Laws of UX · Memory and cognitive load
Zeigarnik Effect
People remember uncompleted or interrupted tasks better than completed tasks.
The design-system take
Where the principle shows up in a token, component or pattern decision.
Progress indicators and “you’re almost done” states use this deliberately — an unfinished checklist keeps the user coming back. Completion states should feel earned, not just reached.
Adapted from Zeigarnik Effect on Laws of UX — Jon Yablonski.