How to build an addictive app, according to Mark Pincus, billionaire CEO of Zynga.
In a recent conversation with Mark, he discussed the ways to build an addictive app that users need. He highlighted that the first thing founders should do is identify the “proven”; Founders should find out:
· What is everyone interested in?
· Who is the best in this domain?
· What features do they offer that make people go “F*ck yeah!”
· What can you do to be better than the best?
· How can you satisfy users more than the domain leaders?
Mark points out that a good way to start is to look in the mirror. “Become a student of yourself” he said, inviting young founders to realise what addicts them. In his words, the younger generation generally has a better intuition of which direction the market will go, so it is strategic to study oneself retrospectively.
Mark also points out a common feature found in most addictive apps: Hoops and Rewards. Mark uses Chess.com as an example, where the challenging chess game is the hoop, and the Elo rating is the reward. The hoop must also adapt to the user to keep it challenging. In Chess.com, when the elo increases, the user is matched with more skilful opponents. If the hoop does not adapt, the experience will quickly become mundane.
It’d be interesting to apply Mark’s principles to my development with Calmi. I look forward to exploring the potential of gamifying the self-help and therapy process. Doing so could improve user experience, helping them stick to treatment plans by making it fun and rewarding.
