UI design can leverage users' psychological tendencies. One of the most powerful is FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).
Design elements that trigger FOMO:
- Time limitation notifications: 'Ending in 3 hours'
- Stock indicators: 'Only 2 products left'
- Social proof: '158 people are viewing this now'
- Activity status indicators: 'Your friend is active now'
- Limited access: 'Exclusive to VIP members'
Ethical usage principles:
- Don't create false urgency if there's no real scarcity or time limitation
- Provide real value to the user
- Focus on motivation rather than manipulation
- Offer users control options: notifications should be able to be turned off
Using FOMO ethically is critical for both user satisfaction and brand trust.