We can debate whether addiction to an App is a positive or negative, but if the App provides a positive outcome in a user’s life then that is good enough reason for that behavior to be reinforced on a continuous basis.
There are a few ways in which an App can be made addictive:
1. The Content: It is a truism that great content drives addictive behavior. Well written blogs drive huge amounts of repeat visitors to the site. Our favorite technology blog is written by Fred Wilson at avc.com the premier Internet venture capitalist. Whenever he makes a post (everyday, without fail) each article gets a minimum of 100+ comments. The content that is created by the original writer, and also by the community, is addictive beyond belief.
The rush of dopamine that one gets is definitely akin to getting a daily addictive hit.
2. The Design: The accepted wisdom of building apps is that gamification is the best way to get addictive engagement. Take a look at Khan Academy which is quite liberal in distributing gaming trinkets such as badges and stars to mark a student’s progress, or Keas.com as an example in healthcare where they measure and motivate individuals and teams to better themselves. The simple takeaway is just add such trinkets to any app and voila we have an addictive app.
The real truth, however, is much deeper. Unless the app itself delivers real value to its users, such as better learning or improved health, the thrills of gamification will wear off pretty soon. Zynga the ultimate gamified app is learning this lesson painfully as a result.
3. The User Experience: At the deepest level, it is the UX that makes or breaks an app. UX is not just about the design elements and how they work. UX is what the user actually feels when using the app. The best UX will take over the user’s brain and create a sensory experience that blends the real world with the virual world in a way that makes it seamless. Today’s mobile apps are but the first step in pervasive computing and addictive apps will make this blend even more seamless.
If you have an idea for an app, then visit softwaredevelopersindia.com and our business consultants will help you design, build, and launch addictive apps that will make your users beg for more.