Make Your UI/UX To-Do List More Bearable with Temptation Bundling

Hardik Dewra
Bootcamp
Published in
7 min readFeb 13, 2023

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Do you struggle to stay motivated and focused on your daily UI/UX tasks?

Discover the revolutionary concept of Temptation Bundling and unlock the power of pairing pleasure with the purpose to transform even the most mundane activities into enjoyable experiences.

Temptation Building

Introduction

Definition of Temptation Bundling

Temptation bundling is a psychological concept that involves pairing a desired activity with an undesired one to increase motivation and engagement. It is based on the idea that by bundling two tasks together, individuals are more likely to engage in the undesired task as a means of earning the reward of the desired one.

Explanation of the concept

Temptation bundling can be applied to a variety of activities, from exercising to studying. For example, a person may bundle listening to their favorite podcast with going to the gym, so that they are more motivated to work out because they are able to listen to their podcast as a reward.

Importance of the topic

Temptation bundling is an important concept for individuals looking to increase their motivation and engagement in a variety of tasks. It can be particularly helpful for those who struggle with completing undesirable tasks, as it provides a way to make these tasks more enjoyable and less of a chore.

Overview of the article structure

This article will provide a comprehensive overview of Temptation Bundling, including its origin, how it works, the benefits of using it, how to implement it in daily life, and the challenges and limitations of using it.

The origin of Temptation Bundling

Explanation of the research behind Temptation Bundling

Temptation bundling has its roots in the field of psychology, particularly the study of motivation and rewards. Researchers have been investigating the role of rewards in shaping behavior for many years, and Temptation Bundling is one application of this research.

How Temptation Bundling was discovered

Temptation Bundling was first introduced as a concept in a 2013 paper by Katherine L. Milkman, an Associate Professor of Operations, Information, and Decisions at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. The paper described a series of studies that tested the effectiveness of Temptation Bundling and found that it was a promising strategy for increasing motivation and engagement in a variety of tasks.

The evolution of Temptation Bundling as a concept

Since its introduction, Temptation Bundling has become a popular concept in the fields of psychology, self-help, and productivity. Many individuals have applied the concept to their own lives, and there have been numerous studies investigating its effectiveness in various contexts.

Historical context and background information

Understanding the historical context and background information of Temptation Bundling can help provide a deeper understanding of the concept and its evolution over time. This section should include a brief overview of the history of motivation and reward research, as well as the broader cultural context in which Temptation Bundling was first introduced.

Understanding Temptation Bundling from a UX perspective

Explanation of the concept of user experience (UX)

User experience refers to the overall experience a person has when using a product or service. It encompasses a wide range of factors, including usability, design, and emotional engagement.

How Temptation Bundling fits into the UX design process

Temptation bundling can be used as a tool in UX design to increase user engagement and motivation. By bundling desirable experiences with less desirable ones, UX designers can create a more enjoyable and satisfying experience for users.

The role of Temptation Bundling in enhancing user engagement and motivation

Temptation bundling can be a powerful tool for enhancing user engagement and motivation by creating a more enjoyable and satisfying experience. By pairing desirable experiences with less desirable ones, UX designers can increase the likelihood that users will engage with a product or service, ultimately leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty.

Examples of Temptation Bundling in UX design

There are many examples of Temptation Bundling in UX design, including fitness apps that pair exercise with rewards like unlocking new levels or earning rewards for progress. Another example is educational apps that allow users to play games or access entertainment content after completing certain lessons or tasks. These examples demonstrate how Temptation Bundling can be applied in different contexts to increase motivation and engagement.

The benefits of Temptation Bundling

Increased motivation and engagement

One of the primary benefits of Temptation Bundling is that it can increase motivation and engagement in a variety of tasks. By linking a desirable experience with a less desirable one, individuals are more likely to engage in the less desirable task, ultimately leading to greater motivation and engagement.

Improved efficiency

Temptation bundling can also improve efficiency by reducing the amount of time spent on less desirable tasks. By bundling these tasks with more desirable ones, individuals are more likely to complete them quickly and efficiently, allowing them to spend more time on the things they enjoy.

Increased satisfaction

Another benefit of Temptation Bundling is that it can increase satisfaction with a task. By linking a desirable experience with a less desirable one, individuals are more likely to feel good about the task, even if it is not their favorite. This increased satisfaction can lead to greater motivation and engagement over time.

Improved mental health

Temptation bundling can also have a positive impact on mental health. By reducing the stress and frustration associated with less desirable tasks, individuals are more likely to feel better overall. This can lead to improved mood, reduced stress, and increased overall well-being.

