Behaviour Change Strategy: Restructure

Want to shape better habits by changing the environment?

Have you ever noticed how small changes in your environment can lead to big shifts in your behavior? Could modifying your workspace or altering the layout of your office significantly enhance how you and others perform? Whether you're arranging a workspace, designing a product, or shaping a service, do the environments and interfaces you create encourage the right actions?

Discover the practical tactics of restructure grouped by specific goals to help you influence behaviour effectively and ethically.

Here’s how you can start:

1

Initiate action

Motivate immediate action with clear, compelling prompts.

2

Enhance interactions

Improve how people interact with services, products and more.

3

Optimise environments

Make settings better suited to encourage or prevent certain actions.

4

Guide choices

Present information in a way that guides people’s decisions.

How Restructure
changes behaviour

  • Reducing Barriers: By changing the environment, restructuring can make it easier for people to adopt new behaviours. This could involve removing obstacles, providing necessary resources, or simplifying processes, making it more likely that individuals will take action.

  • Shaping Preferences: Restructuring can also influence people's preferences by making certain options more attractive or prominent. By altering the environment in a way that highlights the benefits of a specific behaviour, individuals may be more inclined to choose that option.

When using Restructure, avoid…

Unintended Consequences

Sometimes, changing the environment can lead to unforeseen side effects. Be mindful of potential unintended consequences and monitor the impact of your restructuring efforts to ensure they are driving the desired behaviour change.

Resistant to Change

People may be attached to their existing environment and routines, making them resistant to change. To mitigate this resistance, communicate the benefits of restructuring and involve stakeholders in the decision-making process to increase buy-in.

Overlooking Individual Differences

Keep in mind that what works for one person may not work for another. When restructuring, consider individual preferences and needs to ensure the changes are effective for a diverse range of people.