A coffee shop punch card with 10 slots (2 pre-stamped) outperforms one with 8 empty slots. Same requirement – buy 8 coffees. Different behaviour.
Goal gradient – we accelerate effort as we approach a goal. Pre-stamping creates the illusion of progress. You’re not starting at zero, you’re already 20% there. Momentum beats logic.
A loyalty program tested showing “3 of 10 purchases complete” vs. “7 more to go.” Same maths. Different frames.
The progress-forward framing increased program engagement by 34%. Showing what’s done beats showing what’s left.
Leave a Reply