UX Glossary Interaction Design

Zeigarnik Effect

Interaction Design

A psychological phenomenon describing the tendency to remember uncompleted tasks more vividly than completed ones, attributed to the tension created by unresolved goals. UX applications include progress indicators, onboarding checklists, and saved states that leverage this tension to motivate users to return and complete flows they've started — though designers must balance this with the risk of creating unwanted anxiety.

Related Terms

Onboarding Emotional Design Microinteraction Peak-End Rule
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