Leveling and Sharpening

A psychological process influencing distortion and simplification of memories.

What it is

Leveling and sharpening are cognitive processes that occur when we recall or retell information. Leveling refers to the process of omitting or simplifying details from a story or information, often to make it easier to understand or remember. This can result in the loss of some original details or nuances. Sharpening, on the other hand, involves emphasizing or exaggerating certain details or aspects of the story or information. This is often done to make the story more interesting, memorable, or to support a particular viewpoint or bias. This can result in a distorted or biased version of the original information.

How to use it

Enhancing User Experience with Leveling

The process of leveling can be used to simplify and streamline a tech startup's user interface. By removing unnecessary details and complexities, users can navigate the platform more easily, which can lead to increased engagement and potentially conversions. For instance, if a tech startup has a complex signup process, it can use leveling to reduce the number of steps, making it easier for users to complete the process and, therefore, increasing conversions. Additionally, by simplifying its services or product offerings, users can better understand what the startup is offering, leading to higher retention rates.

Improving User Onboarding with Leveling

Leveling can also be used in user onboarding to increase user retention. By focusing on the most critical aspects of the platform during onboarding, new users can quickly understand how to use the platform, which can lead to higher engagement and retention. This can be achieved by creating a simplified, step-by-step onboarding process that highlights the most important features of the platform. The startup can then gradually introduce more advanced features as users become more comfortable with the platform.

Creating Effective Marketing Campaigns with Sharpening

Sharpening can be used to create more effective marketing campaigns, which can lead to increased conversions. By highlighting the unique selling points of the startup's products or services, potential customers can easily understand why they should choose the startup over its competitors. This can be achieved by creating marketing messages that clearly emphasize the benefits of the product or service, and how it solves a problem that potential customers may have. Sharpening in this context could mean focusing on one or two key features or benefits in marketing materials, rather than trying to convey all the details about the product or service.

Increasing User Engagement with Sharpening

Sharpening can also be used to increase user engagement on a tech startup's platform. By emphasizing the most engaging aspects of the platform, users are more likely to interact with these features, leading to higher engagement. This could mean highlighting popular features or content in a prominent location on the platform, or using notifications to draw users' attention to these features. In addition, sharpening could be used to create a more personalized user experience, by highlighting content or features that are most relevant to each individual user, based on their behavior and preferences.

Boosting User Retention with Sharpening

Lastly, sharpening can be used to boost user retention for a tech startup. By constantly emphasizing the value that users get from the platform, they are more likely to continue using it. This can be achieved by regularly communicating with users about new features or improvements, or by highlighting how the platform is helping them achieve their goals. In this context, sharpening could mean focusing on the positive impact that the platform has on users, and constantly reminding them of this value.

Want to learn more?

Decoding the Why explores how high growth companies can integrate the power of behavioral science to unlock product & go-to-market strategies.

Use promo code Patent355 to receive a free eBook and Kindle copy.

get free copy
Cover of Decoding the Why book

More Behavioral Design Theories

Action Bias

Inclination towards action over inaction in decision-making processes.

Primacy Effect

First impressions significantly influence subsequent information processing and decisions.

Framing Effect

Influence of presentation style on decision-making perceptions and outcomes.

Law of the Instrument

Tendency to over-rely on a familiar tool or perspective.

Noble Edge Effect

Enhancing brand trust and loyalty through ethical business practices.

Mental Accounting

A cognitive process of categorizing and evaluating financial outcomes.