Dhania Mirza

I’ve been thinking a lot about streaks lately. Not the “fun” kind, but the kind that quietly crush engagement. In this episode, I dig into why streaks often backfire: one missed day, the streak resets to zero, and suddenly the user’s identity (“I’m a meditator,” “I’m a language learner” or a Skool flame-bearer) collapses with it. That’s when the rage-quitting begins. The good news? Flexible streak design, recovery paths, and better messaging can completely change the retention curve. Streaks don’t need to be a time bomb, they can actually support long-term engagement when designed with human psychology in mind. What’s your experience with streaks, have you ever quit an app because you lost one?

New comment 13m ago

Dhania Mirza

1 like • 21m

I recently lost my Skool flame because I was 2 activities shy of the 10. In all honesty though, I had been wanting to drop Skool on weekends because it was becoming stressful to balance with my family life AND resist not just jumping in to like 10 random posts. It was enforcing a level of activity misaligned with my values/goals here. I was sad for a second, it really was not a conscious decision to drop it even though I wanted to, but now that it's gone - so, too, has the stress and guilt of being here for the flame instead of being here to be valuable. So, I would support a system that has flexible design and being a HCD advocate, would absolutely love it to be more human. 😇

Dhania Mirza

0 likes • 13m

@Rob Alvarez Ironically, community to an extent. People I connected with on Skool who had joined at the same time still maintain a flame, I felt a pang of sadness that we were no longer on the same "level" and there is also a sense of authority that comes from the flame as well, so losing the badge feels like a step back in being recognised here on Skool - but in reflection, it didn't really mean as much because you can get and maintain a flame without adding any actual value (or at least, not my definition of it) so I got past it all pretty quick, and now I like my new green square configuration 🤣

Rob Alvarez

14d •

📢 Announcements

Why Dark UX Fails (and What to Do Instead)

I just released a new episode diving into something we’ve all run into: confirm shaming. Those guilt-driven prompts apps use to push us into the choice they want. Sure, these dark patterns can boost quick numbers… but they absolutely destroy long-term trust, retention, and community. In the episode, I unpack real examples (some wild ones), the psychology behind them, and how ethical, game-inspired design can motivate users without manipulating them. If your product or community relies on behavior change, this episode will give you a clearer path to ethical motivation that actually works. 👉 Watch the episode and let me know in the comments: Have you ever been “confirm shamed” by an app? What did it say?

New comment 13d ago

Dhania Mirza

2 likes • 14d

I see the “no I don’t like to save money” or “I want to pay full price” all the time 😒 especially on email capture pop ups or forced upgrades in apps. Immediate close.

Dhania Mirza

1 like • 14d

@Rob Alvarez And consumers are getting smarter when it comes to these tactics, probably thanks to unethical overuse. 😓

Rob Alvarez

Nov 11 •

📢 Announcements

🧠 Create with your audience — not for them.

That’s the creative philosophy that Mister & Mischief (Andy & Jeff Crocker) shared with me in the latest Professor Game Podcast episode. They talked about their analog zine Infinite Right Answers, the power of confidence + generosity, and why a “too gentle” audience taught them more about engagement than any playtest ever could. It’s a beautiful reminder that real connection happens when we let others co-create the experience with us. 💬 What about you — when was the last time you invited your players, users, or learners to help shape the story with you? 🎧 Check out the episode #Gamification #GameThinking #ProfessorGame #Community #Engagement #Motivation

New comment Nov 12

Dhania Mirza

1 like • Nov 12

Co-creation is the key to real and valuable solutions. Huge advocate for this way of working, however it can take some skilled facilitation to know where to push and pull to get the result they desire. I am frequently working with my members to create. Love it.

Mathew Georghiou

Sep 8 •

💬 General Discussion

Spin The Wheel to Create Your Skool Community

There's lots of talk about what Skool community to start with the new $9 price. So I created this spinner with dumb ideas just for fun. Give it a try at https://mediaspark-skool1.replit.app/

New comment Oct 12