Have you ever assembled IKEA furniture and the instructions show a diagram of the finished bookshelf? Instead of just following the steps, you sketch out your own assembly sequence based on the pieces in front of you. You got this.
Two hours later, you remember exactly how those shelves lock together, no manual needed for the next one.
According to cognitive psychology explanations, you remember information better when you generate it yourself rather than passively receiving it. This is the generation effect, and it can affect how you interact with products, services, and everyday decisions.
Think about why you remember your own grocery list better than your partner's, or why that recipe you tweaked sticks in your mind while the one you followed exactly fades away.
When you actively create or modify information, your brain processes it more deeply and stores it more durably.
This matters because brands and services increasingly design experiences that put you in the driver's seat. IKEA doesn't just sell you furniture, they sell you the assembly experience.
Meal kit services don't deliver finished dinners, they give you ingredients and let you cook. When customers take an active role in shaping their experiences, they tend to remember and value them more.
Here is how you can leverage the generation effect in your everyday life: when you're trying to remember something important, a new phone number, a friend's dietary restrictions, a home repair technique, don't just read it or save it to your notes. Write it out in your own words, sketch a diagram, or explain it to someone else. The act of generating your own version creates stronger memory traces.
Shopping for something complex? Instead of passively reading reviews, make your own comparison chart. List the features that matter to you, rate each option yourself, and write down your reasoning. You'll remember your decision criteria months later when similar choices come up.
The same goes for learning a new skill. Don't just watch tutorial videos, pause and predict the next step before they show it. Try the technique yourself and note what works differently for you. Generate your own shortcuts and modifications. The versions you create will stick far better than the ones you simply observe.
The shift happens when you stop being a passive consumer of information and start being an active creator of it. Your memory improves not because the information changed, but because you changed how you engaged with it.
Did this resonate with you? Forward it on to someone who could use it too. These insights are better when shared.
Cheers,
Alex
Disclaimer: I'm a curious researcher, not a licensed psychologist. I study these concepts because I believe understanding how our minds work can help us navigate life more effectively. This content is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional advice. Please consult qualified professionals for personal guidance. Individual results may vary, and readers should use their own judgment when applying these concepts.