Scientific Definition
A change to the choice architecture that predictably shifts behavior — without removing options.
Plain-English Definition
A change to the choice architecture that predictably shifts behavior — without removing options.
Feynman Explanation
Coined by Thaler and Sunstein. Diluted by everyone since.
Core Principle
A change to the choice architecture that predictably shifts behavior — without removing options.
Mechanisms
Pending editorial review.
A change to the choice architecture that predictably shifts behavior — without removing options.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Most behavior change at scale is nudges, not mandates.
Inputs (Triggers)
Pending editorial review.
Outputs (Behaviors)
Pending editorial review.
Behavioral Signature
Coined by Thaler and Sunstein. Diluted by everyone since.
Examples
- Putting fruit at eye level. Auto-enrolling in 401(k). Sending a reminder text.
- Most behavior change at scale is nudges, not mandates.
Pending editorial review.
Famous Experiments
Pending editorial review.
Design Principles
- If it bans, it's not a nudge. If it's expensive to opt out of, it's not a nudge.
Measurement Approaches
Pending editorial review.
Evidence
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
The Perverse Incentive Lens™
How this behavior is exploited — and how to redesign around it.
- If it bans, it's not a nudge. If it's expensive to opt out of, it's not a nudge.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Interactive Mini Network
Click any neighbor to re-center the graph and follow the threads of connection.
Knowledge Graph Neighbors
Auto-linked to the rest of the Human Behavior Taxonomy by family, domain, dimension, and shared keywords.
Environmental factors influence perception and judgment.
Preference between two options depends on what other options sit beside them — attraction, compromise, similarity effects.
What an environment offers an actor for action — handles to grip, surfaces to sit on, paths to follow.
The same message in a different setting produces a different result.
Removing a quote from its context to distort its meaning.
Teaching the same concept to different audiences over time is naturally spaced repetition with feedback baked in.
A visual map of where in your day, mind, and environment your best thinking actually happens.
Decisions involve trade-offs between costs and benefits at different times.
How will I feel about this in 10 minutes / 10 months / 10 years?
Basics first (health/finances), then depth (mastery/impact), then altruism (widening circle).
A group decides on a course of action that nobody actually wants, because everyone assumes others prefer it.
Inattention or forgetfulness caused by low attention, hyperfocus, or distraction.