1. What is the Zeigarnik Effect and why it matters in UX
The Zeigarnik Effect is a psychological phenomenon where people remember incomplete tasks better than completed ones. Named after psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik, it reveals how our brains crave closure and completion.
In UX design, it becomes a powerful tool to:
Motivate users to return and finish what they started
Increase completion rates of onboarding, tutorials, or purchases
Encourage habit formation by leaving visible progress gaps
2. How the Zeigarnik Effect works in mobile apps
When a user sees that a task is partially complete, their brain experiences cognitive tension. The only way to relieve it is by returning and finishing it.
Examples in app UX:
Incomplete profiles with a visible progress bar
Step-based onboarding that ends on a “cliffhanger”
Badges or achievements that are partially unlocked
Notifications that remind users to "finish where you left off"
3. Where to apply the Zeigarnik Effect in your app flow
User onboarding:
Use progress indicators (e.g., “2 of 4 steps complete”)
Stop onboarding just before the final step to spark return
Offer a reward at the final step to close the loop
Profile or setup completion:
Show visual cues (e.g., 70% profile complete)
Unlock features progressively to build curiosity
Use gamification (“3 badges left to reach Pro status”)
Habit-forming features:
Daily streaks with a "one more day" incentive
Unfinished challenges or courses
Partial content previews with a "continue" CTA
4. Best practices for ethical implementation
Using the Zeigarnik Effect isn’t about manipulation—it’s about motivating completion and creating meaningful progress.
Avoid fake progress: Don’t show steps that don’t matter
Respect user autonomy: Let users skip or opt out
Reward, don’t punish: Use positive reinforcement (not guilt)
Be transparent: Make the purpose of each step clear
Keep it light, clear, and user-driven—not pressure-driven.
5. Case studies and real-world use
LinkedIn:
Profile completion bar prompts users to add more info
Visual encouragement ("You're 85% there!") boosts return rates
Headspace:
Meditation streaks and uncompleted sessions invite users back
Progress toward goals shown with smooth, calming visuals
Language apps (like Duolingo):
Unfinished lessons or partial streaks trigger re-engagement
Use push notifications like “Don’t break your streak!”
6. Tools and methods to test Zeigarnik-based UX
A/B test completion vs. no-completion states
Use Firebase Analytics or Mixpanel to track drop-offs
Run surveys: “What made you come back today?”
Observe behavior with Hotjar or UXCam session recordings
Summary and what to do next
The Zeigarnik Effect taps into a core aspect of human psychology: the need for closure. When used ethically, it can transform passive users into active, returning participants. Start by identifying points in your app that users often leave unfinished—then give them a reason to come back and complete the story.
