This effect is not limited to furniture. It shows up in many areas, including freelancing. When clients take part in the creative process, they feel more attached to the final result. They may want to keep a headline they wrote or a color they chose. They may prefer their own draft over a polished version. This is not about ego. It is about ownership.
In freelancing, this behavior can be seen often. A client might send a rough sketch or a Canva mockup. You may create a cleaner version, but they still prefer their own. That is because they helped build it. Their input makes it feel personal. This is the IKEA effect in action.
One example comes from a designer who worked with a small business. The client had made a logo using a free tool. It had bright colors and playful fonts. The designer offered a more professional version, but the client liked their own. Instead of pushing back, the designer improved the original. She kept the colors and style but made it cleaner. The client was happy. Not because it was perfect, but because it was theirs.
Another example is from Adobe’s research on co-creation. They found that users who helped shape a product felt more loyal to the brand. This shows that the IKEA effect is not just about design. It is about emotional connection. When people feel involved, they care more.
What are some constructive ways that freelancers can use this effect? The answer is simple. Let clients be part of the process. Ask for their ideas early. Give them choices. Let them pick between two fonts or layouts. Use their feedback and mention it when presenting the final work. Say things like, “This idea came from your first draft.” It makes them feel seen.
This does not mean you should follow every suggestion. Your job is still to guide and improve. But when clients feel heard, they trust you more. They feel proud of the result. And they are more likely to come back.
The IKEA Effect also helps with feedback. When clients feel involved, they are less likely to reject the work. They see it as a shared effort. This makes revisions smoother. It builds a better working relationship.
Some experts say this effect is linked to deeper emotions. A study by Norton, Mochon, and Ariely showed that effort leads to attachment. When people invest time or thought, they feel more connected. This is true in marketing, design, and even writing. The more someone helps, the more they care.
In freelancing, this means you do not need to fight for control. You can share it. Let the client build with you. It may take more time, but it builds trust. It creates work that feels real.
The IKEA Effect is not a trick. It is a way to understand people. It shows that effort matters. It shows that feelings matter. And it helps freelancers build better relationships with their clients.
So next time a client wants to try something, let them. Let them sketch. Let them write. Let them choose. You can still guide the process. But when they help build it, they will love it more.
That is the IKEA effect. It is simple. It is powerful. And it works.