The Von Restorff (isolation) effect: when several items look the same, the one that differs is noticed and recalled more — use sparingly or everything “pops” and nothing does.
One primary visual accent per view
Reserve the strongest color, size, and motion for the one decision you need. Secondary accents dilute isolation.
Danger and success states
Destructive and success banners already isolate by semantics — pair with shape and placement, not only color, for accessibility.
Habituation risk
If every row has a “special” badge, users stop seeing specials. Rotate emphasis only when meaningfully true.
Practices
- Highlight exactly one recommended plan.
- Use isolation for irreversible or billing-impacting choices.
Common pitfalls
- Rainbow dashboards where every KPI screams.
- Identical “NEW” pills on every row forever.