What if you could peek behind the curtain of everyday decisions and understand the hidden forces shaping how people act? User behavior is a fascinating puzzle, and cracking it opens doors to better products, marketing, and communication. Experts like Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, and Jim Oshaughnessy, a pioneer in behavioral finance, rely on deep insights from psychology and behavioral economics to guide their decisions and innovations.
These 20 books, recommended by leaders such as Nir Eyal, author of "Hooked," and Patrick Fagan, director of a behavioral research institute, unravel the complex layers of human motivation and social influence. From decoding subconscious cues to crafting products that people truly love, these works offer tested frameworks and eye-opening perspectives.
While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific background, goals, or industry might consider creating a personalized User Behavior book that builds on these insights and speaks directly to your unique challenges and aspirations.
Jim Oshaughnessy, founder and chairman of OSAM LLC, knows the complexity behind user behavior and influence, and he turns to this book as a frequent guide. He highlights how subtle persuasion tactics operate: "Between a yes and a no, there's always a maybe. Here are some of the tricks of the trade people use to try to persuade you." His experience in custom indexing and behavioral finance makes his recommendation especially relevant for anyone looking to understand the psychology behind decisions. Following him, Professor Kalkyl, co-founder of Quartr App, praises the book's elegant explanation of mental biases that shape choices, noting why it remains a classic passed around by thought leaders like Charlie Munger.
“This is a great book that I recommend frequently. Between a yes and a no, there's always a maybe. Here are some of the tricks of the trade people use to try to persuade you.” (from X)
Robert B. Cialdini, PhD is an award-winning behavioral scientist and author. He is the president and CEO of Influence at Work, focusing on live and virtual keynotes, streaming and online corporate training. In acknowledgement of his outstanding research achievements and contributions in behavioral science, Dr. Cialdini was elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences and the National Academy of Sciences. He has over 230 professional and scientific publications. Robert Cialdini is Regents' Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Marketing at Arizona State University. Dr. Cialdini is known as the foundational expert in the science of influence and how to apply it ethically in business and elsewhere, and his Principles of Persuasion have become the cornerstone for any organization serious about increasing their effectiveness in sales, leadership, marketing, management and communication. He is a three-time New York Times bestselling author, with more than 5 million copies sold throughout the world. He is frequently referred to as the “Godfather of Influence.”
Robert B. Cialdini, PhD, draws on 35 years of rigorous behavioral science research to reveal why people say yes and how persuasion works beneath the surface. You’ll explore his six foundational Principles of Persuasion—like reciprocity, social proof, and authority—with fresh insights and examples added in this expanded edition, plus a new principle: unity. The book not only teaches you how to ethically influence others but also how to recognize and defend against manipulation attempts. Chapters delve into real-world applications, such as how scarcity impacts decision making or why consistency drives behavior, making it especially useful if you're involved in marketing, leadership, or negotiations.
Nir Eyal, author of "Hooked" and expert in habit-forming products, highlights this book for its accessible yet insightful approach into behavioral economics. He calls it "a great guide to the customer's mind" and recommends it for savvy businesspeople who want to understand why people buy. Eyal's endorsement carries weight given his expertise in user psychology, and his praise reflects how the book helped him think differently about customer decisions. Marketer and customer insight leader Katelyn Bourgoin also praises Melina Palmer's work, calling it one of her favorites for making businesses more brain-friendly and highlighting Palmer's professor-level knowledge in behavioral economics.
Author, Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products
“What Your Customer Wants and Can’t Tell You is a great guide to the customer's mind. Written for the savvy businessperson, the book delves into behavioral economics with an entry-level, yet accessible approach, that will not only enlighten, but also entertain.”
Melina Palmer is founder and CEO of The Brainy Business, which provides behavioral economics consulting to businesses of all sizes from around the world. Her podcast, The Brainy Business: Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy, has downloads in over 160 countries and is used as a resource for teaching applied behavioral economics for many universities and businesses. Melina obtained her bachelor’s degree in business administration: marketing and worked in corporate marketing and brand strategy for over a decade before earning her master’s in behavioral economics. She has contributed research to the Association for Consumer Research, Filene Research Institute, and runs the Behavioral Economics & Business column for Inc Magazine. She will begin teaching applied behavioral economics through the Texas A&M Human Behavior Lab in fall 2020 and her first book on the subject is scheduled for publication in April 2021.
Melina Palmer’s decade-plus experience in marketing and brand strategy combined with her master’s in behavioral economics shapes this book’s insightful approach. You’ll learn to decode consumer decisions using neuroscience, which helps you fine-tune pricing, messaging, and leadership tactics grounded in how the brain actually works. Chapters offer tools to create “brain-friendly” brands, illustrated with real business examples and exercises that push you beyond theory into practical application. If you want to influence behavior through scientifically backed methods rather than guesswork, this book gives you a clear window into customer minds. It’s especially useful for marketers and business leaders aiming to innovate with data-driven psychology.
This AI-created book on user behavior is crafted based on your unique background and learning goals. By sharing your interests and skill level, you receive a tailored exploration of the principles shaping how people act and decide. This personalized guide goes beyond general theories to focus on what matters most to you, helping you grasp user behavior clearly and meaningfully.
TailoredRead AI creates personalized nonfiction books that adapt to your unique background, goals, and interests. Instead of reading generic content, you get a custom book written specifically for your profession, experience level, and learning objectives. Whether you're a beginner looking for fundamentals or an expert seeking advanced insights, TailoredRead crafts a book that speaks directly to you. Learn more.
This tailored book explores the complex principles of user behavior, presenting a personalized journey that matches your background and specific interests. It reveals key concepts from psychology and behavioral science, examining how people make decisions, form habits, and respond to social cues. By focusing on your unique goals, the book connects foundational theories to real-world applications that matter most to you.
With a tailored approach, it synthesizes broad expert knowledge into a clear and engaging narrative that helps you understand and influence user behavior effectively. This personalized guide offers deep insights into motivation, decision-making, and interaction patterns, making complex ideas accessible and relevant.
Eric Ries, founder and executive chairman of the Long-Term Stock Exchange, brings deep expertise in startup and product innovation to his recommendation of this book. He emphasizes its value during critical product decision moments, stating "This book should be mandatory reading for anybody making product decisions." His endorsement highlights how the book sharpened his approach to building user-centered products that balance customer needs with business strategy.
Laura Klein fell in love with technology when she saw her first user research session over 20 years ago. Since then, she's worked as an engineer, UX designer, and product manager in Silicon Valley for companies of all sizes. Her books, Build Better Products (Rosenfeld Media, 2016) and UX for Lean Startups (O'Reilly Media, 2013), help teams learn more about their users and apply that knowledge to make products people use and love. She advises early stage startups and consults with companies that want to improve their research, UX, and product development processes.
Laura Klein draws from over two decades navigating Silicon Valley’s tech landscape as an engineer, UX designer, and product manager to offer a pragmatic guide for creating products that users actually want. You’ll dive into integrating user research, design thinking, and analytics to craft features that not only delight customers but also boost business outcomes. The book’s detailed chapters on balancing empathy with strategic priorities help you avoid common pitfalls in product development. If you’re involved in shaping software products and want to deepen your understanding of user needs while aligning with business goals, this book lays out a clear path with real examples and frameworks.
Robert Cialdini is Regents’ Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Marketing at Arizona State University, with decades of field research on influence that have shaped modern understanding of persuasion. His leadership in the field inspired this book, which reveals how the moments before you deliver a message critically shape its impact. Cialdini’s expertise offers you a science-backed framework to prepare audiences for persuasion, making it a valuable read for anyone serious about influence and communication.
Robert Cialdini is recognized worldwide for his inspired field research on the psychology of influence. His books, including Influence, have sold more than three million copies in thirty-three languages. Dr. Cialdini is Regents’ Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Marketing at Arizona State University and the president and CEO of Influence at Work, an international company that provides keynotes and influence training on how to use the lessons in Dr. Cialdini’s books ethically and effectively.
When Robert Cialdini first explored the subtle timing behind influence, he uncovered that the moments before delivering a message often determine its effectiveness more than the content itself. This book guides you through understanding how to shift attention and prime your audience’s mindset to open them up to persuasion. You’ll gain practical insights into techniques like strategic framing and attention diversion, illustrated with examples from advertising to wartime messaging. It’s particularly useful if you want to deepen your grasp of social psychology and improve how you influence decisions without overt pressure.
Publisher's Weekly, a respected voice in book publishing, recommends this book for its clear and dynamic approach to communication challenges. They describe it as "a useful guide to communicating with the uncommunicable ... clearly, dynamically presented and easy to grasp." This recommendation matters because effective communication often feels out of reach, especially in complex work environments. The book helped reshape views on personality-driven interactions, offering practical tools to connect better even with the most challenging individuals. Booklist also highlights its broad relevance, noting that parents, educators, and students find the insights valuable, emphasizing its utility beyond just business settings.
