We need to start thinking more about the bigger picture, where tiny actions can cause ripples and have significant impacts across the entire system.
Think of complex adaptive systems as huge, intricate puzzles with different pieces, you can see them all the time, just think of your city and how it operates.
These systems change in ways that aren't always straightforward or predictable.
Addressing issues in these systems can be like playing a game of chess where one move can have multiple unintended consequences.
When we use behavioral science as a lens, we are looking not at individuals only, but also at the system.
Here is an example:
Here in Amsterdam where
I live, they have implemented a recycling incentive, which is great - you get money when you return 500ml bottles and can... however an unintended consequence is that many people break garbage bins, so they can reach the bottles, which means that even more garbage is laying out on the streets. (yes, it's sadly very dirty)
If they had used a behavioral lens and built a behavioral systems map, they could have looked at the system and at the unintended consequences and decided that perhaps they would have needed to change the bins before implementing this solution (or something else, I don't know as I am not sitting here ideating a solution for it).
Instead of just fixing individual problems and moving on, we should be creating the right conditions for the whole system to thrive.
Finally, sometimes a straightforward approach works best. It's all about figuring out which method suits the problem at hand.
In my new Behavior Design for Business Framework, I touch upon these systems maps and provide an example.
It will automatically be available (aiming for this or next week) under the other tools and frameworks from Aim For Behavior.
If you are interested - I can leave a link in the comments.
How do you look at the system and derisk unintended consequences in your organization?