Telescoping Effect

Overestimation of recent events while underestimating distant ones.

What it is

The telescoping effect refers to a cognitive bias in time perception where individuals tend to recall recent events as occurring further back in time than they actually did (backward telescoping), and distant events as occurring more recently than they actually did (forward telescoping). This distortion in temporal perception can impact the accuracy of self-reported data in research studies, particularly those involving timelines or personal histories.

How to use it

1. Telescoping Effect in Email Marketing

In email marketing, the Telescoping Effect can be used to promote a sense of urgency, making the audience feel like they're running out of time to take advantage of a particular offer. This can be achieved by sending out a sequence of emails, each one emphasizing that the offer is closer to its end date. This telescoping effect can drive up conversions by prompting subscribers to act immediately rather than delay.

2. Telescoping Effect in User Onboarding

The Telescoping Effect can be used during the user onboarding process to increase retention. By progressively revealing features and benefits over time, the perceived value of the product increases. This can be achieved by using a step-by-step guide that unfolds gradually or a product tour that reveals features one by one, creating a telescoping effect that keeps users engaged and more likely to continue using the product.

3. Telescoping Effect in Push Notifications

Using the Telescoping Effect in push notifications for mobile apps can increase engagement rates. Push notifications with a countdown or a sense of urgency can create a telescoping effect, making users feel like they need to act quickly. For instance, a fitness app could send notifications counting down the days to a fitness challenge deadline, encouraging users to complete their workout goals in time.

4. Telescoping Effect in Content Marketing

The Telescoping Effect can also be used in content marketing to increase conversions. By creating a series of related blog posts, videos, podcasts, or social media posts that build on each other, you can create a telescoping effect that keeps your audience engaged and looking forward to the next piece of content. This can lead to higher conversion rates as your audience becomes more invested in your content and more likely to convert.

5. Telescoping Effect in Product Updates

For tech startups, the Telescoping Effect can be used to increase engagement and user retention during product updates. By revealing new features or improvements in a sequential manner rather than all at once, users will anticipate each subsequent update, keeping them engaged with the product. This Telescoping Effect can be created through a series of emails, in-app notifications, or blog posts.

6. Telescoping Effect in Sales Funnels

The Telescoping Effect can be implemented in sales funnels to increase conversions. By gradually introducing more information and benefits about the product as a customer moves through the funnel, you can create a telescoping effect that makes the final conversion seem like the logical next step. This can significantly increase conversion rates by making the buying process feel more natural and less pressured.

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

Commitment Bias

An inclination to stay consistent with prior decisions or actions.

Optimism Bias

Inclination to overestimate positive outcomes and underestimate negatives.

The Sunk Cost Fallacy

An irrational commitment to past investments influencing current decisions.

In-group Bias

Preference and favoritism towards one's own social group.

Motivating Uncertainty Effect

Encouraging action through the strategic use of uncertainty stimuli.

Illusory Correlation

Perception of a relationship between unrelated phenomena or variables.