The Activity Locking/Unlocking feature allows app creators to control when specific activities within an app become accessible to users. By locking activities, creators can guide users through a structured progression, ensuring they engage with content at the appropriate time, often after completing pre-set conditions. This feature can enhance personalized user journeys and provide a clear sense of progression within the app.
User Experience on Mobile and Web
When using the Activity Locking/Unlocking feature, users will see activities marked with a lock icon if they are currently inaccessible. Upon attempting to access these locked activities, users will receive a pop-up message explaining that the activity is locked and what action (if any) is needed to unlock it. This is consistent across both mobile and web versions of the app.
On mobile, locked activities will appear with the lock icon on widgets like “Featured Activities,” “Up Next,” and in the “Explore” section. Web users will see a similar interface with clear messaging and interactive elements that align with the app’s visual style.
On both mobile and web platforms, locked activities follow a consistent design of a greyed-out thumbnail/icon with a lock overlayed.
Web | Mobile |
Pop-up Message: The default pop-up message will include the lock icon and a message explaining why the activity is locked, with customizable options for text.
By utilizing this feature, app creators can ensure that users follow the intended flow, gaining access to content only when necessary conditions are met.
Possible use cases:
The Activity Locking/Unlocking feature in digital health apps enables personalized, structured experiences, guiding users through health programs by unlocking activities based on their progress and needs. Here are some of the possible use cases:
Wellness Programs: Unlock new fitness routines or mental health exercises only after completing prior sessions to encourage gradual progress.
Patient Education: Lock advanced learning materials until users master basic health concepts, ensuring a step-by-step understanding.
Behavioral Health: Unlock new modules after users achieve milestones, such as completing mood tracking or journaling tasks.
Rehabilitation: Guide patients through recovery by unlocking exercises as they progress, preventing overexertion or injury.
How to Use the Locking/Unlocking Feature
Manually Locking activity through Creator
One way to lock activities is through Creator > Content, where you can choose which activities to unlock.
Step 1. Access the Activity List
Go to the Activity List within your subject.
You’ll find a "Lock Activities" button next to the "Create New Activity" button. Click on this to start locking specific activities.
Step 2. Manage Locked Activities
A pop-up will appear where you can manage which activities you want to lock within the selected Subject. Click on "Manage Activities" to select the activities.
Step 3. Lock Activities
Choose the activities you want to lock.
Once selected, click "Save" to apply the changes. The locked activities will be marked with a lock icon in the activity list.
Locking Activity using Automation
To lock activities with the use of Automation, you'll need to configure the appropriate triggers and results in Automation > Behaviours.
Step 1. When in Cogniss Creator, go to the Navigation bar on the left-hand side of your screen, select the Automation option and select Behaviors.
Step 2. Click the button 'Create New Behavior' in the top right corner of your screen.
Step 3. Set up the trigger. The trigger is the conditions the user must meet to activate the behaviour and lock the specified activity. This trigger could be based on responses to questions, activities, or other options.
Step 4. Under Result, choose Transaction from the drop-down list, then set the Type to “Lock Activity”. Finally, choose the activity you wish to lock.
Step 5. Save Changes
For more information on behaviors, check behavior overview help article.
Unlocking Activities with Automation
You can lock or unlock activities later using Automation by setting up the right triggers and results in Automation > Behaviours. For example, you can lock activities again or unlock them based on a user’s progress or responses, making them automatically accessible when conditions are met.
Note: The activities must be locked in the activity list first; otherwise, the locking feature won’t work through behaviours. For example, an activity might be unlocked for a user based on their performance, but if their performance drops, the activity can be locked again.
Step 1. Create a New Behavior
To unlock activities, you need to use behavior settings by configuring the appropriate triggers and results.
Step 2. When in Cogniss Creator, go to the Navigation tab on the left-hand side of your screen, select the Automation option and click into the Behavior menu.
Step 3. Click the button 'Create New Behavior' in the top right corner of your screen.
Step 4. Set up the trigger. The trigger is the conditions the user must meet to activate the behaviour and unlock the specified activity. This trigger could be based on responses to questions, activities, or other options.
Step 5. Under Result, choose Transaction from the drop-down list, then set the Type to “Unlock Activity”. Finally, choose the activity you wish to unlock.
Step 5. Save Changes
For more information on behaviours, check behavior overview help article.
Customizing the Lock Message
You can display a custom message when the locked activity notification appears by following these steps:
Step 1. To customize the lock message that users will see, return to the "Lock Activities" screen.
Step 2. Select "Edit Lock Message"
Step 3. You can also edit the text of the lock message (maximum 100 characters).
Step 4. Once edited, save the changes. These customizations will apply to all locked activities under that Subject.
Best Practice Tips:
Balance Locking and Freedom: To create a welcoming experience for new users, it's crucial to provide clear direction on where to start. A well-organized structure and flow should guide them through the initial activities, making it clear that completing these steps unlocks additional features or content. This approach fosters a sense of progress and ensures users can easily navigate the platform throughout their app journey.
Use Clear Lock Messages: Customize the lock message to inform users why the activity is locked and what they need to do to unlock it. Keep the message clear and concise to avoid confusion, and use a consistent tone aligned with the app’s purpose.