Salience Effect

We give disproportionate weight to the most vivid, noticeable features of a person, situation, or choice — while ignoring equally or more important information that is less conspicuous.

• A red sports car standing among sedans gets all our attention — we rate its speed and style while ignoring its reliability and running costs.
• A single dramatic food safety incident dominates public perception of a restaurant chain for years, far outweighing millions of safe meals.
• A company's spectacular glass headquarters impresses job applicants — overshadowing poor management, culture, and benefits that are harder to see on a tour.