MOT · Motivation · 1943
Hierarchy of Needs
by Abraham Maslow
Five-tier ladder from physiological needs to self-actualization.
Summary
Maslow argued that lower-order needs (food, safety) must be reasonably met before higher-order needs (esteem, self-actualization) become motivating. Later editions added cognitive, aesthetic, and self-transcendence tiers.
For designers
Diagnose which tier your audience is operating from before choosing an incentive. Esteem-tier rewards (recognition, mastery badges) fail when safety needs (job security, predictable pay) are unmet.
Components
1
Physiological
Food, water, sleep, shelter.
2
Safety
Security of body, employment, health, resources.
3
Belonging
Friendship, intimacy, family.
4
Esteem
Recognition, status, mastery, respect.
5
Self-Actualization
Realizing personal potential, peak experience.
6
Self-Transcendence
Service to a cause greater than self (later addition).
Cross-dimensional couplings
Sources
- Maslow, A. H. (1943). A Theory of Human Motivation. Psychological Review.