Protocol
Put a distinctive reminder where action becomes possible
A reminder at the wrong moment is often just another thought.
When it fits
- You remember an intention repeatedly except at the moment you could carry it out.
When to avoid it
- Do not block exits, cover safety labels or leave hazardous objects as reminders. Important duties may need redundant reminders rather than one visual cue.
Why it matters
Associate the intended action with a distinctive cue you will encounter at the relevant opportunity. Explain the association to yourself when placing it. Research on reminders through association supports this design principle; a random object without a meaning is merely clutter.
Steps
- Identify the actual point at which you can do the task.
- Place a safe, distinctive cue there and link it explicitly to the action.
- Remove or reset the cue once the task is complete.
An example
A bright removable tag on the reusable shopping bag means to bring the library book when leaving for that route.
Check your result
You notice the cue at a usable opportunity and can name the action it represents.
Keep this limit in mind
- Do not block exits, cover safety labels or leave hazardous objects as reminders. Important duties may need redundant reminders rather than one visual cue.
Connected ideas
Compare withKeep the cue steady while the action becomes familiarUseful with
Make the early checkpoint return useful feedback
Evidence and sources
Supports
The reminder experiments linked intentions to distinctive cues encountered when the intended action was possible.
A visible cue still needs an understood association and a safe, relevant placement.
Reminders Through Association · Abstract