Choice Architecture

Abstract

“Choice architecture” is a metaphor capturing the idea that all choices occur within a structure of contextual and task features. These features in turn help to “construct” a person’s choice. In this chapter we summarize the academic literature on three types of choice architecture tools – defaults, information restructuring, and information feedback – and document some real-world examples where these tools have been applied as successful “nudges”. We end the chapter with a discussion of some key challenges and opportunities associated with this new field – including the need for customized choice architecture and the political acceptability of the use of choice architecture – and highlight some avenues for future research.

Keywords: Choice architecture, behavioral economics, nudge