Simply Why Better Product Experiences Lead To Better Engagement | Modu Musing

Simply why better product experiences lead to better engagement 

We cannot blame human biology for poor experiences - it’s just a result. What we need is better storytelling and more commitment to product delivery.

Rumour has it technology has ruined our attention span 

You may have heard that our attention spans are getting shorter, often attributed to the busyness of everyday life and constant exposure to information overload on digital platforms. People frequently link low attention spans to technology, but on the flip side, many find solace in immersing themselves in a great book or marathoning a series on Netflix as a way to focus on one thing. If you’ve felt this way, you’re not alone. 

So, here’s the thing... Is it really that we have poor attention spans, or is it that we dislike meaningless experiences that don’t immediately provide value to us individually? This is something we’ve carefully considered when designing digital experiences. It shouldn't just hook your attention without fulfilling the interaction or offering something in return. Every interaction should capture your interest and give you something valuable back.

We pay attention because we care

Of course, each individual will have varying degrees of what they deem is worth our time. Here comes the real challenge, how quickly can we then make that decision before scrolling away? People can focus on tasks for long periods of time, when they are genuinely engaged or when the task is compelling. Have you ever been so immersed in a complex jigsaw puzzle that you spent hours on it, only to complete it within a day without realising how much time had passed?

These are the moments when we can say, it’s not our human flaw that we don’t feel the need to interact - it’s how we value that moment as important to us. The real challenge is how quickly we make decisions about whether something is worth our time. People can focus on tasks for long periods when they’re genuinely engaged or when the task is compelling.

It’s not what you say - it’s how you say it

When you open a website or app, it doesn’t take minutes to decide whether you’ll stay; it happens in seconds, even milliseconds. Digital environments are oversaturated with options and information and as a result our brains have developed a filtering mechanism to make quick judgments: Is this relevant? Is this interesting? Is this useful to me?

Many firms today mistakenly think that no one will pay attention to a message or an experience that isn't ultra quick. And if you believe that, you likely won't include the kinds of information, emotional hooks and storytelling that can get your audience to care about your experience or product in the first place.

So, it’s not your attention span - it’s your product.

So, it’s not your attention span — it’s your product. The key takeaway here is that to truly make an impact on your audience, clients, and even your team, you need to balance delivery with value. Keeping this front of mind ensures you don’t waste time and can get the best results out of every interaction.