Developing and evaluating population-level interventions

Our environments prompt, shape, and challenge our actions so that default response patterns become predictable. These “choice architectures” can be used to promote helpful behaviour change but may also present considerable barriers to change. For example, the installation of well-maintained walking and running trails at the local park may promote increased engagement in physical activity among those of all ages. By contrast, vending machines located in highly frequented public buildings may promote excessive consumption of energy-dense but nutrient-poor foods and sugary drinks.

At MCBC, we investigate how to change and harness environments to facilitate initiation and maintenance of positive behaviours. This involves working with developers of home, organisational, community, and digital environments to embed evidence-based behaviour-change tools into everyday systems to optimise people’s behaviours.