Von Restorff Effect
The item that differs from the rest is most likely to be remembered.
What it means on a web page
When all buttons or links look identical, nothing stands out. The primary CTA must be visually distinct from secondary actions to guide user attention effectively.
When nothing stands out, people may not see which action is the main one.
This describes a general tendency. How much it matters on a particular page depends on the page and the people using it.
Does theuxbites check this?
Yes. Every audit runs a fixed check for it on the page as a browser renders it. When the check fails, the report names this principle, shows what was counted on your page and links the source below.
Suggestions
Give the primary CTA a unique visual treatment (colour, size, weight). Visually de-emphasise secondary actions.
- Define one primary CTA style per page section — filled, high-contrast button
- Use outlined or ghost button style for secondary actions
- Avoid placing more than one primary CTA in the same visual area
- Use size and colour together to establish visual hierarchy
- Test with users: ask "what is the main action on this page?"
These are common ways to apply the principle, not rules. Whether one fits depends on your page.
See how your page does
An audit checks this principle and eight others on your page, together with speed, accessibility, SEO and AI visibility.