---
title: "Reciprocation"
created: "2026-07-02"
updated: "2026-07-02"
type: "concept"
status: "compiled"
category: "ui-patterns"
namespace: "ui-patterns"
source_url: "https://ui-patterns.com/patterns/Reciprocation"
source_site: "UI Patterns"
source_copyright_note: "Source site footer says All rights reserved; this page is a catalog pointer, not a republication."
source_path: "/patterns/Reciprocation"
source_slug: "Reciprocation"
track: "Persuasive Design Patterns"
group: "Social"
subgroup: "Social biases"
section_headings:
  - "Problem summary"
  - "Example"
  - "Usage"
  - "Solution"
  - "Rationale"
  - "Discussion"
  - "Reciprocity Decay"
  - "Powerful Pairings"
  - "Ethical Recommendations"
example_count: 3
retrieved_at: "2026-07-02T18:23:09+00:00"
confidence: "medium"
---
# Reciprocation

> Catalog pointer for the UI Patterns source page: [Reciprocation](https://ui-patterns.com/patterns/Reciprocation).

## Taxonomy

- Track: Persuasive Design Patterns
- Group: Social
- Subgroup: Social biases
- Source breadcrumb: Design Patterns > Social > Social biases > Reciprocation

## Source Page Inventory

- Source URL: https://ui-patterns.com/patterns/Reciprocation
- Page title: Reciprocation design pattern
- Section headings available at source: Problem summary, Example, Usage, Solution, Rationale, Discussion, Reciprocity Decay, Powerful Pairings, Ethical Recommendations
- Example screenshots detected at source: 3
- Primary example image detected: yes

## Retrieval Notes

Use this page as a routing handle, then open the source URL when you need the full pattern explanation, screenshot examples, or exact wording. For public Pixi Wiki use, prefer paraphrased design implications over long source quotes.

Useful retrieval frame:

- Ask what user behavior or interface decision this pattern is meant to shape.
- Check the source page sections before prescribing it; many pages distinguish usage, solution, rationale, and examples.
- Compare nearby patterns in the same subgroup before choosing one.
- Cite this catalog page plus the source URL when using the pattern in design review.

## Source Shape

- Problem summary: 8 words on source page
- Example: 43 words on source page
- Usage: 19 words on source page
- Solution: 129 words on source page
- Rationale: 93 words on source page
- Discussion: 1166 words on source page
- Reciprocity Decay: 112 words on source page
- Powerful Pairings: 280 words on source page
- Ethical Recommendations: 246 words on source page

## Source Navigation

- Previous source navigation: Simulation
- Next source navigation: Variable Rewards