels effortless, loyalty follows.

UtilityEfficiencyFeedbackLearning & EaseControlPhysical16 items measured
H3

Reflective Design has a positive effect on Brand Loyalty

The strongest predictor. How does the app make you feel about yourself? Does it align with your identity? Would you recommend it? The reflective level captures meaning, self-expression, and the emotional residue after the interaction ends.

EmotionEngagementInnovativeSocialValue-AddedSatisfaction10 items measured

13

Total dimensions

29

Survey items (UX-Tips)

2

SAM dimensions (valence + arousal)

Take the Full Assessment

24 Likert-scale items across 12 dimensions. Rate statements about a product you recently used, then see your emotional design profile on a radar chart.

~3 minutes. Think about a product you recently used while answering.

Your Design Personality

Based on your visceral gut reactions, navigation performance, and brand identity pick. Norman's 3 levels, decoded.

Complete all three demos above to unlock your personality.

Color TemperatureBorder RadiusDensityNavigation TaskBrand Pick

From the thesis

This isn't just visual preference. Norman's 3-level model, measured through UX-Tips (13 dimensions, 29 items) and SAM scale (valence + arousal), predicts brand loyalty in Indonesian mobile apps. The reflective level — how an app makes you feel about yourself — is the strongest predictor. Not how it looks. Not how it works. What it means.

Koala — 2025. Mixed-method, PLS-SEM + Thematic Analysis.