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The Madison Avenue Field GuideA field guide to marketing & advertising, by Brandon Mina

GlossaryMeasurement & AttributionNovelty Effect

Measurement & Attribution

Novelty Effect

A temporary performance change in a test caused by users reacting to something new rather than its lasting value.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

The novelty effect is a temporary change in test performance caused by users reacting to something new rather than to its lasting value. A redesigned button may attract extra clicks simply because it looks different, then fade. Running tests long enough and analyzing results over time helps separate novelty from genuine, durable improvement.