# Hooked Model

> Design habit-forming product loops with trigger, action, variable reward, and investment. Use when improving retention, engagement loops, repeat use, notifications, or products meant to become routines; avoid for single-action conversion diagnosis better handled by Fogg B=MAP.

- Skill: `flpbalada/hooked-model` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add flpbalada/hooked-model`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/flpbalada/hooked-model/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: AI & ML
- Author: flpbalada (https://skillmd.com/u/flpbalada)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/flpbalada/hooked-model

---


# Hooked Model

Design engagement loops:
trigger -> action -> variable reward -> investment.

Use ethically.

## Goal

- Map current hook.
- Find weak phase.
- Improve return behavior.
- Check for manipulation risk.

## Phases

- Trigger: external or internal cue.
- Action: simplest behavior expecting reward.
- Variable reward: uncertain benefit users want.
- Investment: user effort that improves future value.

## Reward types

- Tribe: social validation.
- Hunt: information, deals, resources.
- Self: progress, mastery, completion.

## Rules

- Action must be easy.
- Internal trigger is long-term goal.
- Reward must connect to user need.
- Investment should improve next cycle.
- Do not use dark patterns.
- Run ethical check before recommending growth tactics.

## Flow

1. Define desired habit.
2. Map external and internal triggers.
3. Count steps to action.
4. Identify reward type and variability.
5. Identify user investment.
6. Score each phase 1-5.
7. Improve weakest phase.
8. Run ethical check.

## Resources

- [Hooked - Nir Eyal](https://www.nirandfar.com/hooked/)
- [Indistractable - Nir Eyal](https://www.nirandfar.com/indistractable/)
- [Atomic Habits - James Clear](https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits)

## Output

```md
## Hook Analysis

Product: [name]
Desired habit: [behavior]

## Current Hook
- Trigger: [external/internal]
- Action: [simple action and steps]
- Variable reward: [tribe/hunt/self]
- Investment: [user contribution]

## Weakest Phase
- [phase] - [why]

## Improvements
- [specific change]
- [specific change]

## Ethical Check
- Status: [pass/risk/fail]
- Risk: [concern or none]
```