Hooked Review (2026)

Overview

"Hooked" by Nir Eyal explores the psychology behind what makes products addictive and how they can be designed to capture attention and encourage user engagement. The book delves into the 'Hook Model,' a four-step process that can help create habit-forming products.

This insightful work is particularly relevant for those interested in enhancing productivity through understanding user behaviour and designing effective engagement strategies. Eyal's approach provides valuable frameworks for entrepreneurs, marketers, and anyone looking to leverage technology in a productive way.

In-depth review

Nir Eyal's "Hooked" offers a compelling insight into how products can be built to create habitual engagement. The book is meticulously structured around the 'Hook Model,' which outlines the steps necessary to create products that keep users coming back. This makes it particularly suitable for beginners and intermediate readers looking to grasp the fundamentals of user engagement.

One of the key strengths of the book is its practical approach, combining psychological principles with real-world examples. Eyal effectively illustrates his points with case studies from well-known companies, making the theories relatable and actionable.

However, while the book provides a wealth of information on creating engaging products, it may not delve deeply enough for advanced practitioners looking for complex strategies. Some readers might also find the emphasis on habit formation slightly controversial, as it raises ethical questions about user manipulation.

Pros & cons