Self-Initiated Triggers
Prompts users set up themselves boost engagement by tapping into their intrinsic motivations and reducing interruption.
Definition
Self-initiated triggers are prompts or cues that users deliberately set up themselves, rather than passively receiving notifications or reminders.
They tap into users’ intrinsic motivations by giving them control over when and how they want to be reminded, reducing interruption and resistance.
Behind the scenes, this principle leverages autonomy and commitment bias: when you opt in voluntarily, you’re more invested in following through.
In human-computer interaction, self-initiated triggers are a linchpin for habit formation because they align digital cues with personal workflows and rhythms.
By shifting from push notifications to pull-based reminders that users configure, you tap into higher engagement rates and lower annoyance thresholds, critical for long-term product retention.
Real world example
Think about how Todoist lets you create recurring tasks at times you choose: you’re not nagged by random notifications, you pull the reminder when it fits your routine, making you far more likely to check off that to-do.
Real world example
In user onboarding flows where you prompt users to schedule their first check-in at a convenient moment. On dashboard customization screens where users can define the frequency and timing of data reports. Within habit-forming features, like daily streak reminders or goal tracking modules, where you let users pick the trigger conditions instead of blasting them with push alerts.
What are the key benefits?
Everything you need to make smarter growth decisions, without the guesswork or wasted time.
Let users schedule reminders on their own terms.
Offer configurable cadence and delivery channels.
Surface triggers only after users complete initial setup.
What are the key benefits?
Everything you need to make smarter growth decisions, without the guesswork or wasted time.
Don’t flood users with unsolicited push notifications.
Avoid hardcoding a single reminder schedule for all users.
Don’t hide trigger settings deep in obscure menus.
Frequently asked questions
Growth co-pilot turns your toughest product questions into clear, data-backed recommendations you can act on immediately.
What’s the difference between self-initiated and push triggers?
Self-initiated triggers are configured by users so they feel in control, whereas push triggers are system-driven notifications you send at your chosen times, often leading to higher opt-out rates.
When should I introduce self-initiated triggers in the user journey?
Right after initial onboarding or a key success milestone. At that point, users know enough about your value proposition to choose reminders that fit their workflow.
How many trigger options should I offer?
Start small: 2–3 core options for timing and channel. Monitor usage and expand based on real user preferences, avoid overwhelming them with too many choices up front.
Can self-initiated triggers work for mobile and web?
Absolutely. Whether it’s a calendar integration on web or a local notification on mobile, the key is giving users the config screen in the environment they interact with most.
How do I measure success of self-initiated triggers?
Track opt-in rates, completion rates for triggered tasks, and retention lift compared against a control group with push-only notifications.
Own Your Triggers
Self-initiated triggers turn passive users into active participants. Use the CrackGrowth diagnostic to pinpoint where you’re still interrupting instead of empowering.