Thomas Erikson is a Swedish behavioral expert, active lecturer, and bestselling author. For more than twenty years he has been traveling all over Europe delivering lectures and seminars to executives and managers at a wide range of companies, including IKEA, Coca Cola, Microsoft, and Volvo. Surrounded by Idiots has been a Swedish runaway bestseller since it was first published in 2014. It has sold over 3 million copies worldwide and been translated into 42 languages.
Thomas Erikson, a seasoned behavioral expert with over two decades lecturing across Europe for companies like IKEA and Microsoft, wrote this book after confronting the frustration of failed communication with a successful entrepreneur convinced he was "surrounded by idiots." Here, you’ll learn to identify four distinct personality types—Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow—and adjust your communication style accordingly. The book offers practical insights into managing conflicts, enhancing team dynamics, and decoding body language, all aimed at improving your interactions both at work and in life. If you want to understand why some conversations derail and how to connect better with difficult personalities, this book provides a straightforward framework, though it’s less about psychology depth and more about usable communication techniques.
This AI-created book on user behavior is tailored to your specific goals and background. By sharing what aspects of user behavior interest you most, this book is crafted to focus on what matters for your learning journey. It bridges expert knowledge with your personal experience, offering daily actionable steps to help you grasp complex concepts more quickly and effectively.
TailoredRead AI creates personalized nonfiction books that adapt to your unique background, goals, and interests. Instead of reading generic content, you get a custom book written specifically for your profession, experience level, and learning objectives. Whether you're a beginner looking for fundamentals or an expert seeking advanced insights, TailoredRead crafts a book that speaks directly to you. Learn more.
This tailored book explores user behavior through a personalized lens, focusing on your unique background and goals. It reveals how daily, targeted exercises can fast-track your understanding of the motivations and patterns that drive people’s actions. By addressing your specific interests, the book synthesizes complex theories into clear, manageable insights that match your learning pace and objectives. The content covers foundational concepts along with practical daily tasks designed to build lasting knowledge and behavioral intuition. This personalized approach ensures you engage deeply with the subject matter while progressing efficiently toward your user behavior mastery.
Susan Weinschenk holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and brings over 30 years of behavioral science experience, consulting with Fortune 1000 firms and teaching at the University of Wisconsin. Her deep understanding of how people think and act informs this book, which guides you through applying psychology to design. By linking scientific research to real design challenges, she helps you create products that resonate with users and influence behavior effectively.
Susan Weinschenk has a Ph.D. in Psychology and over 30 years of experience as a behavioral scientist. She is a consultant to Fortune 1000 companies, start-ups, governments, and non-profits. Dr. Weinschenk is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Wisconsin. She lives in Wisconsin, USA.
Susan Weinschenk’s decades of experience as a behavioral scientist shine through in this book, where she breaks down how psychology directly influences design choices. You learn about concrete factors like what captures attention, the best line length for readability, and how font choices affect user emotions. For example, she explains how memory retention ties to design elements, making it clear why some interfaces stick while others don’t. If you create digital products, websites, or apps and want to understand what truly drives user decisions, this book gives you practical insights grounded in science, helping you design with intention rather than guesswork.
Ryan Holiday, a media strategist and former marketing director at American Apparel, praises Jonah Berger as one of today's most innovative psychological researchers. After years in marketing, Holiday found Berger's insights both thought-provoking and pragmatic, helping him better understand the subtle forces shaping consumer choices. He says, "Jonah continues to be one of the most innovative psychological researchers publishing today. His insights are not only thought provoking and counter-intuitive, he manages to express them in a practical and pragmatic way. I'll read anything he writes—and use it too." Following Holiday, Tony Hsieh, former CEO of Zappos, highlights how the book illuminates human behavior complexities, calling it a terrific, insightful read.
Media strategist, former American Apparel marketing director
“Jonah continues to be one of the most innovative psychological researchers publishing today. His insights are not only thought provoking and counter-intuitive, he manages to express them in a practical and pragmatic way. I'll read anything he writes—and use it too.”
Jonah Berger is a marketing professor at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and internationally bestselling author of Contagious, Invisible Influence, and The Catalyst. He’s a world-renowned expert on social influence, word of mouth, and why products, ideas, and behaviors catch on and has published over 50 papers in top-tier academic journals. He has consulted for a range of Fortune 500 companies, keynoted hundreds of events, and popular accounts of his work often appear in places like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Harvard Business Review. His research has also been featured in the New York Times Magazine’s “Year in Ideas.”
