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When restoring a Coinbase wallet, you’ll be forced to wait for a cooldown timer. This intentional friction may help you recognise fraud.
Behind this Bite
i.e., by being forced to stop, you’re more likely to read the text above the button, and (hopefully) notice the signs of a scam.
AI insights
Insights
Intentional friction is a UX tactic where extra steps are added to make users pause and think. Here, Coinbase's cooldown timer slows users down so that they notice scam warnings before acting.
Cognitive Load is the working memory needed to complete a task. The forced wait here reduces rushed decisions, helping users process scam alerts and make safer choices.
Reactance describes how users may resist forced actions. Coinbase's timer risks frustration, but the clear security context helps users accept the pause as protective, not just annoying.
Atoms uses forced friction by limiting new habits to one at a time. Both Atoms and Coinbase add intentional pauses to guide users toward safer, more thoughtful actions.
Mullvad adds friction by making users confirm they've saved their account number before moving on. Like Coinbase, this pause is designed to boost attention and reduce risky mistakes.
Related psychology:
Impacts:
UI Components:
Posted 16/11/2025
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