520. Designing for Behavior Change

520. Designing for Behavior Change

Author: Melina Palmer August 5, 2025 Duration: 47:52

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Amy Bucher, author of Engaged: Designing for Behavior Change. Together, they explore the intersection of behavioral science and design thinking, discussing how to create solutions that truly resonate with people's needs and behaviors. This refreshed episode, originally aired in August 2021, delves into the importance of understanding the real problems faced by consumers rather than relying on assumptions.

Amy shares her extensive experience in healthcare and wellness, highlighting how applying behavioral science can lead to meaningful behavior change. She emphasizes the significance of thorough research and empathy in the design process, illustrating how small shifts in understanding can lead to innovative solutions that effectively address real-world challenges.

In this episode:

  • Discover the critical role of behavioral design in creating effective solutions.
  • Learn how to conduct thorough research to understand the true needs of your audience.
  • Explore practical frameworks for designing interventions that promote behavior change.
  • Understand the importance of empathy and respect for the end users in the design process.
  • Gain insights into real-world examples of successful behavior change projects.

Get important links, top recommended books and episodes, and a full transcript at thebrainybusiness.com/520.

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Melina Palmer hosts The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics, a podcast built on the idea that consumer behavior is often surprising and counterintuitive. As a sales conversion expert, Melina translates the often dense academic research from behavioral economics into clear, practical strategies. Each episode digs into the psychological forces that guide decisions, explaining why customers frequently act in ways that contradict their own stated intentions. You’ll hear specific examples of these principles in action, from pricing and product placement to communication and website design. The focus is always on providing listeners with immediately usable insights to create a more effective, brain-friendly business. This isn’t about abstract theory; it’s about understanding the real-world science behind why people choose to buy-or walk away. For anyone involved in marketing, leadership, or entrepreneurship, this podcast serves as a regular source of grounded, evidence-based advice. Melina’s approach makes the complex wonderfully accessible, turning the weirdness of consumer psychology into a tangible advantage. Tune in to learn how subtle shifts in framing and choice architecture can lead to significant improvements in how your business connects with and serves its audience.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics
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