2016·272 pages·User Behavior, Influence, Social Psychology, Decision Making, Behavioral Science
Drawing from his role as a marketing professor at Wharton and extensive research into social influence, Jonah Berger reveals how unseen forces shape your choices in everyday life. You’ll uncover why your preferences—from fashion to careers—are often guided by others’ behaviors, sometimes in surprising ways, like avoiding trends that seem too mainstream. Berger dissects concepts such as conformity, social norms, and subtle peer pressure through engaging chapters that explain why you might favor certain products or reject others without realizing it. This book suits anyone curious about the psychological dynamics behind decision-making, especially marketers, product managers, and behavioral scientists seeking to understand the undercurrents of influence.
Laurent Bugnion, a software engineer and UX enthusiast at Microsoft, highlights how this book challenges the friction users face with complex interfaces. He points out that while many debate command line usability, the intuitive user interface principles in this book remain unmatched. "There's a reason why one of the best design book is called 'Don't make me think,'" he notes, reflecting on how the book reshaped his thinking about user-centered design.
“@DeborahKurata @ejpbruel @EmmaBostian There are better ways. It's called a user interface. Everyone is raging about command line but it's really counter intuitive. There's a reason why one of the best design book is called "Don't make me think"” (from X)
Steve Krug is best known as the author of Don't Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability, now in its third edition with over 700,000 copies in print. His consulting firm, Advanced Common Sense, is based in Chestnut Hill, MA. He has worked for clients like Apple, Bloomberg, and NPR, and spends most of his time teaching usability workshops and consulting.
Steve Krug's decades of consulting experience with clients like Apple and NPR led to this approachable guide on web usability. You learn how to design websites that require minimal thought from users, focusing on intuitive navigation and clear information design. The book breaks down complex usability issues into digestible concepts, including a fresh chapter on mobile usability and updated examples that show practical application. If you're involved in web design or development, this book sharpens your ability to create user-friendly interfaces that reduce friction and improve satisfaction.
Daniel Kahneman, Nobel laureate and professor of psychology at Princeton University, brings a weighty perspective to this revised edition of Influence. Known for his deep understanding of decision-making, Kahneman highlights how Robert Cialdini "has done the impossible: he has improved a masterpiece." His words reflect how the book deepened his appreciation of the subtle forces shaping human behavior, from social proof to scarcity. Kahneman’s endorsement signals the book’s enduring relevance, while Guy Kawasaki, a veteran marketer, adds that this edition makes an indispensable classic even more illuminating, helping you understand influence’s role in both personal and professional realms.
“Robert Cialdini has done the impossible: he has improved a masterpiece. The new version of Influence is a marvelously rich and engaging account of the subtle power that people exert on each other.”
Robert B. Cialdini, PhD is an award-winning behavioral scientist and author. He is the president and CEO of Influence at Work, focusing on live and virtual keynotes, streaming and online corporate training. In acknowledgement of his outstanding research achievements and contributions in behavioral science, Dr. Cialdini was elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences and the National Academy of Sciences. He has over 230 professional and scientific publications. Robert Cialdini is Regents' Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Marketing at Arizona State University. Dr. Cialdini is known as the foundational expert in the science of influence and how to apply it ethically in business and elsewhere, and his Principles of Persuasion have become the cornerstone for any organization serious about increasing their effectiveness in sales, leadership, marketing, management and communication. He is a three-time New York Times bestselling author, with more than 5 million copies sold throughout the world. He is frequently referred to as the “Godfather of Influence.”
When Robert B. Cialdini first laid out the six universal principles of persuasion, he tapped into decades of research and real-world experiments that reveal why people say yes. This revised edition deepens that insight, showing you how concepts like reciprocation, social proof, and scarcity operate both in everyday interactions and high-stakes business contexts. You'll learn not just to harness these forces ethically but also to recognize when others use them to influence you. Chapters like Commitment and Consistency explain how our desire for internal alignment shapes decisions, while Authority explores why expertise carries weight. If you're involved in sales, marketing, leadership, or simply want to understand human behavior better, this book equips you with concrete psychological tools to navigate influence thoughtfully.
Seth Godin, a respected marketing thought leader and bestselling author, highlights how this book clarifies the shift in power toward the customer, offering precise insights into the changing dynamics of influence. He notes, "The shift in power to the customer is now a certainty. In her engaging book, Shelle lays out precisely what's going on and how to think about it." This perspective reshaped his understanding of communication, underscoring the need to adapt language to the audience's subconscious motivations. Similarly, Jack Canfield, co-author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, praises Shelle's clear explanations and respectful approach to motivating and managing people, emphasizing the book's practical examples that reveal how to recognize and respond to others effectively.
