Putting extra weight on immediate effort or rewards can create a gap between plans and later actions.
Theoretical modelA model for explaining behavior, not a direct test of this interface’s conversion effects.
Example
A learner may plan to start next week but postpone today’s setup. Letting them choose and change a start date is an application proposal.
Why it works
Models of time-inconsistent preferences distinguish immediate costs from immediate rewards and awareness of future self-control problems. Not all delay has the same cause.
On the web
Follow a chosen date with a small first action. Make reminders optional and let users reschedule or cancel in the same place.
When it backfires
Budget constraints, missing information or sensible waiting can also look like procrastination. A model does not establish a web-booking effect, and restriction alone need not benefit users.
Sources
Models immediate costs and rewards separately and distinguishes awareness of future self-control problems.
O’Donoghue & Rabin (1999). Doing It Now or Later. Open source