The definitive introduction to the behavioral insights approach, which applies evidence about human behavior to practical problems.
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Our behavior is strongly influenced by factors that lie outside our conscious awareness, although we tend to underestimate the power of this “automatic” side of our behavior. As a result, governments make ineffective policies, businesses create bad products, and individuals make unrealistic plans. In contrast, the behavioral insights approach applies evidence about actual human behavior—rather than assumptions about it—to practical problems.
Since 2010, these insights have opened up new ways of addressing some of the biggest challenges faced by societies, changing the way that governments, businesses, and nonprofits work in the process.
This book from MIT Press, co-authored by my colleague Elspeth Kirkman, offers an accessible introduction to behavioral insights. It gives an overview of the approach's origins and recent expansion into new areas, provides examples from across different policy areas and offers guidance on how to run a behavioral insights project. Finally, the book outlines the limitations and ethical implications of the approach, and what the future holds for this fast-moving area.
Mentions & Reviews
London School of Economics Book Reviews:
“a pragmatic and engaging new overview of behavioural informed design…
[for] anyone looking for a succinct and clear summary of the behavioural insights approach
as well as tangible techniques for applying insights to real-world scenarios”
Behavioral Insights featured in the Behavioral Scientist’s Summer Book List 2020.
Inc.com calls Behavioral Insights “The One Book Every Entrepreneur Should Read”
“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.”
Cass R. Sunstein, Robert Walmsley University Professor, Harvard University, and co-author of Nudge’
“A very useful and concise introduction from two well-placed authors… [it] will be very helpful for people interested in an overview of an area that is having increasing influence in public policy throughout the world”
Liam Delaney, Professor and Head of Department for Psychological and Behavioural Science, London School of Economics
One of Porchlight Books’ “Books to Watch”
“Behavioral Insights” featured in the following podcasts:
Action Design Radio, 10 September 2020
Questioning Behaviour, 14 September 2020
Town Hall Seattle, 2 November 2020
The Brainy Business, 6 November 2020
Behavioral Grooves, 8 November 2020
Habit Weekly, 9 November 2020
B.E. Good! 7 January 2021