Shelle Rose Charvet is a bestselling author and the international expert on Influencing Language. The earlier editions of, “Words That Change Minds” are international bestsellers, available in 15 languages. Shelle has been researching and teaching for over 35 years and is known for her advanced techniques used to enhance rapport, trust, credibility, and influence. Organizations in over 30 countries worldwide call on her expertise on the hidden subconscious communication processes: what drives people to do (or not do) things, outside of their awareness.
Drawing from over 35 years of research into subconscious communication, Shelle Rose Charvet offers a methodical approach to influencing language that goes beyond surface persuasion. You’ll learn to decode the unique motivational patterns behind how people process information and make decisions, gaining tools to tailor your communication and break through what she calls the "Communication Wall." The book covers practical applications in sales, marketing, negotiation, and conflict resolution, including how to complete the LAB Profile® and leverage it in coaching and team dynamics. If you engage regularly with others—whether clients, colleagues, or family—this book provides concrete insights to improve rapport and influence without manipulation.
Nir Eyal, author and recognized expert in habit-forming technology, wrote this book drawing on his teaching at Stanford and extensive consulting experience. He shares, "Thanks for reading! So glad many of you have enjoyed it and found it helpful!" This candid reflection highlights how the book distills years of research into practical insights that transformed how many approach product design. His methodical Hook Model reshaped my understanding of user engagement by emphasizing subtle behavioral cycles instead of intrusive marketing. Notably, Kathie Lee Gifford also praised the book's impact, underscoring its broad appeal beyond traditional tech circles.
Nir Eyal is the bestselling author of 'Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products' and 'Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life.' He has taught at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and Hasso Plattner Institute of Design. His writing on technology, psychology, and business appears in the Harvard Business Review, The Atlantic, TechCrunch, and Psychology Today.
Drawing from his extensive experience teaching at Stanford and the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design, Nir Eyal explores the mechanisms behind why certain digital products effortlessly capture and retain user attention. The book introduces the Hook Model, a four-step process that helps you understand how products cultivate habits through triggers, actions, variable rewards, and investments. You’ll gain concrete insights into designing technology that engages users repeatedly without relying on aggressive advertising, illustrated by case studies from Twitter, Pinterest, and even the Bible App. This book suits product managers, designers, and entrepreneurs aiming to create products that resonate deeply with users and influence behavior sustainably.
Cass Sunstein, Robert Walmsley University Professor at Harvard University and a leading legal scholar, highlights this book as a definitive resource for anyone fascinated by behavioral science. He praises it as "a brilliant book, packed with wisdom and insights, and a ton of fun to boot. The best one-stop shop..." This endorsement comes from Sunstein’s deep involvement with behavioral economics and law, underscoring how the book reshaped his understanding of applying behavioral insights to real-world challenges and policy design.
“A brilliant book, packed with wisdom and insights, and a ton of fun to boot. The best one-stop shop, if you're interested in behavioral science, and in how to improve the world.”
Michael Hallsworth, PhD, is Managing Director of the Behavioral Insights Team (BIT) North America. He has held positions at Columbia University and Imperial College London. Elspeth Kirkman founded BIT's North American office before returning to the UK to run the organization's social policy portfolio out of London. She has taught behavioral insights courses at Harvard and Warwick Universities and is a Visiting Senior Research Fellow at King's College London.
Drawing from their extensive experience leading the Behavioral Insights Team in North America, Michael Hallsworth and Elspeth Kirkman present a clear-eyed exploration of how subconscious factors shape our decisions. You’ll learn how these automatic behaviors undermine traditional policy and business approaches, and how evidence-based behavioral insights can redesign interventions for better outcomes. The book walks you through the origins of behavioral economics and psychology, practical examples from government and business, and even ethical considerations. If you’re involved in policy, product design, or social programs, this book offers a grounded framework to understand and influence human behavior more effectively, though it’s less a manual and more a thoughtful guide to the field’s landscape.
Giff Constable is a repeat entrepreneur who has sold multiple companies and led innovation projects at major organizations like Mayo Clinic and Time Inc. His deep involvement in startups and corporate innovation inspired him to write this book as a practical guide to understanding customers through structured interviews. By sharing his hands-on experience, Constable offers you clear methods to approach user behavior thoughtfully, helping you avoid assumptions that can derail your product development. This book has become standard reading in universities and accelerators worldwide, reflecting its practical value for anyone seeking to connect authentically with customers.
by Giff Constable, Frank Rimalovski, Tom Fishburne··You?
