Last Mile Problem
August 2024
The field of behavioral science has been booming for some time now. Each year, thousands of students graduate from top schools with degrees in this field and related areas. The typical next step is to gain formal work experience to apply what they’ve learned. In this blog, Junofy shares insights from interviewing hundreds of candidates and reveals what sets the exceptional ones apart. Spoiler alert—it's practice. Not the routine 9-to-5 kind, but the creativity to weave behavioral science into everyday life. Read this month’s blog to know about Behaviour Scientists’ last mile problem.
Here are some ways you can practice behavioural science informally in your life-
Observe and Analyze: Constantly observe your surroundings to identify and understand behavioral science principles at play. Practice decoding why people make sub-optimal choices until it becomes intuitive.
Self-Experimentation: Test behavioral science principles on yourself to build and break habits. This is crucial to understanding their effectiveness and gauging your fit for the field.
Test on Others: Apply behavioral science to improve the lives of friends and family, such as helping with finances or encouraging healthier habits.
Pro-bono Projects: Offer free behavioral science consultation to small businesses or NGOs to gain practical experience and build your portfolio.
Conduct Research: Engage in small research projects on topics you're passionate about. Consider publishing your findings openly if you're disillusioned with traditional academic avenues.
Read Behaviour Scientists’ Last Mile Problem for more insights on this topic!
The winner of last month’s Behavioural Buzz Contest on ‘Emotions at Play’ was Ishita Mahajan! Congratulations!! Here is the submission:
This image captures the raw emotions involved in human sporting achievement at the highest level. It showcases the intense joy, relief, and pride that athletes experience after reaching their goals. In sports, such emotions are not just personal victories but also serve as powerful demonstrations of resilience, determination, and the deep social bonds that fuel peak performance.
🌟 Exciting News! 🌟
We're thrilled to continue our Behavioural Buzz Contest into September with another inspiring theme designed to explore the depths of behavioural science through creativity!
Theme for September: Physical Nudges
📸 Submit a photo or artwork that illustrates the concept of emotions at play online/offline by the 20th of September. The most compelling entry will win our monthly prize and be featured across our platforms!
Submission Guidelines:
Deadline: Submissions are due by the 20th of September.
Format: Ensure your photo is in a shareable format (e.g., JPEG, PNG).
NEW RULE applicable only for this month: Screenshots are not permitted!
How to Submit: Upload your submission on the Google Form given below along with your basic details
Rewards: The best submission will be featured in the next month's issue of our newsletter and will receive a special prize.
We can't wait to see how you bring behavioural science to life through your images!
📝 Coincidence or Fate? It Depends on Your MoodDo you see coincidences as more than just chance? This article suggests that when we're in a good mood, we're more likely to find meaning in random events. This isn't just about coping—it’s about enjoying the mental challenge of connecting the dots. Read to find out more about this phenomenon.
📝 Can We Create a Pattern Language for Behavioral Design?Can behavioral design benefit from a "pattern language" like architecture and UX? This article suggests identifying recurring context patterns that influence behavior, making design faster, more effective, and accessible to everyone. Just as UX patterns simplified web design, these behavioral patterns could improve processes in workplaces, clinics, and services, making a real impact.
🎧 The Habit BlueprintThis month’s podcast digs into what habits are, how they form, and why they're so hard to change. From understanding the role of cues and rewards to distinguishing between habits and routines, this episode covers it all.
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Brought to you with 💛 from India Behavioural Economics Network (Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter) and Beyond Nudge Consulting (Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter)
Editors: Junofy Anto Rozarina and Abhishek Chauhan
Love this perspective on the 'last mile' problem. It is so easy to get buried in the theory; however, the real magic happens when you actually get your hands dirty. I particularly liked your point about self-experimentation, as there is no better way to understand a nudge than by feeling its effects on your own decision-making first.
We often see brilliant people struggle because they treat behaviour like a textbook problem rather than a living, breathing reality. Stepping out of the lab and into the 'messy' world is where you truly develop the practical empathy needed to make a real difference. Whether it is a pro-bono project or just observing how people navigate a busy shop, those real-world reps are what turn a graduate into a practitioner. It is about moving from knowing the rules to actually playing the game. Brilliant and encouraging stuff; thank you for sharing.
I used to always tell my interns to be curious. The biggest question is “what if”. It invaluable both when considering positive outcomes and trying to predict possible unintended consequences.