DuolingoEXAMPLE 01
Make reward collection an explicit moment
Duolingo shows completed achievements with a claim action while unfinished achievements show progress. The distinction makes earning and collecting a reward visible.
Gamification
Use game elements to support a worthwhile activity.
01 / UNDERSTAND
The idea
Points, challenges and milestones can make progress visible or encourage practice. They work best when they reinforce a meaningful goal and useful feedback rather than replacing the purpose of the activity.
Points, streaks, levels, competitions and celebrations are game mechanics applied to other activities. They can encourage practice or return visits, but can also reward the wrong behaviour. Consider whether the reward supports the actual goal. A celebration around a risky action needs more care than one around completing a lesson.
02 / RECOGNISE
See it in real products.
Examples of how the principle can appear in an interface.
03 / CONNECT
Why it matters.
Rewards and milestones can encourage repeated use and enjoyment. Check whether they support meaningful progress or merely increase a behaviour that benefits the product.
Possible influences to investigate, rather than guaranteed outcomes for every product.
04 / APPLY
Put it into practice.
- 01
Tie rewards to meaningful behaviour
- 02
Explain the rules
- 03
Provide a useful experience without competition
05 / EXPLORE WITH UPSLIDE
Apply it with Upslide.
Use a practical guide, read a deeper explanation.
Practical Business Model Canvas Framework
Define the useful activity and its value before adding points, streaks or rewards.
UX Psychology Examples from Netflix, Spotify and Duolingo
7 mins readCompare product interactions with testable psychological interpretations and their limits.
CONNECT THE IDEAS
Related principles
Keep exploring
