How To Be A Better Person: Self-improvement through behavioral design

HOW TO BE A BETTER PERSON

Self-Improvement

Through Behavioral

Design

By Jennifer Im

ARE YOU LOGICAL?

A: Yes

B: No

How To Be A Better Person: Self Improvement Through Behavioral Design Jennifer Im

THE MYTH OF HUMAN RATIONALITY

People are emotionally driven, illogical creatures that are prone to error.

People are predictably irrational

Behavioral psychology and design


WHAT IS BEHAVIORAL DESIGN?


HOW TO BE A BETTER PERSON

Behavioral Design has the answers

In examining others, we learn more about our own behavior

Better consumer, better student


BECOMING A BETTER CONSUMER


MARKETERS ARE CLEVER PEOPLE

Marketers know you better than you know yourself


THE EFFECT OF “ZERO”

“Zero is an emotional hot button – a source of irrational excitement”— Dan Ariely, Predictably Irrational

Zero Price Effect


THE EFFECT OF “ZERO”

Colossal difference between 0 and 1

Lindt 15 cents; Kisses 1 cent = 73%; 27%

Lindt 14 cents; Kisses 0 cents = 31%; 69%

Same discount

The true cost of “Zero”


APPLICATION

Take a step back

Perform cost-benefit analyzes no matter the prices

Consider time lost


THE INFLUENCE OF EXPECTATIONS



“The key to happiness is low expectations” –Barry Schwartz

When we believe something will be good, it’ll be good. If we think it’ll be bad, it’ll be bad

Tendency to substantiate



Expectations affect us more than we think

Stereotypes and Biases

Placebo


APPLICATION

Don’t let packaging fool you

When trying something new, go in blind with no expectations

Be aware of your biases and how they may affect your perception


BECOMING A BETTER STUDENT


PROCRASTINATION

Common problem, uncommon solutions

Diets, New Years Resolutions, Exercise

Why do we procrastinate so much?

Instant gratification

Is there a solution?

Deadlines


APPLICATION

Procrastination is highly unlikely to be fixed via “Just do it” speeches

Consider immediate reward or immediate punishment


THE FREEDOM OF CHOICE

America is the land of freedom

Market choices, political choices, academic choices, career choices

More options are better?


THE PARADOX OF CHOICE

Barry Schwartz – “Choice has made us not freer but more paralyzed, not happier but more dissatisfied”

Choosing dinner, networking

More choices=time wasted and opportunities missed


IN REVIEW

Having too many choices may not always be a good thing

Consider time as a very expensive and limited resource

Be prepared to burn a few bridges


KNOWLEDGE IS POWER


KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

Being aware is half of the battle; You need to acknowledge the problem to fix it.


IN REVIEW:

To be a better consumer

1. The words “Zero” and “Free” can be deceiving

2. Expectations affect our perception more than we think

To be a better student

1. Have immediate consequences, whether positive or negative, to curb procrastination

2. Burn those bridges


BECOMING A BETTER DESIGNER

Human Centered Design

Expect errors and the worst case-scenario


BECOMING A BETTER DESIGNER

Don’t be complacent

People aren’t logical

Question everything Why do we do this? Is this the best solution?

