Habit formation

A user habit is regular, triggered, rewarding behavior. Products that establish habits in users retain dramatically better.

The hook cycle (Nir Eyal)

• Trigger (external or internal)
• Action (minimal friction)
• Variable reward
• Investment (data, config, social)

Product examples

• Duolingo: streak + notification
• Instagram: scroll + variable content
• Wordle: once per day ritual

Investment matters

Users who invest (customize, add data, connect accounts) retain much better than users who passively consume.

Ethical guardrails

Habits that serve users win long-term. Dark-pattern habits generate churn and brand damage eventually.