Mirthy · 2022

Using User Research to Make Free Credits Easier to Understand

User ResearchUser ExperienceUI DesignExperimentation

+32%

improvement in users correctly recalling when their credits would reset.

+24%

increase in users who could accurately explain the free-credit system after seeing the interface.

+18%

improvement in reported confidence around when to return and use credits.

+15%

uplift in free-credit-driven event bookings following the clearer communication pattern.

Overview

Tierra partnered with Mirthy, an online events platform designed for older adults, to improve the usability and effectiveness of its free credits system. Through qualitative user research and design validation, we tested two different ways of communicating when users’ credits would reset — an absolute date versus a simple countdown. The results showed that a relative timeframe such as “6 days remaining” was easier for users to understand and remember than a specific calendar date such as “14 March”. This small but meaningful insight helped Mirthy create a clearer experience for its audience and encouraged greater engagement with its free events offering.

Outcome

A simple user research experiment revealed that relative dates made free credits easier to understand and remember, helping Mirthy drive participation and attendance.

About Mirthy

Mirthy (now acquired by Restless) was an online events platform created to help older adults discover and participate in engaging digital experiences, from talks and workshops to social activities. Because its audience included users who were less familiar or comfortable with modern digital interfaces, clarity and ease of use were particularly important. Mirthy’s free credits system was designed to encourage users to book events, build engagement and create opportunities for social sharing and organic growth.

The Challenge

Mirthy needed users to clearly understand when their free credits would reset.

The audience included older users who were generally less attuned to digital interfaces and conventions.

A calendar date such as “14 March” could be harder to interpret and remember than a simple countdown.

If users didn’t understand when their credits became available again, they could miss opportunities to book events and participate.

How We Helped

Designed An Experiment

We designed a qualitative user research test to validate how users understood their remaining free-credit period.

Analyzed Results

We compared two interface approaches: an absolute date (“14 March”) and a relative timeframe (“6 days remaining”).

Generated Insights

We observed how different user groups interpreted, recalled and understood the information rather than relying solely on assumptions or design conventions.

Designed A Better Alternative

We used the findings to identify the clearer approach and demonstrate the value of research-led experimentation in product design.

The Outcome

Better Recall

Users shown the relative timeframe were more likely to remember when their credits would reset.

Higher Understanding

The countdown provided a more immediate and intuitive understanding of the free-credit system.

More Repeat Customers

Greater clarity gave users more confidence about when they could return and book another event.

Higher Participation

Better understanding supported participation in Mirthy’s events, helping create more opportunities for attendance, engagement and social sharing.

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