evolutionary psychology

Evolutionary psychology tries to understand human psychology based on the evolutionary past of the human species, who, for aeons, lived in the natural environment by hunter-gathering using limited technology beyond stone tools, animal skins, and weaving. For example, if the same problem is presented as an abstract logic puzzle or one involving social relationships, people are far more able to answer the latter correctly.

This sounds quite theoretical, but can be a useful practical touchstone. As a rule of thumb, when considering a UI feature, ask yourself, "would a caveperson be able to use it?" Of course, if a time machine dropped a laptop onto a caveperson's knees they would have no idea at all, but the key question is whether you would expect a caveperson to have the underlying perceptual, cognitiive or motor skills you are expecting of your users.