Laws of UX
Zeigarnik Effect
People remember incomplete tasks better than completed ones. Progress indicators, partially filled profiles, and onboarding checklists leverage this to drive completion. Use ethically — not as a dark pattern.
In plain terms
People feel pulled to finish what they've started — progress bars and checklists use this to encourage completion.
Why this matters
Used well — progress bars, checklists — the pull to finish helps people complete important tasks. Used to pressure people, it becomes a dark pattern, so apply it to genuinely help, not to manipulate.