Nour Assili/
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April: Phase (in progress)/
Habit-Forming Techniques

Habit-Forming Techniques

 
Both Atomic Habits and Hooked are powerful frameworks for designing behaviorally sticky and habit-forming products. Phase has to be
  • Easy to start
  • Satisfying to use
  • Hard to stop paying for

🔁 Step 1: Atomic Habits — Build Tiny, Identity-Driven Habits

James Clear’s framework is built on 4 laws:
Law
Application to Phase
1. Make it Obvious
Send one simple nudge (SMS/push/email) at the same time each day. e.g., "Today’s 5-min energy booster is ready."
2. Make it Attractive
Personalize it: “Luteal week? Here’s a cozy 7-min stretch you’ll love.” Use soft visuals, soothing tone.
3. Make it Easy
Start with one tap or no app. e.g., “Text back 1 to workout, 2 to skip.” Or embed workouts in calendar invites.
4. Make it Satisfying
Instant mini-win: “You did it! That’s 2 days in a row 👏” Bonus: earn badges, see progress toward real goals like “Back doesn’t hurt anymore.”
Identity is also key in Atomic Habits:
→ Moms don’t just want to lose weight — they want to feel like “I’m the kind of mom who prioritizes her health.”
Design for that identity loop.

🧠 Step 2: Hooked — Trigger → Action → Reward → Investment

Nir Eyal’s model helps you create products that become part of people’s routines.
Phase
Applied to Phase
1. Trigger
External: daily notification or text → “New 3-min workout for you.”
Internal: “I feel gross today” → app reminds you you’re not alone.
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2. Action
Action should be dead simple. One tap to open. One swipe to complete. No logins, no forms. “Here’s your move today.”
3. Variable Reward
Rotate:
– Inspiration (“a mom like you just did it too”)
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– Surprise (“You’re in the luteal phase? Here’s a cozy food tip”)
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– Community (share streak in a mom group)
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4. Investment
User logs a meal, answers 1-question check-in, adds a goal → Now she’s invested. Next time, it’s more tailored to her.
The more personalized and lightweight our product is, the more it becomes a daily ritual instead of another app she forgets to open.

💡 Phase Concept Refined :

🧬 Name: Phase

“The cycle-aware health coach for busy moms.”

✅ Daily Hook:

  • Text message at 9AM:
“Hi Nour 🌸 Your follicular phase is still in full swing. Try this energizing breakfast and 5-min Pilates. Want a cozy stretch instead? Reply 2.”

🪴 Habit Formation:

  • Simple: Always 1 suggestion a day.
  • Identity-based: “Strong, gentle, consistent.”
  • Rewards: Daily streaks, feel-good messages, community shoutouts.

💰 Monetization:

  • $7–15/month for:
    • Personalized text coaching
    • Audio wellness tips
    • AI cycle tracker + planner
    • (Later) Community access

🔥 Mental Model

  1. Write your Trigger + Reward loop.
      2. E.g., what will today’s message say? What reward does she get? How can she invest more?
  1. Validate in real life
      2. Message 3 real moms:
      “If I texted you 1 quick personalized health tip every morning (based on your cycle), would that be helpful or annoying?”
  1. Mock up a few text flows
      2.