Use Endowed Progress Effect

Give Users a Head Start Early

• Pre-fill points or stamps in loyalty programs.
• Start progress bars at 10–20% to show a sense of achievement.
• Make sure the initial boost feels earned—don’t give away too much.

Show Progress Visually

• Use progress bars in onboarding, checkout flows, or task lists.
• Break large tasks into smaller, visible steps.
• Add clear milestones, like “halfway there” or “80% complete,” to motivate users.

Align with User Goals

• Rewards should be meaningful—think beyond just points.
• Make each step matter. Avoid unnecessary tasks that feel like filler.
• Ensure the reward aligns with long-term user objectives, not just short-term wins.

Celebrate Small Wins Along the Way

• Offer instant feedback, like “Congrats! You’ve unlocked 20 points!”
• Make progress frictionless. The closer users get to a goal, the easier it should feel.

Balance Initial Endowment and Incremental Wins

Use both approaches to keep engagement high:

• Start with a small boost to hook users.
• Reward ongoing progress with smaller, consistent gains.
• Make sure users feel like they’re making progress even in long-term tasks.

Respect User Control

Let users drive their own progress:

• Avoid forcing progress—users should feel free to stop or pause.
• Make opt-outs clear, so users don’t feel trapped by the system.