Choice architecture 2.0: Behavioral policy as an implicit social interaction

Abstract

We propose a new conceptual framework for behavioral policy design that we call choice architecture 2.0. We argue that in addition to considering how different choice environments affect decisions (as in conventional choice architecture), choice architects should also be aware of the implicit interaction taking place between the targets of the choice architecture and themselves. When confronting a decision, people often engage in a social sensemaking process that entails an assessment of (a) the beliefs and intentions of the choice architect and (b) how their decision will be construed by the choice architect and other observers. We present examples of how this choice architecture 2.0 framework can be used to anticipate factors that moderate the success or failure of behavioral policy interventions, and we provide examples of factors that may trigger social sensemaking. We also present a template for a social sensemaking audit that policymakers can perform before implementing any particular design of choice architecture.