Andy Merskin

Denver, CO

The psychology of user motivation

November 7, 2025

Understanding what drives users is more important than understanding what they do. Behavior follows motivation, not the other way around.

I study the emotional drivers: Why do users return? What frustrates them? What brings them joy? These insights shape every decision.

Motivation isn’t rational—it’s emotional. People use products to feel something: competent, connected, accomplished, entertained.

Design that ignores psychology fails. Design that leverages it succeeds. The best products don’t just solve problems—they fulfill deeper human needs.

Every feature, every interaction, every message should serve a motivational purpose. Great design speaks to the heart, not just the head.