Value Realization

Summary: A behavior will not be repeated unless the user feels the benefit immediately. We must close the loop. This replaces vague “rewards” with concrete value confirmation.

The Core Insight

Time Kills Causality. If the reward comes 3 days after the action, the brain does not connect them. Value must be realized within seconds or minutes.

The Realization Protocol

1. The “Closed Loop” Signal

• Functional Feedback: “File Uploaded” is weak. “Your application is 100% complete and sent to the review team” is strong. It confirms outcome, not just process.

2. Proof of Work

Show the user what the system did for them.

• TurboTax: “We checked 400 deductions for you.” (Visualizing the invisible work).
• Optimization: “You saved 4 hours this week.”

3. Identity Reinforcement

Connect the result back to the Worldview.

• User: “I am a savvy investor.”
• Realization: “You beat the market average by 2%.” (Validates identity).

Output

A Feedback Design. A specification for how the system communicates success back to the user to ensure repetition (Habit Formation).