The decision environment perspective
Behavioral economics shows that choices are influenced by context, defaults, and framing.
Richard Thaler’s Nudge demonstrates how small environmental changes shape behavior.
UX as choice architecture
Every interface constructs a choice architecture.
Examples:
default selections
information ordering
visual emphasis
These elements guide user decisions implicitly.
Cognitive science foundations
Daniel Kahneman’s Thinking, Fast and Slow explains dual-system cognition, highlighting how intuitive processes dominate everyday decisions.
UX design frequently operates within System 1 territory.
Practical applications
Behavior design informs:
pricing presentation
onboarding flows
trust-building patterns
error prevention mechanisms
Takeaway
Behavior design shifts focus from interface aesthetics to decision outcomes, making UX a mechanism for behavioral guidance.
