Elmer Framework - Reward

Reward

• Reward confirms a good decision, increasing the chance of repeating an action.

Types of Rewards

• Extrinsic: Time-saving reminders, money (gift cards), information (templates).
  • Example: Zapier's weekly emails about time saved.
• Intrinsic: Completion (inbox zero), mastery (game level), joy (pleasant surprises).
  • Example: Leveling up in a Zynga game, Help Scout's "cheers, you did it" message.
• Social: Recognition, confirmation, competition.
  • Example: Yelp reviews getting "useful" feedback; Mailchimp's high five.

Decreasing Effect of Rewards

• Repeated exposure reduces a reward's effect.
• Initial impact is high, but diminishes over time.
• Example: Mailchimp's high five becomes less impactful with each campaign.

Maintaining Reward Effectiveness

• Reward users enough until an organic habit forms.
• Increase reward amount with exposure.
  • Incentivized referral programs with escalating rewards.
• Add Variability to increase dopamine.
  • Random rewards or surprise elements.
  • Example: Grubhub's Yummy Rummy game.
  • Varying Mailchimp's high five with fist bumps or party hats.

Elmer Framework Recap

• Emotion: Fuels decisions based on core desires.
• Logic: Justifies emotion, but can be lazy and easily depleted.
• Motivation: Drives action, balancing motivational fuel with required ability.
• Reward: Confirms decisions, encouraging repeated actions.