What is the Zeigarnik Effect?
The Zeigarnik Effect is a psychological phenomenon that suggests people tend to remember unfinished tasks better than completed ones. Named after the Russian psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik who discovered this effect, it highlights how incomplete tasks can create a sense of mental tension or anticipation, making them more memorable. This effect can be leveraged in product design to create engaging and motivating user experiences.
Design strategies that utilize the Zeigarnik Effect include:
- Progress Indicators: Showing users their progress through tasks or stages to maintain engagement and encourage completion.
- Notifications: Sending reminders about incomplete tasks or pending actions to keep users focused and motivated.
By understanding and applying the Zeigarnik Effect, designers can create experiences that keep users engaged and motivated to complete tasks, leading to higher satisfaction and retention.