> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.designreference.xyz/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://www.designreference.xyz/cognitive-tools/ux-laws-principles/psychology/zeigarnik-effect.md). # Zeigarnik Effect People remember uncompleted or interrupted tasks better than completed ones. The Zeigarnik Effect basically says that we tend to remember uncompleted or interrupted tasks better than completed ones. It's like when you're watching a TV show, and they end it with a cliffhanger; you can't stop thinking about what happens next. This happens because our brains find it easier to remember things that are left unfinished, creating a kind of mental tension that encourages us to complete those tasks. It's a bit like having a mental to-do list that keeps nagging at you until you finish what you started. #### Further Viewing {% embed url="" %} #### Further Reading {% embed url="" %} {% embed url="" %} --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://www.designreference.xyz/cognitive-tools/ux-laws-principles/psychology/zeigarnik-effect.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.