The 85% Rule and Building Customer Experiences: Insights for Optimal Learning and Product Development

The 85% Rule and Building Customer Experiences: Insights for Optimal Learning and Product Development

Introduction:
In the fields of learning and product development, there are fascinating insights that can help us optimize our strategies. Surprisingly, both domains share a common thread: the importance of understanding human behavior and motivation. This article explores the concept of the 85% rule in learning and its connection to building customer experiences. By examining these principles, we can gain valuable insights into achieving success in both realms.

The 85% Rule: Finding the Sweet Spot for Learning:
Scott H Young's research on the 85% rule suggests that optimal learning occurs when we succeed around 85% of the time. This finding aligns with the optimal error rate for training in machine learning algorithms. Similarly, Barak Rosenshine's study of successful classrooms found an 80% success rate. These seemingly disparate findings converge on the idea that adjusting the level of support based on success rates can enhance learning outcomes. Lev Vygotsky's zone of proximal development theory complements this notion by emphasizing the benefits of tasks slightly beyond our current capabilities, but achievable with assistance. Striking the right balance between difficulty and support fosters the creation of mental models and retrieval of background knowledge.

The Role of Difficulty in Motivation and Skill Development:
Anders Ericsson's model of deliberate practice proposes that when skills become automatic, we tend to plateau below our potential. This suggests that maintaining a level of challenge is crucial for continual growth. Robert Eisenberg's theory of learned industriousness further supports this idea. It highlights the motivating power of success on difficult problems, while failure can be demotivating. By embracing challenges and experiencing incremental successes, individuals can cultivate a mindset that values effort and persistence.

Building Customer Experiences: Understanding Behavior and Motivation:
When it comes to product development, understanding user behavior and motivation is paramount. Airbnb Global Product Lead emphasizes the importance of questioning how users behave, their motivations, and their needs. To drive meaningful change, product managers must focus on the ultimate outcome they aim to achieve for the user. This approach aligns with the concept of "Jobs to be Done," where the goal is to solve user problems and change their behavior. By prioritizing the overall shipping goal and working backward, product teams can effectively deprioritize features that may not be essential initially.

Actionable Advice for Optimal Learning and Product Development:

1. Fine-tune support and difficulty levels: In both learning and product development, finding the right balance between support and difficulty is crucial. Assess success rates and adjust the level of assistance accordingly to maximize learning outcomes or drive behavior change effectively.

2. Embrace challenges and incremental successes: To reach our full potential, we must continue to challenge ourselves and embrace difficulties. Celebrate incremental successes to maintain motivation and cultivate a growth mindset.

3. Understand user needs and motivations: In product development, prioritize understanding user behavior and motivation. This knowledge will help you create customer experiences that truly address their needs and drive meaningful change.

Conclusion:
The 85% rule for learning and the principles of building customer experiences share common ground in understanding human behavior and motivation. By incorporating the insights from these domains, we can optimize our learning strategies and design products that truly make a difference. Fine-tuning support and difficulty levels, embracing challenges and incremental successes, and prioritizing user needs are actionable steps that can lead to success in both learning and product development. By leveraging these principles, we can unlock our full potential and create exceptional experiences for users.