What we offer

Insight

We undertake research to generate fresh insight into what drives behaviour. We combine classic methods with proven behavioural science techniques to devise the best research approach for each situation. We work across a range of techniques including qualitative and quantitative research, randomised control trials, case study exploration and academic literature reviews. We conduct research ourselves or commission specialists to conduct it on our behalf.

Behavioural Analysis

We analyse the underlying mechanisms of behaviour including motivation, heuristics and biases, intention-behaviour gap, cognitive dissonance, decision-making approaches, attitudes to risk and habit formation. We analyse the contextual and environmental factors that influence behaviour.

Behavioural Change Interventions

We design interventions to drive behaviour change, using a range of proven tools and techniques from the world of behavioural science. Each intervention is designed with the specific challenge, context, and objective in mind. We believe in the principle of test and learn, and pilot-test our interventions to perfect them before full implementation.

Product and Service Design Enhancement

Successful products and services are designed with human interaction in mind. We apply a behavioural perspective to make products and services more intuitive to use, more engaging and ultimately more successful.

Communications Optimisation

Wherever a change in behaviour is the objective, communication is key. The message, how it is delivered, when and by whom all play a vital role. We analyse each element of a communication strategy to ensure each element works effectively and the overall impact is optimised.

Organisational and Personal Change

Change is constant. Progress, whether organisational or personal, is rarely achieved without it. Understanding how to change behaviour can help us adapt and make the most of the opportunities around us. We design tailor-made programmes to help organisations and individuals through change, helping them achieve their goals.

BEHAVIOURS EXPLORED

Whatever the context, understanding what drives behaviour and how to change it can lead to dramatic improvements in outcomes. Here are some examples of the behaviours we have previously explored. 

'Nudging' people towards healthier food and drink options

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    We began with an in-depth exploration of how people think and behave when buying food and drink.  This revealed differences between what people claimed they did and what they actually did. We explored the mechanisms behind this including the predominance of system 1 thinking, the use of heuristics and the influence of semiotic cues. We designed alternative choice architectures tailored to different contexts: a supermarket, a fast food outlet and a university campus. We pilot-tested the new approach in each context and compared the results to a control environment. The new approach successfully nudged people to choose healthier options and improved the shopping experience, with no reduction in sales.  


    Making subtle, targeted changes to choice architecture based on a deep understanding of behaviour can change how people behave and deliver a win-win for both customers and suppliers.

Identifying ways to help local communities survive and thrive

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    We began by exploring place attachment, a core concept in environmental psychology that explains the bonds people form with places such as the community they live in. We investigated the appeal of a new community-based digital app, designed to encourage people to support local independent businesses, look after the environment and support local charities. We examined what motivates people to download such apps and use them on an ongoing basis, through the lens of self-determination theory. 


    The key to success for initiatives designed to help local communities survive and thrive is to understand which motivational levers will encourage people to get involved and what incentives will keep them engaged on an ongoing basis.

Identifying the drivers of inclusion and diversity

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    The road to a more diverse and inclusive world is paved with good intentions, but progress towards this goal is often frustratingly slow.  We examined gender diversity in the context of workplace and work practices.  To understand what can get in the way of progress, we reviewed academic theory on the topic and evaluated practical case studies where interventions to encourage greater diversity had been implemented.  We reviewed the evidence for what works and what does not, both from a theoretical and a practical point of view.  


    Simple, well-targeted interventions based on sound behavioural science principles, can help organisations make significant progress towards the goal of a more diverse and inclusive culture.

Driving better business through deeper customer understanding

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    We began with a deep exploration of the attitudes and behaviours of professional chefs. This led to the design of a new, more personalised way to market and sell food products to them. This new approach, encompassing all aspects of sales and marketing activity by a leading foodservice supplier was pilot tested and subsequently fully implemented. It led to improved customer relationships, higher levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty and tangibly better business results. 


    Hardwiring a deep understanding of customer behaviour into business processes leads to better business relationships and ultimately better business.

Delivering organisational change to sharpen focus and improve performance

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    This was part of a global corporate change programme, initially piloted in one country and subsequently rolled out internationally. It began with a root and branch assessment of business performance and the identification and prioritisation of opportunities to drive growth. Many business appraisals stop at this point. Our work also included a review of organisational behaviour, capability strengths and gaps, and organisational culture. Based on this we designed and implemented workstreams to deliver a change in behaviour and improve business results. We introduced best practice tools, processes and training and worked alongside local teams for six months to embed changes. 


    The success of this change programme was driven by the emphasis on supporting and embedding behaviour change over several months.