Thinking In Loops
Virality is the phenomenon of users recruiting new users. When this occurs in a viral loop with a sufficiently high viral coefficient, the results can be explosive.
When designed correctly, loops can create immense value for people within its gravitational pull.
Sacks, former COO of Paypal, sketches his viral loop: stand-out design, observers, conversion rate, and implementers.
The idea is to create an experience for people; this experience attracts observers; some percentage of those observers become buyers; and some of those buyers extend the experience to new observers.
And here’s the most powerful thing about loops: as they grow, they become stronger and larger.
While Sacks focuses on technology startups, “loop thinking” can be applied across sectors and industries.
I should use loops — both process and people — to grow The Maze.
Urban planners should use loops (e.g., green space leads to general interest; interest in the project leads to adopters; adopters become evangelists).
Artists, musicians, and teachers should use loops.
Why is loop thinking important?
Because loops eliminate noise.
In a world of abundant, useless information, we need a process to filter, assess, and focus information.
Loops help us do that.
What is your loop?
