Enhancing ownership through user-created content and customization
Core Idea: Build-From-Scratch is a technique that increases user investment and ownership by having them create or customize elements from the beginning rather than providing pre-made items or environments.
Key Elements
- Users start with basic components rather than finished products
- Personal effort creates stronger psychological ownership
- Customization leads to unique experiences that feel more valuable
- The creation process itself becomes engaging content
Implementation Considerations
- Should not distract from the First Major Win-State (initial value realization)
- May require templates or shortcuts to avoid excessive friction
- The building process itself should be rewarding and engaging
- Created items should have functional or emotional value
Psychological Foundations
- The IKEA effect: valuing things more when we build them ourselves
- Creative investment creates emotional attachment
- Personalized experiences feel more valuable and irreplaceable
- Self-expression through creation strengthens identity connection
Balancing Techniques
- Offer templates and quick-start options to reduce initial friction
- Ensure the building process itself reaches a Win-State quickly
- Allow incremental customization rather than requiring everything upfront
- Make customization optional but rewarding
Additional Connections
- Broader Context: Core Drive 4 - Ownership and Possession (building creates stronger ownership)
- Applications: User Onboarding (balancing customization with engagement)
- See Also: IKEA Effect (psychological principle of valuing self-assembled items more highly)
References
- Yu-Kai Chou, "Actionable Gamification: Beyond Points, Badges, and Leaderboards"
#gamification #userexperience #customization #ownership
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