In short
A trigger is a cue that prompts a person to take an action. External triggers come from the environment, such as a notification, email or button. Internal triggers come from inside the person, such as boredom, curiosity or a familiar situation. Triggers are the first step of Nir Eyal's Hook model.
Why it matters for apps
No action happens without a cue. For apps, the question is which cues bring users back, and whether users will eventually return without being asked.
- External to internal: In Nir Eyal's Hook model, products start with external triggers. Through repeated use, the product becomes linked to an internal trigger, so fewer reminders are needed.
- Prompt plus ability: B.J. Fogg's behavior model says a behavior happens when motivation, ability and a prompt meet. A prompt to do something hard or unclear will fail.
- Psychology vs system rule: In product teams, "trigger" can also mean a rule that fires on a user event. That is an event-based trigger, a technical mechanism rather than a cue for a person.
- Common mistake: Relying on external triggers forever. Constant reminders without a habit forming lead to muted notifications.
Industry examples
Apple Watch reminds wearers to stand after sitting for a while, an external trigger for the Stand ring.
A budgeting app sends a payday prompt to review spending. Over time, users open it on payday without the reminder (hypothetical).
Build it with StriveCloud
StriveCloud supplies external triggers and the reward step that follows them. Push notifications and mail bring users back, while challenge nudges and tier almost-made notifications fire based on each user's progress. Your app sends events through the API, and stat triggers reward each action automatically.
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Frequently asked questions
What are external and internal triggers?
External triggers are cues from outside, such as notifications, emails or buttons. Internal triggers are feelings, thoughts or routines that prompt an action without any outside reminder.
What is a trigger in the Hook model?
In Nir Eyal's Hook model, the trigger is the first of four steps: trigger, action, variable reward and investment. It is the cue that starts the loop.
What is the Fogg behavior model?
B.J. Fogg's model states that a behavior happens when motivation, ability and a prompt occur at the same moment. If one is missing, the behavior does not happen.