07 Dec 2023 • 5 min

Exploring the Traces of Behavioral Economics: Between Theory and Everyday Life

What is behavioral economics? Why is it important to understand human behavior when creating products and services?

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Today's post is part of the description of our episode on behavioral economics, which Kasia Szczesna discussed in the Design Mentorship Podcast. Traditional economic theory assumes the rational action of individuals, but as it turns out, reality is much more complex.
See what you can hear in our episode.

Reflections on Behavioral Economics

Behavioral economics, growing in popularity, raises questions about the nature of human actions. The controversy surrounding its use in marketing prompts us to reflect on its essence and its impact on our daily lives.

Behavioral economics is a discipline that combines insights from the fields of psychology, the economics of judgment and decision-making, and neuroscience to understand, predict, and ultimately change human behavior in a way that is more powerful than either of these fields can provide on its own

Technology and the Impact on Our Lives

Analysis of the Accenture Life Trends report reveals how technology is shaping our reality. Do modern technologies really simplify life, or do they introduce additional stress? This question becomes an essential part of understanding how technology affects our daily experiences.

Limitations of Traditional Economic Theory

Questioning the traditional assumptions of economics calls into question the rationality of human actions. The limited amount of information and the time pressure we struggle with seem to be key factors influencing our decisions.

The Role of the Environment in Decision-Making

The transition to behavioral economics shows that our decisions are shaped by the environment, people, and social context. What surrounds us influences our choices, which is an important part of understanding why we make specific decisions.

Behavioral Design and Ethical Challenges

Behavioral design analysis shows how companies use behavioral economics theories to shape customer behavior. The question of the ethics of these activities and the need to take into account the welfare of consumers becomes a key aspect of this discussion.

Summary and Challenges of Behavioral Design

In conclusion, it is worth noting that behavioral economics and behavior design affect different aspects of our lives. The challenges of adapting theory to different businesses open the door to creative thinking and experimentation.


This episode is an introduction to discussions of behavior, economics, and behavioral design. We encourage you to listen and reflect: