Behavioural Insights

Decoding choice to drive social change

The Behavioural Insights Unit is dedicated to promoting positive social change through the analysis and influence of human behaviour. Our goal is to promote discrete yet powerful transformations that result in tangible benefits for the community.

This is possible through a meticulous analysis of the factors that shape people’s actions and choices, as well as the identification of psychological and social mechanisms that can serve as catalysts for change. With a deep understanding of individual and group behavioural dynamics, the unit develops specific strategies to optimize communication, enhance the effectiveness of public policies, and promote initiatives with high social value.

We aspire to bring about substantial and enduring changes, focusing on targeted interventions that can exert significant influence.

Main areas of intervention

  • Health prevention and promotion: We develop programs that encourage healthy and conscious lifestyles.
  • Sustainable behaviors: We promote the adoption of eco-friendly practices to protect our planet.
  • Equity and anti-discrimination: We contrast inequalities and promote social justice.
  • Social Inclusion: We work to build a more inclusive and supportive society.
  • Behavioural and social analysis: Conducting field studies to understand social contexts and dynamics.
  • Design of interventions for social change: Supporting the development of communication strategies, service design, environmental modifications, and educational programs to facilitate the adoption of innovative behaviors.
  • Educational interventions: Interventions to increase awareness in order to facilitate the adoption of new behaviors.
  • Targeted interventions: Specific actions to positively influence behaviors within organizations and territories.
  • Design of digital tools: Support for the creation of applications and digital platforms to drive behavioural change.
  • Evaluation: Impact assessment of behavioural changes

Main
Activities

  • Questionnaires and psychometric scales specific to intervention content
  • Interviews and focus groups to deepen analysis of perceptions and opinions
  • Co-creation processes and participatory methodologies to develop bottom-up interventions
  • Impact evaluation of projects through experimental and quasi-experimental methods
  • Games for social change as educational and awareness-raising tools (collaboration with GiX, Center for Research on Games for Social Change – University of Florence)

Tools and
methodologies

To know more:

Prof. Leonardo Boncinelli
Scientific Coordinator<
Full Professor of Economic Policies at the University of Florence

Dario Menicagli
Coordinator of the Behavioural Insights Unit
info[at]arcolab.org

Elisa Betti
Researcher