Changing human behavior through the options and feedback design of service systems

This study investigated how service systems can be designed to change human behavior from a psychological perspective. Compared with using environmentally friendly products and developing sustainable services, raising environmental awareness and guiding consumer behavior can be more effective in directly reducing the speed of energy consumption and waste. As designers, we should take responsibility for human and social development, and use design to help people solve their problems and have correct behavior. Through literature review, analyses, and discussions, we found that it is possible to change human behavior through the options and feedback design of service systems. In order to alter human behavior, first, we should set up correct options of service systems, because they can influence the results of users' selections directly. Moreover, good option design can also help people to avoid self-control problems. Aside from options design, feedback design is also important. By giving users immediate feedback for a particular behavior, service systems can help users avoid mindless behaviors and mistakes. In addition, we suggest combining happiness, user interests, and benefits with the options and feedback designs to motivate people to actively change their behaviors in a pleasant experience.