About the Author
Giff Constable is a repeat entrepreneur who has sold three companies and helped build many others. In 2014, he wrote the award-winning book Talking to Humans, in partnership with Frank Rimalovski, which is now standard reading in university and accelerator programs around the world. In 2018, they followed up with the sequel Testing with Humans. He led the globally recognized innovation consulting firm Neo as CEO until its acquisition by Pivotal, and personally led major projects at the Mayo Clinic and Time Inc., among others. He has held product and business roles across multiple startups, and provided M&A and IPO services to technology firms while at Broadview/Jefferies. He tries to give back to the entrepreneurial community whenever possible. He lives outside of New York City with his wife and two children.
Giff Constable, a seasoned entrepreneur with a track record of founding and selling multiple startups, crafted this book to address a common pitfall in innovation: misunderstanding customers. Through concise chapters, you learn how to conduct customer interviews effectively—covering everything from framing questions to identifying the right participants—and how to translate those conversations into actionable insights. For anyone involved in early-stage startups or product development, this book provides a straightforward framework to validate ideas and avoid costly assumptions. It’s especially useful if you’ve struggled with vague feedback or want a clear method to connect with your users on a deeper level.
James Altucher, founder and CEO of Reset Inc, emphasizes the importance of understanding human nature for navigating complex social environments. He recommends "The Laws of Human Nature" as an essential read, noting its value in decoding people's hidden motivations. Altucher's endorsement reflects his experience in business and investing, where grasping user behavior is key. His quote, "Any book by Robert Greene is great so pick up his latest: 'The Laws of Human Nature'," underscores the book’s impact on his thinking about influence and mastery.
Robert Greene is a master guide for millions of readers, distilling ancient wisdom and philosophy into essential texts for seekers of power, understanding, and mastery.
2018·624 pages·User Behavior, Psychology, Social Dynamics, Empathy, Self Control
Robert Greene challenges the conventional wisdom that understanding human behavior is purely intuitive. Drawing on historical figures like Pericles and Martin Luther King Jr., he reveals how unconscious drives shape actions and decisions. You’ll learn to detach from your own emotions, develop sharp empathy, and see beyond surface masks to grasp true motivations. The book’s detailed chapters on self-control, social influence, and authenticity offer tools for navigating relationships and power dynamics at work and beyond. This is a thoughtful study for anyone aiming to deepen insight into social forces and personal mastery.
Bill Slawski, director of SEO research at GoFishDigital, recognizes the foundational influence of this work on digital credibility and persuasion. He highlights how the author, leading Stanford's Persuasive Technology Laboratory, laid out principles that still shape user trust and behavior online. Slawski notes, "The Professor running the Stanford Persuasive Technology Laboratory when their Credibility Guidelines were created in 2002, wrote a book on credibility in websites which was interesting reading." This book helped clarify how digital tools can ethically and effectively guide user actions.
“The Professor running the Stanford Persuasive Technology Laboratory when their Credibility Guidelines were created in 2002, wrote a book on credibility in websites which was interesting reading. It can be found:” (from X)
Drawing from nine years of pioneering research at Stanford’s Persuasive Technology Lab, B.J. Fogg explores how digital platforms actively shape what you think and do. His work introduces "Captology," the study of computers as persuasive tools that influence behavior ranging from quitting smoking to buying insurance. The book guides you through the mechanics of designing interactive technologies that subtly motivate and change attitudes, complete with concrete examples like websites and mobile apps. If your interest lies in understanding or crafting digital experiences that genuinely move people, this book offers insights grounded in rigorous research and practical application.
Grady Booch, a scientist and storyteller with deep insight into technology and human interaction, highlighted this book during his discussions on user behavior. His brief but pointed comment, "Yes that’s a fantastic book But I’m looking for a word!" captures the nuanced complexity Byron Reeves explores about how people relate to technology as social actors. Booch’s endorsement reflects his appreciation for the book’s ability to challenge traditional views and deepen understanding of user experience and interface design.
