####Project goal
To support the goal of increasing constructive edits by new contributors, the Growth team is exploring a structured progression system designed to guide and motivate newcomers. Building on past work in [[ https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Growth/Positive_reinforcement | Positive Reinforcement ]], this new feature will provide newer editors (fewer than 100 edits) with a rewarding contributor experience cycle to help discover compelling opportunities for getting started contributing to Wikipedia.
####Hypothesis:
**Project-level Hypothesis**
If newer editors (fewer than 100 edits) are offered a structured progression system with clear milestones, next steps, and lightweight forms of recognition, then they will be more likely to stay engaged and make constructive contributions — because clear guidance and a sense of progress can increase intrinsic motivation and create a more satisfying editing experience.
**Q1 Hypothesis: **
**[[ https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_Annual_Plan/2025-2026/Product_%26_Technology_OKRs#Q1 | Improve Tone Suggested Edit (WE1.1.5) ]]** -
If we test a progression system via design prototypes with newcomers, then we can identify which types of milestones, guidance, and recognition are perceived as most motivating, and use these insights to finalize a design for future pilot wiki experimentation.
**Related work:**
- {T395678}
- {T398250}
####FAQ
**Is this system only for newcomers?**
While the initial scope is focused on supporting newcomers and improving constructive activation and newcomer retention, the long-term vision includes broader applicability. This may include progression pathways for more experienced contributors, in roles where more support is often needed.
**What are the milestones within the progression system?**
We aren't sure! That's part of what we will uncover in community discussions and user testing. Some initial ideas:
- Verify email / add email
- Welcome Survey (to help build your personalized editor journey)
- Complete a small edit (Suggested Edit?)
- Make a first unreverted edit
- Create a user page
- First sandbox edit
- Watch a Wiki Minute video read a key policy page
- Get assigned a mentor
- Make 10 article (mainspace) edits
- Complete a Wikipedia:Five Pillars quiz or NPOV training
- View 3 example small edits / diffs ("Show and tell")
- Make a first talk page edit
- Create a user page
- Join wiki event or WikiProject
- Reach user group milestones (autoconfirmed, extended confirmed, etc.)
- Qualify for Wikipedia Library access
####Acceptance Criteria:
[] Work with Product to help clarify the user problem or opportunity.
[] Early design exploration: low-fidelity wireframes & explore multiple directions.
[] Community input and preliminary validation: Collaborate with Design Research and Product Ambassadors to get early feedback.
[] Second design iteration: Refine designs based on input from users, stakeholders, and technical constraints.
[] Complete prototype design testing with users.
[] Handoff to engineering: Provide specifications, assets, and interaction guidance. Collaborate on implementation questions and edge cases.