Nudge Techniques in Action

Objective: Identify and practice applying core nudge techniques.

Key Nudge Techniques

Click on each technique to learn more about how it works and see examples:

⏳

Scarcity

Creating a sense of urgency by highlighting limited availability.

👥

Social Proof

Highlighting popularity and what others are choosing.

🎯

Framing

Presenting offers to highlight gains or positive benefits.

✨

Default Options

Making upgraded or bundled options the automatic choice.

Activity: Test Your Knowledge

Now it's time to test your understanding! Read each scenario and identify which nudge technique is being used.

Real-World Scenarios

Below are five real-world examples of nudge techniques in action. Study each scenario to understand which technique is being used and why it works.

Example 1⏳ Scarcity

Limited-Edition Souvenirs

Situation: A display of high-quality, limited-edition souvenirs is set up near the gift shop entrance with a sign that reads: "Final Stock! These unique souvenirs are only available on this last sailing of the season."

Why it works: The phrases "Final Stock" and "last sailing of the season" create a sense of urgency and limited availability. This psychological pressure makes the souvenir feel more valuable and encourages passengers to buy it now to avoid missing out.

Example 2👥 Social Proof

Restaurant Special

Situation: A new on-board restaurant special is being advertised. The menu board features a prominent POINT OF SALE sign next to a particular sustainable meal, along with a caption stating, "A favourite among our eco-conscious passengers."

Why it works: The POINT OF SALE sign and the caption "A favorite among our eco-conscious passengers" tell the customer that this is a popular and approved choice among their peers. This reassurance makes them more likely to follow suit and try the meal, trusting the judgment of others.

Example 3✨ Default Options

Wine Upgrade

Situation: When a passenger orders a single glass of wine at the bar, the bartender asks, "Would you like a whole bottle for just £15 extra to enjoy throughout the rest of your trip?"

Why it works: By asking the question "Would you like a whole bottle...?" after the customer has already ordered a single glass, the bartender makes the upgraded, more expensive choice the easy and expected next step. This guides the customer toward a larger purchase without direct pressure.

Example 4🎯 Framing

Coffee and Cake Deal

Situation: The Barista Coffee House advertises a new "Coffee and Cake Meal Deal." The price is listed as "Get the full deal for just £7," rather than listing the items individually.

Why it works: Instead of listing the price of a coffee and a piece of cake separately, the offer is presented as a bundled "Meal Deal" with a single price. This "framing" highlights the value and convenience of the combined purchase, making it seem more appealing and simple to a customer than calculating the individual costs.

Example 5⏳ Scarcity

Stena Plus Lounge

Situation: A digital screen in the common area shows a live, updating counter for last-minute Stena Plus lounge space, stating: "Only 3 seats still available in the Stena Plus lounge. Book now at the Information Desk."

Why it works: The "live, updating counter" and the specific number of "Only 3 seats still available" create immediate urgency. The visual and numerical representation of the limited space triggers the fear of missing out, prompting passengers to make a quick decision to secure their spot.

Learn More

Watch this video to learn more about how nudges are used to influence behaviour.

Short introduction to the psychology of spending

Key Takeaways

Scarcity creates urgency and encourages quick decisions
Social Proof builds trust through popularity and recommendations
Framing highlights value and makes offers more appealing
Default Options guides customers toward premium choices naturally

Remember: Use these techniques ethically and always prioritize genuine helpfulness over sales pressure.