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The Psychological Reasons Users Don’t Do What Designers Expect

Date Published
January 29, 2026
Section
In the Media
Areas of Expertise
Consumer Behavior Decision Making & Negotiations
From:
CBS In the News

A Medium article referenced research by Columbia Business School’s Sheena Iyengar and Mark Lepper examining how excessive choice can reduce satisfaction and discourage consumers from making decisions altogether. Their widely cited study demonstrates that while consumers value having options, an overabundance of choices can lead to decision fatigue and inaction. The research continues to inform discussions in design, marketing, and behavioral economics about how to structure options to improve engagement and outcomes.

 

Mentioned Faculty

Sheena Iyengar

Sheena Iyengar

S. T. Lee Professor of Business; Chair of Management Division
Management Division
Mentioned On
Medium
Mentioned Research
When Choice Is Demotivating: Can One Desire Too Much of a Good Thing?
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