Submitted:
29 September 2026
Posted:
30 September 2026
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Abstract
This study examines the relationship between visual design, user trust, distrust, and willingness to provide personal information in digital interfaces under conditions of information overload. A quantitative survey was conducted among 390 respondents from Bishkek using four structured questionnaires representing different combinations of website familiarity and visual design quality. Participants evaluated interface characteristics associated with trust and distrust and indicated which types of personal information they would be willing to provide. In addition, a dataset of 1,000 website screenshots was analyzed to identify recurring visual and structural patterns in contemporary digital interfaces. The results indicate that high-quality images, intuitive navigation, readable typography, and clear visual organization are frequently associated with trust, while pop-ups and advertisements, visual clutter, overly bright or aggressive colors, outdated design, and insufficient company information are associated with distrust. The findings on personal information indicate that users distinguish between different levels of data sensitivity and show greater reluctance to provide more sensitive information, particularly in low-trust conditions. The study demonstrates that visual and structural characteristics of digital interfaces are related not only to users’ perceptions of trust and distrust but also to their stated willingness to provide personal information. The findings provide a basis for practical recommendations aimed at designing clearer and more trustworthy digital interfaces.
Keywords:
visual design
; user trust
; user distrust
; personal information disclosure
; digital interfaces
; information overload
; website design
; user behavior
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