Byron Reeves, Ph.D., is the Paul C. Edwards Professor in the Department of Communication at Stanford University, and currently serves Co-Director of the Stanford H-STAR Institute (Human Sciences and Technologies Advanced Research), a Stanford laboratory working at the intersection of computing and social sciences. He is also Founder and Faculty Director of the Stanford Media X Program that organizes research and knowledge transfer between industry and Stanford researchers working on information technology. Byron is an expert on the psychological processing of media in the areas of attention, emotions, and physiological responses, and is co-author of The Media Equation: How People Respond to Computer, Television and New Media Like Real People and Places. He has published over 100 research papers about media psychology and his research has been the basis for a number of products at companies such as Microsoft, IBM, and Hewlett-Packard, in the areas of voice interfaces, automated dialogue systems, conversational agents, enterprise software and interaction design. He is currently working on applications of multi-player game technology to the conduct of serious work and is Co-Founder, with Leighton Read, of Seriosity, Inc. Byron received his Ph.D. in Communication from Michigan State University, and his B.F.A. in Graphic Design and Journalism from Southern Methodist University. Prior to joining the faculty at Stanford in 1986, Byron was a professor for ten years in the School of Journalism & Mass Communication and Associate Director of the Mass Communication Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Drawing from his extensive research at Stanford's H-STAR Institute, Byron Reeves challenges the way you think about technology interaction by revealing how people instinctively treat computers and new media as if they were real social actors. You learn to recognize the psychological mechanisms behind this behavior, gaining insights into designing user interfaces that feel more natural and engaging. Chapters explore how emotional and physiological responses shape your interactions with technology, influencing everything from automated dialogue to voice interfaces. This book offers a nuanced understanding valuable to anyone designing or managing digital experiences, though it leans more toward theory than hands-on application.
Steve Portigal is an experienced user researcher with over 25 years spent interviewing people from diverse walks of life, from families to financial traders. His deep expertise, reflected in this updated edition, offers you a detailed roadmap to conducting meaningful user interviews that generate real insights. Portigal’s background consulting for a wide range of industries fuels the book’s practical advice and engaging style, making it a valuable tool if you want to understand user behavior and improve your product research practices.
Steve Portigal is an experienced user researcher and consultant who helps organizations build more mature user research practices. Over the past 25 years, he has interviewed hundreds of people, including families eating breakfast, film production accountants, hotel maintenance staff, architects, realtors, home-automation enthusiasts, credit-default swap traders, and rock musicians. He has informed the development of commercial lighting controls, medical information systems, professional music gear, wine packaging, design systems, work-from-home practices, financial services, corporate intranets, videoconferencing systems, and music streaming services. Steve is the author of two books: this one (first edition), and Doorbells, Danger, and Dead Batteries: User Research War Stories. He’s also the host of the Dollars to Donuts podcast, where he interviews people who lead user research in their organizations. Steve is an in-demand presenter who gives talks and leads workshops at corporate events and conferences around the world.
2023·276 pages·User Behavior, User Research, Interviewing Techniques, Research Operations, Data Analysis
The breakthrough moment came when Steve Portigal revealed that interviewing users isn't just about asking questions—it's a nuanced skill that can shape product success. Drawing on over 25 years of experience interviewing a vast range of people, Portigal guides you through crafting purposeful research goals and mastering subtle interview techniques, from framing questions to managing personal biases. You’ll learn how to turn raw conversations into actionable insights and ensure your research influences business decisions. Whether you’re a product manager, designer, or marketer, this book demystifies user interviews with clear examples and practical frameworks that enhance your understanding of user behavior and improve your product outcomes.
Chelsea Krost, a marketing expert and host of MillennialTalk, highlights this book with enthusiasm after engaging in a lively discussion featuring Matt Wallaert. Her appreciation for the insights shared reflects the book’s deep dive into behavior change, offering you a fresh perspective on product design that goes beyond surface-level trends. This endorsement from a seasoned marketing voice underscores how the book reshaped her understanding of creating meaningful user impact.
“Thank you MillennialTalk crew for such a great chat tonight! Loved seeing all of the insight you shared tonight. Matt Wallaert’s knowledge and expertise are truly inspirational! Everyone be sure to check out his new book.” (from X)
Matt Wallaert is a behavioral scientist and entrepreneur working at the intersection of technology and human behavior, designing products and programs that help people live happier, healthier lives. After leaving academia to build and sell several successful startups, he became Microsoft's Behavioral Scientist and a director at Microsoft Ventures. He is now the Chief Behavioral Officer at Clover Health, a Medicare Advantage plan changing the model of insurance by bending the risk curve with behavioral change. He speaks frequently on the intersection of science and product design and continues to build side projects designed to change behaviors around social inequities.
