Designing a 'nudge' &
Behaviour Economics
Behavioral Economics (BE) uses psychological models to develop 'reliable' interactions for human decision making
BE has identified a range of biases as a result of the way people think and feel
BE can facilitate the way we design in terms of people's perceptions of value and expressed preferences
Nudge: improving decisions about wealth, health & happiness
Richard Thaler
With Richard Thaler, Professor of Behavioural Science and Economics at the University of Chicago. Thaler urges us to recognise our "human-ness" as a given and to use the way we think to our advantage
Nudge and Beyond: Behavioural Science, Policy and Knowing What Works
David Halpern
Putting fruit at eye level counts as a nudge.
Banning junk food does not.
At the heart of nudge theory is the concept of nudge. The first formulation of this term and associated principles was developed in cybernetics by Dr James Wilk before 1995 and described by Brunel University academic D.J. Stewart as "the art of the nudge" (hereafter referred to as micro-nudges. In this expression, the nudge is a microtargeted design geared towards a specific group of people, irrespective of the scale of intended intervention.
However, the concept came to prominence in a variant form in the scientific work of Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein, who defined their concept as:
A nudge, as we will use the term, is any aspect of the choice architecture that alters people's behaviour in a predictable way without forbidding any options or significantly changing their economic incentives. To count as a mere nudge, the intervention must be easy and cheap to avoid. Nudges are not mandates.
15 types of behavioural nudge
15 BE Principles to increase adoption + conversions
Behaviour Economics:
Biases of Intuition + Decision Making
Solving social problems with a nudge
Sendhil Mullainathan
MacArthur winner Sendhil Mullainathan uses the lens of behavioral economics to study a tricky set of social problems — those we know how to solve, but don't. We know how to reduce child deaths due to diarrhea, how to prevent diabetes-related blindness and how to implement solar-cell technology ... yet somehow, we don't or can't. Why?
Nudging the Citizen
David Halpern
When David Halpern first brought the idea of behavioural economics before the British government he was greeted by immense skepticism and nervousness. Now he is being sought out by governments across the globe. The practice is called "nudging," the idea that people can be convinced to make the right decisions by making minor cost effective changes to how choices are presented to them. David Halpern sits down with Steve Paikin to discuss how his "nudge unit" has become a resource many governments of the world crave
Designing for the nudge effects
Paul Rainford
‘Nudges might involve subconscious cues (such as painting targets in urinals to improve accuracy) or correcting misapprehensions about social norms (like telling us that most people do not drink excessively). They can alter the profile of different choices (such as the prominence of healthy food in canteens) or change which options are the default (such as having to opt out of rather than into organ donor schemes). Nudges can also create incentives for some choices or impose minor economic or cognitive costs on other options (such as people who quit smoking banking money they would have spent on their habit but only being able to withdraw it when they test as nicotine free)’.
Behavioural Nudge Theory: a tool to improve user adoption & behaviour
Craig Jackson
In essence, nudge theory suggests that positive reinforcement of behaviours, coupled with hints and suggestions, can (subconsciously) influence motivation, collaboration, and decision processes. What is more is that such nudges towards the “right” behaviour can often be more effective, and less prone to resistance from groups or individuals, than direct instruction or overt enforcement. The key to successful nudging often involves the individual being unaware that their thoughts, decisions and subsequent behaviours are being influenced by an external force.
The following TED play lists include interesting and useful insights.
Browse-Select-Watch-Capture and then process into 'design insights'
A better you
Ready for a change? These well-researched (and heartfelt) talks offer ideas and inspiration for all aspects of your life, from creativity to vulnerability, from competitive sports to collaborative games.
https://www.ted.com/playlists/8/a_better_you
Take charge of your health care
You may be the patient. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be an active participant in getting the best possible care.
https://www.ted.com/playlists/199/take_charge_of_your_healthcare
The struggle of mental health
Depression, schizophrenia, suicidal feelings—too often, these experiences stay private. These speakers who’ve struggled with mental illness boldly share their stories, in hopes that others don’t feel so alone.
https://www.ted.com/playlists/175/the_struggle_of_mental_health
What makes you happy?
Everyone wants to be happy. But how, exactly, does one go about it? Here, psychologists, journalists, Buddhist monks and more gives answers that may surprise.
https://www.ted.com/playlists/4/what_makes_you_happy
Get in shape (for real this time)
It is the New Year’s Resolution that you make over and over again. Here, talks to help you actually stick to it—and do it in a kind, effective way.
https://www.ted.com/playlists/218/get_in_shape_for_real_this_ti
Talks for when you feel like you’re not enough
No one can decide your self-worth. Let these talks serve as a gentle reminder that you are enough.
https://www.ted.com/playlists/331/talks_for_when_you_feel_like_y
Talks for when you need a reminder that you're not alone
Everyone has those days when they feel isolated. But these talks are beautiful, charming proof that no man or woman is an island.
https://www.ted.com/playlists/249/talks_for_when_you_need_a_remi
Talks to help you shake off rejection
Everyone faces rejection, sometimes on repeat. These speakers experienced a barrage of ‘no’s, but were able to push past the disappointment and keep on going. May their resilience inspire you.
https://www.ted.com/playlists/234/talks_to_help_you_shake_off_re
Talks to watch when you're stuck in a rut
We all feel stuck sometimes — whether it’s on a creative project, in a job where we feel like we’ve plateaued, or in a mental state we just can’t seem to shake out of. These talks may help give you that jolt.
https://www.ted.com/playlists/237/11_talks_to_watch_when_you_re
Also browse for playlists which may all the more specific to your own project