In 'Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products', Nir Eyal explains the Hook Model, a four-step process (trigger, action, variable reward, and investment) that successful companies use to create products that users engage with habitually. The book provides practical insights and actionable steps for building products that capture widespread attention and encourage repeated use without relying on costly advertising. Eyal draws on his research, consulting experience, and practical knowledge to offer a how-to guide that is accessible and valuable for understanding user behavior and designing engaging products.
In 'Indistractable', Nir Eyal delves into the root causes of distraction, arguing that it starts from within and is driven by the desire to escape discomfort. The book offers a four-step, research-backed model to help readers master internal triggers, manage time effectively, hack back external triggers, and prevent distractions with pacts. Eyal also discusses how distraction affects various aspects of life, including work, relationships, and parenting, and provides novel techniques to overcome these challenges and live a more focused life.
Lane chats with Chris Ferdinandi—creator of Go Make Things and ADHD for the Win—a frontend dev, educator, and all-around expert in making JavaScript (and learning) simpler. Chris has built a career helping devs cut through the noise, level up their skills, and embrace ADHD-friendly ways to stay focused and productive.
We dive into his journey from discovering his own ADHD to reshaping how people learn to code. We talk about why so many devs have ADHD, how gamification can actually help (when done right), and how today’s tech is messing with our attention spans. Plus, we get into the psychology of learning and what actually works when it comes to staying engaged and motivated.
Learn back-end development - https://www.boot.dev
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ADHD ftw! : https://adhdftw.com/backend-banter/
Go Make Things: https://gomakethings.com/
https://bsky.app/profile/cferdinandi.bsky.social
https://mastodon.social/@cferdinandi
00:00 - Intro
01:58 - Why so many devs have ADHD
03:21 - Quick explanation of ADHD
07:10 - Is ADHD actually more common now?
17:41 - ADHD, dopamine, and why we can’t put our phones down
20:50 - Trying meds for ADHD – what’s it like?
22:34 - How ADHDftw got started
24:21 - Why finishing big projects is so damn hard
25:54 - Best content styles for ADHD brains
28:40 - Gamification: What works and what’s just hype?
34:16 - Which gamer type fits ADHD folks best?
39:27 - Is TikTok basically junk food for your brain?
41:45 - Must-read books on focus and getting stuff done
43:43 - Where to find Chris and his content
46:26 - Is ADHD a gift or a curse?
59:30 - Brutally honest feedback for Boot.dev
01:18:58 - Outro
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Backend Banter 
