Reminder Frequency (optimal dosing)
One well-timed reminder per day works; more than that backfires.
Reminder Frequency (optimal dosing)
One well-timed reminder per day works; more than that backfires.
The Principle
Reminders are like medicine — there's an optimal dose. Too few and you forget; too many and you start ignoring them or feel nagged. The sweet spot appears to be a single, well-timed daily nudge.
Reminders are like medicine — there's an optimal dose. Too few and you forget; too many and you start ignoring them or feel nagged. The sweet spot appears to be a single, well-timed daily nudge.
Key Statistic
One weekly reminder significantly boosts compliance, but two per week diminishes the effect [30]
What The Research Shows
Antinyan et al. (2021) conducted a large-scale RCT in a tax compliance context and found that one reminder per week significantly boosted compliance compared to a one-off reminder, but two reminders per week diminished the effect [30]. The finding suggests a clear inverted-U relationship between reminder frequency and effectiveness. Earlier timing and simpler content were associated with better outcomes. Limitation: the study was in a tax compliance context, not personal productivity; generalizability to daily planning requires caution.
Antinyan et al. (2021) conducted a large-scale RCT in a tax compliance context and found that one reminder per week significantly boosted compliance compared to a one-off reminder, but two reminders per week diminished the effect [30]. The finding suggests a clear inverted-U relationship between reminder frequency and effectiveness. Earlier timing and simpler content were associated with better outcomes. Limitation: the study was in a tax compliance context, not personal productivity; generalizability to daily planning requires caution.
Common Myths
Myth: 'More reminders = more follow-through.' Reality: Over-reminding causes reminder fatigue and can actually reduce the behavior you're trying to encourage. One well-timed nudge outperforms multiple nagging pings [30].
Myth: 'More reminders = more follow-through.' Reality: Over-reminding causes reminder fatigue and can actually reduce the behavior you're trying to encourage. One well-timed nudge outperforms multiple nagging pings [30].
Myth: 'More reminders = more follow-through.' Reality: Over-reminding causes reminder fatigue and can actually reduce the behavior you're trying to encourage. One well-timed nudge outperforms multiple nagging pings [30].
How Aftertone Applies This
Aftertone sends a maximum of one daily planning reminder at the user's chosen time. The notification is simple and action-oriented ('Ready to plan your day?'). Users can adjust timing but the app never sends more than one unprompted notification per day.
Further Reading
Antinyan, A., et al. (2021). Does the frequency of reminders matter for their effectiveness? Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, 191, 1–15. DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2021.12.020
Antinyan, A., et al. (2021). Does the frequency of reminders matter for their effectiveness? Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, 191, 1–15. DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2021.12.020
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Your best work is waiting.
Try Aftertone free. See what you're capable of when nothing gets in your way.
Helped over 250+ elite performers
Your best work is waiting.
Try Aftertone free. See what you're capable of when nothing gets in your way.