Unit 6: What Motivates People

100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People (Voices That Matter) by Susan Weinschenk, Ph.D.

Chapter 6: What Motivates People

People are more motivated the closer they get to a goal. Like these assignment, for example. I tend to feel more motivated toward the end of it when I get closer to finishing. In terms of a more logical example, motivation and purchases plummet right after a goal is reached which is called a post-reward resetting phenomenon.

The most motivating behavior pattern is called a variable ratio schedule. A slot machine is a good example of this. Players will be reward from a varying amount of slot games unknown to the user. There are other types of reinforcements companies use to engage their customers including punch cards (fixed ratio schedule) and Dropbox extra storage when inviting a friend (continuous reinforcement schedule).

Interesting thought about punch cards improving motivation vs building customer loyalty:
http://www.lendio.com/blog/throw-punch-cards-build-customer-loyalty/

The Pavlovian reflex is very interesting, especially when thinking about its application in gaming and the gamification of other design. The Pavlovian response is associating something with a stimulus. When a stimulus is paired with information-seeking behavior, dopamine is released in our brains and triggers a motivated response. I immediately think of social media and the "like system". In fact, the reason why Twitter limits its letter count is probably due to the fact that people are more intrigued by bits of information that don't fully satisfy.

Usability Hub:
A great example of gamification and motivation through consistent reinforcement.
https://usabilityhub.com/

Great infographic about the positives for gamification in education:
http://www.knewton.com/gamification-education/

Progress, mastery, and control are three key motivational factors. What keeps me motivated to continue working on a class that isn't associated with my field? When it comes down to it, the grade. Progress through the course, mastery of the subjects to receive high grades, and control over my gpa keeps me motivated even if I lose interest in the subject matter.

People are motivated by social interactions, which will be discussed in the next chapter.