Expectations can influence interactions and outcomes.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Expectations communicated through feedback, opportunities or interpersonal behaviour can affect performance in some settings. In research and training, take care that assumptions do not shape the help or evaluation someone receives.
Communicated expectations can influence confidence, effort and performance in some contexts. A learner told that mistakes prove inability may approach the next task differently from one given useful encouragement. Support improvement without inventing success or hiding accurate feedback. Clear, achievable guidance is more helpful than a guaranteed promise of ability.
02 / RECOGNISE
Examples of how the principle can appear in an interface.
Duolingo responds to repeated errors with encouragement that learning is still happening. The message frames the next attempt as worthwhile rather than treating the learner as incapable.
Mimo introduces a relevant learning mechanic after an initial mistake. The response explains how to continue rather than ending with a negative evaluation alone.
03 / CONNECT
Feedback can affect confidence and willingness to keep trying. Give specific, truthful encouragement without presenting an error as a permanent judgment of ability.
Possible influences to investigate, rather than guaranteed outcomes for every product.
04 / APPLY
Standardise instructions
Separate observation from interpretation
Review whether assistance differs across participants
05 / EXPLORE WITH UPSLIDE
Use a practical guide, read a deeper explanation.
Validate role assumptions so expectations about ability do not replace evidence.
Separate evidence about user needs from assumptions about the people using a product.
CONNECT THE IDEAS
