Laws / Memory
Zeigarnik effect
People remember unfinished or interrupted tasks better than finished ones.
Welcome to Northwind
Here are some things you can do.
Why it matters
Showing what's left to do pulls people back to finish, as long as the remaining work looks small and achievable.
Rules to follow
- Show progress on multi-step tasks ("Step 2 of 4" or a checklist with ticks).
- Save partial progress automatically and offer to resume.
- Start progress above zero when the person has already done something (signing up counts).
- Never fake progress or guilt people into finishing.