Hooked by Nir Eyal - How Habit-Forming Products Are Designed - A Business Book Club Series

Hooked by Nir Eyal is a practical exploration of why some products and systems become habits — while others struggle to gain traction. Drawing on behavioural psychology, the book introduces the Hook Model: a four-step process involving triggers, action, variable reward, and investment. When repeated, this loop shifts behaviour from conscious choice to automatic habit. In this 5-minute book summary, we explore the core ideas of Hooked and apply them to modern work, leadership, and behaviour change. The episode examines how friction, reward, and design shape behaviour more effectively than motivation or instruction alone. It also explores the ethical responsibility that comes with influence — particularly for leaders, product builders, and organisations. If you’re trying to drive adoption, build engagement, or create lasting behaviour change, this episode offers a clear framework for understanding what really makes things stick. Hosted by Hannah Hally, The Business Book Club brings together three empowering podcast series — 5-Minute Book Summaries, Icons of Influence, and Leadership Unpacked — sharing practical lessons, success stories, and leadership insights from the world’s most inspiring thinkers. Explore more episodes and resources at www.thebusinessbookclub.online. Visit thebusinessbookclub.online to explore every episode, join our leadership community, and grow your business mindset.