Behavior Loop

The loop

Trigger → Action → Reward → Investment

Adapted from behavioral science for civic contexts. The goal is repeat usage that serves citizens, not engagement metrics that serve the product.

Trigger

What prompts the citizen to act? A deadline, a notification, a need, a location. Triggers must be relevant and respectful, not spam.

Action

What is the simplest action they can take? One tap, one form, one scan. Reduce steps before adding features.

Reward

What do they get immediately? Confirmation, saved time, clarity, progress. Rewards in civic UX are often informational. "You're done" beats "Check out these other services."

Investment

What makes the next visit easier? Saved preferences, history, progress. Investment should benefit the citizen, not lock them in.

No dark patterns

Government services must not manipulate. The Behavior Loop in civic contexts means making useful actions habitual , not trapping users in engagement loops they did not choose.