What if everything you knew about product design was wrong? Matt Wallaert, a behavioral scientist with experience at Microsoft and Clover Health, challenges the typical guesswork in product creation by focusing on behavior change as the ultimate goal. You’ll learn how to identify the real reasons people don’t adopt certain behaviors and design products that bridge that gap, with examples ranging from Uber’s ridesharing to Flamin' Hot Cheetos. This approach benefits product managers and designers who want to build meaningful, lasting change rather than just flashy features or marketing hype.
Will Leach is the founder and CEO of Mindstate Group and a behavioral design instructor at SMU and Texas A&M. With over 25 years of experience in behavioral insights, he wrote this guide to help marketers overcome the nonconscious filters blocking traditional messages. His expertise in subconscious mindstate research informs the practical frameworks in this book, making it a valuable resource for anyone aiming to connect marketing efforts with real customer behavior.
Will Leach is the founder and CEO of Mindstate Group, a behavioral research and brand consultancy, and best-selling author of Marketing to Mindstates: A Practical Guide to Applying Behavioral Design to Research and Marketing. Will is also a Behavioral Design instructor at SMU's Cox School of Business BLC and Texas A&M University. With over 25 years of behavioral insights experience, Will is widely regarded as the world's leading expert on subconscious mindstate research and consults with today's most innovative businesses to increase the effectiveness of their marketing using behavioral science.
When Will Leach first realized how the nonconscious mind filters out over 99% of marketing messages, he set out to bridge the gap between behavior science and marketing practice. In this book, you’ll learn how to identify and activate temporary mindstates—specific moments of emotional engagement—to craft messaging that truly breaks through mental barriers. The detailed Mindstate Behavioral Model offers a fresh, psychology-based framework to design campaigns that resonate beyond superficial appeals. If you’re involved in marketing or consumer research, this practical guide equips you with tools to influence purchase decisions more effectively, especially in today’s complex, noisy marketplace.
Tomer Sharon is a leading voice on design thinking, user experience, and lean research methodology. Holding a master’s degree in Human Factors in Information Design from Bentley University, he brings authoritative expertise to this book. Sharon's experience in product research led him to write this guide, helping you learn how to validate your product ideas through lean user research techniques, ensuring your product decisions are grounded in real user insights.
Tomer Sharon is a leading voice on the topics of design thinking, user experience, and lean research methodology. He is the author of two books, Validating Product Ideas (2016) and It’s Our Research (2012). Tomer holds a master’s degree in Human Factors in Information Design from Bentley University.
After analyzing numerous product development cases, Tomer Sharon developed a focused guide on leveraging lean user research to validate product ideas effectively. Drawing from his expertise in design thinking and user experience, Sharon breaks down how to uncover what users truly think using targeted research techniques, helping you avoid costly assumptions. The book offers practical frameworks for conducting interviews, surveys, and experiments that directly inform product decisions, with examples illustrating how to interpret user feedback. If you're involved in product management or software design and want to ground your decisions in real user insights, this book provides a clear, methodical approach without overcomplicating the process.
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Conclusion
This collection highlights three clear themes: the psychological triggers behind decisions, the art of ethical influence, and the practical application of behavioral science to products and communication. If you're grappling with how to build habit-forming technology, start with Hooked and Influence, New and Expanded. For marketers eager to unlock subconscious customer drives, What Your Customer Wants and Can’t Tell You and Marketing to Mindstates offer actionable strategies.
Those focused on user research and product validation will find valuable guidance in Talking to Humans and Validating Product Ideas, while designers can deepen their craft with 100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People. For a broader view on social dynamics and personal mastery, The Laws of Human Nature offers profound insights.
Alternatively, you can create a personalized User Behavior book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and sharpen your understanding of what drives human choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?
Start with "Influence, New and Expanded" by Robert Cialdini. It lays the foundation of persuasion psychology that underpins many other concepts in user behavior.
Are these books too advanced for someone new to User Behavior?
Not at all. Books like "What Your Customer Wants and Can’t Tell You" offer accessible explanations, making them great for beginners.
Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?
"The Laws of Human Nature" dives into theory about motivations, while "Build Better Products" and "Talking to Humans" provide hands-on methods.
Do these books assume I already have experience in User Behavior?
Many are written to be approachable regardless of your background. For example, "100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People" is practical and user-friendly.
Can I skip around or do I need to read them cover to cover?
You can definitely skip around. These books often have standalone chapters or concepts you can apply immediately.
How can I get content tailored specifically to my needs in User Behavior?
While these books offer expert insights, you can create a personalized User Behavior book that fits your unique background, goals, and industry for the most relevant guidance.
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