Zeigarnik Effect

Incomplete or interrupted tasks create mental tension, making them more memorable than completed ones, as the brain seeks resolution.
neurology
Perception and Cognition
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Motivates users to complete incomplete tasks

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Can create unnecessary pressure if over-applied

Best paired with

Feedback Loop
Users stay engaged with unfinished tasks due to progress updates.
Nudge
Subtle reminders prompt users to return to incomplete tasks.
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Onboarding
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Learning Modules
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Engagement
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Retention
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Cognitive Load
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Decision-Making

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Optimisations to get you started
Actionable suggestions for how to best use ingredients to improve your product experience.
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Avoid negative impact
Actionable suggestions for how to best use ingredients to improve your product experience.
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The Study

Zeigarnik Effect explores how individuals' decisions and perceptions are influenced by underlying psychological mechanisms. Research on this bias has revealed its role in everyday behaviours and decision-making processes. Studies often involve experiments where participants' reactions are observed to determine the bias's impact. This understanding helps designers and marketers craft more effective, user-centric experiences.

The result

The results indicate that zeigarnik effect significantly influences decision-making by altering perception, recall, or emotional response. These findings provide valuable insights into cognitive behaviour, informing design strategies.

Actionable tips

1.

Use progress indicators to maintain user engagement.

2.

Break tasks into unfinished steps for continuity.

3.

Provide gentle nudges to complete actions.

Ingredient pairings

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Best pairings

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Feedback Loop

Encourages persistence while maintaining motivation.
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Nudge

Boosts completion rates while preserving autonomy.
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Progressive Disclosure

Supports learning while preventing information overload.
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Choice Architecture

Improves productivity while ensuring clarity.
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Worst pairings

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Scarcity Principle

Distorts decision-making by exaggerating urgency.
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Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

Exploits anxiety to drive continued engagement.
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Authority Bias

Encourages blind compliance rather than genuine engagement.
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Default Bias

Discourages reassessment of meaningful priorities.

Cocktails with this ingredient

The First Step Spritz

Encourages users to engage consistently during onboarding.
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Activation
rocket
Driving Early Engagement

The Evergreen Mojito

Keeps users engaged by introducing novelty and avoiding stagnation.
step
Retention
rocket
Maintaining Interest

The Sparkling Kickoff

Helps users achieve their first success quickly, fostering confidence.
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Activation
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Encouraging First Success

The Discovery Mule

Encourages users to explore further by highlighting enticing pathways.
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Consideration
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Encouraging Exploration

The Aperitif

Sparks curiosity, motivating users to learn more.
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Awareness
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Generating Curiosity

The Velvet Rope

Grabs user attention and creates a sense of exclusivity.
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Awareness
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Capturing Attention