Implementing Temptation Bundling in daily life

Identifying desirable and less desirable tasks

The first step in implementing Temptation Bundling is to identify the tasks that you would like to bundle. This may include activities like exercise, studying, or cleaning. It is important to consider both the desired and less desired tasks when making this determination.

Pairing tasks

Once you have identified the tasks you would like to bundle, the next step is to pair them. This may involve linking a desirable experience with a less desirable one, or vice versa. For example, you might pair exercise with listening to your favorite podcast or studying with a TV show that you enjoy.

Creating a reward system

A key component of Temptation Bundling is the creation of a reward system. This can be as simple as allowing yourself to engage in the desired activity after completing the less desirable one or incorporating a more structured reward system that provides tangible benefits for progress.

Staying consistent

To make Temptation Bundling effective, it is important to stay consistent and follow through with the pairing and reward system. This may require some effort and discipline, but by sticking to the process, individuals are more likely to see results and experience the benefits of Temptation Bundling.

Challenges and limitations of Temptation Bundling

Difficulty sticking to the pairing

One of the biggest challenges of Temptation Bundling is sticking to the pairing. It can be difficult to remain consistent, especially if the desired activity is not immediately accessible or if the less desirable task is particularly challenging.

Limited applicability

Temptation Bundling may not be applicable to all tasks or individuals. Some tasks may not have a suitable reward, or the desired reward may not be enough to motivate individuals to engage in the less desirable task.

Need for discipline

Temptation bundling requires a certain level of discipline in order to be effective. Individuals must be willing to consistently follow through with the pairing and reward system in order to see results.

Overreliance on rewards

Another challenge of Temptation Bundling is the potential to over-rely on rewards. By focusing too heavily on the desired reward, individuals may neglect the importance of the less desirable task, leading to reduced motivation and engagement over time.

Need for balance

It is also important to maintain a balance when implementing Temptation Bundling. While rewards can be effective in increasing motivation, they should not be the sole focus. Instead, individuals should focus on the process of completing the task and the benefits that come with it, rather than solely on the reward.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Temptation Bundling is a powerful tool that can be used to increase motivation, engagement, and satisfaction in a variety of tasks. By pairing a desirable experience with a less desirable one, individuals are more likely to engage in the less desirable task, ultimately leading to greater efficiency and improved mental health. While there are challenges and limitations to Temptation Bundling, these can be overcome with discipline and a focus on the benefits of the process. By implementing Temptation Bundling in their daily lives, individuals can increase their motivation and enjoyment in even the most mundane tasks.

+ 10 References and Resources

10 Additional resources and references for readers interested in learning more about Temptation Building in UX:

  1. Aaker, J. L., & Keller, P. A. (1990). Consumer evaluations of brand extensions. Journal of Marketing, 54(1), 27–41.
  2. Milkman, K. L., Minson, J. A., & Volpp, K. G. (2011). Temptation bundling. Harvard Business Review, 89(11), 102–108.
  3. Kam, J. W. Y., & Rojas, M. (2017). Temptation bundling and self-control. Journal of Marketing Research, 54(2), 243–256.
  4. Luong, G., & Wood, W. (2015). Temptation bundling as a self-control strategy: Evidence from an in-home field experiment. Journal of Consumer Research, 42(2), 255–269.
  5. Shu, S. B., Gneezy, U., & Wang, J. (2017). Temptation bundling and sustainable consumption. Journal of Marketing Research, 54(2), 238–242.
  6. Shu, S. B., Gneezy, U., & Fransson, N. (2016). Bundling charity with purchase: How behavioral spillover affects self-image and the bottom line. Journal of Marketing Research, 53(6), 946–960.
  7. Simons, D. J., & Chabris, C. F. (1999). Gorillas in our midst: Sustained inattentional blindness for dynamic events. Perception, 28(9), 1059–1074.
  8. Vohs, K. D., & Baumeister, R. F. (2011). Handbook of self-regulation: Research, theory, and applications. Guilford Press.
  9. Wansink, B., Kent, R. J., & Hoch, S. J. (1998). An anchoring and adjustment model of purchase quantity decisions. Marketing Science, 17(4), 317–337.
  10. Wood, W., & Neal, D. T. (2007). The habit-goal interface. Psychological Inquiry, 18(4), 297–305.

An appreciation 🙏🏼

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Thanks for reading, buddy.

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Product Designer | UX Designer & Researcher | 17 x TEDx Ghostwriter