Dan Ariely and Irrational Comparison
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Dan Ariely and Irrational Comparison
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Re: Dan Ariely and Irrational Comparison
#2I read Ariely's "Predictably Irrational" years and years ago, and was fascinated by it. I'd been an economics graduate, and was surprised that we were only introduced to "Behavioural Economics" as a field in the final semester of the course.
To be sure, if you want to read far more academic material, you should look at Kahneman, Sunstein or Thaler's books - but Ariely's writing style is in my opinion more fun and approachable to the lay person. It was definitely my gateway drug into the subject matter.
Re: Dan Ariely and Irrational Comparison
#3The concept of anchoring is pretty ancient, no?
Re: Dan Ariely and Irrational Comparison
#4I think it is worth noting that some of the more surprising results in the behavioural economics literature have failed to replicate. A quick search will find many articles discussing this. I believe there is definitely a strong core in behavioural economics, but the especially "pop science" experiments (e.g. people walk more slowly when primed to think about old age, which IIRC is in "Thinking Fast and Slow") should be taken with a grain of salt.
Re: Dan Ariely and Irrational Comparison
#5Tricking the mind though can lead to higher churn rates (poorer retention rates) later. Most people do realize what the true value of their purchase is sooner or later - it might take a few cycles, e.g. monthly subscription payments to make the right conclusions. You might have a spike in your revenue figures now but you might see deteriorating retention indicators a few cycles later. In other words some (many? all?) "tricks" work only in the short term. In fact some of your users will leave your platform with the negative aftertaste of having been tricked.
Re: Dan Ariely and Irrational Comparison
#6I think it is worth noting that some of the more surprising results in the behavioural economics literature have failed to replicate. A quick search will find many articles discussing this. I believe there is definitely a strong core in behavioural economics, but the especially "pop science" experiments (e.g. people walk more slowly when primed to think about old age, which IIRC is in "Thinking Fast and Slow") should…
This is fair criticism from what I've seen too, though for passers by I'd just say that it shouldn't necessarily entirely discredit the field. What particularly interests me, is the "nudge" applications which have been adopted by govts. over the past number of years. Whilst most of their plans miss, the ones that stick are incredible, such as the setting of defaults to drastically increase organ donors and improve pensions and investments.
Re: Dan Ariely and Irrational Comparison
#7His follow-on book: "The Upside of Irrationality" is also a great read.
Re: Dan Ariely and Irrational Comparison
#8I think it is worth noting that some of the more surprising results in the behavioural economics literature have failed to replicate. A quick search will find many articles discussing this. I believe there is definitely a strong core in behavioural economics, but the especially "pop science" experiments (e.g. people walk more slowly when primed to think about old age, which IIRC is in "Thinking Fast and Slow") should…
This is fair criticism from what I've seen too, though for passers by I'd just say that it shouldn't necessarily entirely discredit the field. What particularly interests me, is the "nudge" applications which have been adopted by govts. over the past number of years. Whilst most of their plans miss, the ones that stick are incredible, such as the setting of defaults to drastically increase organ donors and improve pe…
Was about to make similar comment about connection with behavioral economics and how we should be wary of certain claims. Also there is some strong criticism of applying nudge theories on complex systems. That being said, as you point out as well, some nudge techniques do lead to beneficial results (for all) and I think it's important to recognize (and econs. point out) that if you design a UX, process, building, gadget ect. you are by definition what they call a choice architect.
Side note: I was fascinated how much design/choice/nudge thinking is considered here in Denmark. It's very noticeable in design of public buildings and govt. webservices
Re: Dan Ariely and Irrational Comparison
#9The concept of anchoring is pretty ancient, no?
And Joel Spolsky, in 2004, summarizing thoughts on pricing and segmentation: https://www.joelonsoftware.com/2004/12/15/camels-and-rubber-...
Re: Dan Ariely and Irrational Comparison
#10I think it is worth noting that some of the more surprising results in the behavioural economics literature have failed to replicate. A quick search will find many articles discussing this. I believe there is definitely a strong core in behavioural economics, but the especially "pop science" experiments (e.g. people walk more slowly when primed to think about old age, which IIRC is in "Thinking Fast and Slow") should…
This is fair criticism from what I've seen too, though for passers by I'd just say that it shouldn't necessarily entirely discredit the field. What particularly interests me, is the "nudge" applications which have been adopted by govts. over the past number of years. Whilst most of their plans miss, the ones that stick are incredible, such as the setting of defaults to drastically increase organ donors and improve pe…
I’m not sure I want the government opting me in to programs any more than I want Google opting me in to things that may not be in my best interest.
If dark patterns start working their way into government, god help us all.