A core loop is a repeated pattern in a system that keeps users coming back — not because they are forced to, but because they want to.
This concept is popular in game design but is also highly relevant for web and mobile applications.
🔄 The Structure of a Core Loop
- Trigger – Something that prompts the user to act (notification, need, curiosity).
- Action – A specific action taken by the user.
- Reward – An immediate and satisfying outcome.
- Investment/Progress – Value that grows over time with continued use.
- Repeat Trigger – A follow-up prompt that encourages repeating the cycle.
💡 Why It Matters
A well-designed core loop builds habits.
The more often users interact, the more value they accumulate in the system, increasing the switching cost and making it harder for them to leave.
📍 Case Study: Web CRM Application
- Trigger: A notification says, “You have 5 leads waiting for follow-up today.”
- Action: The user contacts the leads through the CRM.
- Reward: The lead’s status changes to “Qualified,” and the chance of closing the deal increases.
- Investment: The CRM stores interaction history and communication logs, making sales analytics more accurate.
- Repeat Trigger: A weekly pipeline progress report encourages the user to return for more follow-ups.
🎯 Tips for Building Effective Core Loops
- Variety & escalation: Identical loops can get boring — increase challenge or reward over time.
- Nested loops: Combine small loops (instant rewards) with larger loops (long-term progress).
- Loss aversion: Make users feel they are losing something if they stop engaging.
💬 Think beyond single clicks — design for long-term engagement.
A core loop is not just about interaction — it’s about building a relationship between the user and the product.
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