gagnaviðmót

gagnaviðmót is an Icelandic term that translates to "counter-interface" or "reverse interface". It describes a user interface or interaction design that deliberately challenges conventional user expectations or established design patterns. Instead of prioritizing immediate intuitiveness and ease of use, gagnaviðmót might introduce a level of friction, ambiguity, or unexpected behavior.

The purpose of gagnaviðmót is often to make users more aware of their actions, to encourage deeper engagement with a system, or to highlight specific aspects of a process that might otherwise be overlooked. It can be employed in situations where a standard interface might lead to errors or unintended consequences if used carelessly. By making interaction less straightforward, it can prompt users to think critically about what they are doing.

This approach is not about creating a deliberately bad user experience. Instead, it's a thoughtful design strategy that leverages user psychology. For example, a confirmation step that requires typing out a specific phrase instead of simply clicking "yes" could be considered a form of gagnaviðmót, designed to prevent accidental irreversible actions. While it adds a step, it increases the certainty of user intent. The success of gagnaviðmót relies on careful consideration of the specific context and the target audience, ensuring that the added complexity serves a clear and beneficial purpose.