Self-determination theory (SDT) and UX

Self-determination theory (SDT) is a psychological framework that explores the motivations and behaviors that drive human actions. Developed by Edward L. Deci and Richard M. Ryan in the 1980s, SDT revolves around 3 fundamental psychological needs:

• Autonomy
• Competence
• Relatedness

Fulfilling these needs is vital for nurturing our inner drive and overall well-being.^[1]

Today, SDT enjoys widespread recognition and finds applications in various fields, including education, healthcare, and UX design. In UX design, SDT plays a pivotal role in understanding and catering to users' essential psychological needs to create enhanced experiences.

By integrating SDT principles into UX design, products can provide users with a sense of purpose, enjoyment, and control. Consequently, this leads to increased user satisfaction, prolonged engagement, and stronger brand loyalty.