AI’s obsession with smoothness breeds sameness.

When everything is effortless, nothing feels earned.

Effort Heuristic: value tracks with effort.

Desirable Difficulty: a little struggle cements learning.

Peak–End Rule: intensity creates memory.

Friction signals value.

Effort is the evidence of care.

Design for cognitive engagement, not ease.

Builds memory through micro-struggle.

Makes experience human again.