Variable rewards
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Motivational+ 3 more
Mimo
Learn to code
Mimo, the learn-to-code app, leans on variable rewards, the illusion of effort and skill-based onboarding animations. Our UX Bites cover set-up through to daily retention.
Key takeaways from 4 UX Bites
Hitting a daily goal opens a safe holding a variable number of coins, so payoffs stay unpredictable
The first mistake is reframed as learning, then used to introduce the concept of 'hearts'
A pause after set-up says it's personalising your experience: the illusion of effort at work
Often uses:
Last updated: 27/08/2026
Real world examples
Mistakes = learning
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Reduce frustration+ 1 more
The illusion of effort
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Increase value
Pros have dual screens
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Happier users
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