The Elements of Choice

Why the Way We Decide Matters

By: Eric J. Johnson

Narrated by: Fred Sanders

A leader in decision-making research reveals how choices are designed - and why it’s so important to understand their inner workings.

Every time we make a choice, our minds go through an elaborate process most of us never even notice. We’re influenced by subtle aspects of the way the choice is presented that often make the difference between a good decision and a bad one. How do we overcome the common faults in our decision-making and enable better choices in any situation? The answer lies in more conscious and intentional decision design.

Going well beyond the familiar concepts of nudges and defaults, The Elements of Choice offers a comprehensive, systematic guide to creating effective choice architectures, the environments in which we make decisions. The designers of decisions need to consider all the elements involved in presenting a choice: how many options to offer, how to present those options, how to account for our natural cognitive shortcuts, and much more. These levers are unappreciated, and we’re often unaware of just how much they influence our reasoning every day.

Eric J. Johnson is the lead researcher behind some of the most well-known and cited research on decision-making. He draws on his original studies and extensive work in business and public policy and synthesizes the latest research in the field to reveal how the structure of choices affects outcomes.

We are all choice architects, for ourselves and for others. Whether you’re helping students choose the right school, helping patients pick the best health insurance plan, or deciding how to invest for your own retirement, this book provides the tools you need to guide anyone to the decision that’s right for them.

©2021 Eric J. Johnson (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Amazing Concept!

This book beautifully and effectively illustrates the concept of Choice Architecture. Having listened to this book, I now feel better-equipped to make informed decisions for myself and help others understand how choices are influenced. I highly recommend this book!

Awesome Title and book

Loved the information, awesome book. Very informative, enjoyed the examples. Great audio book, I would recommend it to those interested.

Learn what influences your choices

I'd never heard of the term choice architecture, but now I realize its importance. It is fascinating to see how we are influenced, without realizing it, by the many ways choices can be presented. The narrator has excellent diction but his style is a bit dull.

Outstanding introduction to Choice Architecture

A book worthy of both self study and group discussion. I found the content applicable to every level of challenge our society faces today and enjoyable to listen to (easy to follow).

A call-to-action for citizens seeking to build community, change the status quo and root out dysfunctional policies that carry extraordinary costs and burdens on governance.

It helped me be more benevolent…

I have a better understanding of how to present options to my clients to help them make choices that help them achieve their goals.

Designing Choices

This insightful book explores the psychology of choice and how the structure of information impacts memory and decision-making. A standout lesson is that in written text, short pieces are best remembered for their beginnings, while longer ones shift focus to the end. The most interesting takeaway was learning that oral speech is remembered for its ending, not its start—an idea I hadn’t considered much before. Filled with practical tips, this book is a valuable read for anyone looking to craft more effective messages and design better choices.

An absolute must read for critical thinking

I thoroughly enjoyed this audible read. I found it very interesting and insightful. I will recommend this book to anyone who wants to get a better understanding of the world around them. I have listened to this several times so that I can see the choice architecture around me and not let it influence me. Great book!

Interesting examples

I feel like the author repeated himself a bit too much on some points, but the examples of choice architecture at work were very interesting.

Eye-opening, Sobering, Inspirational

Eric's data-driven research and presentation of the analysis behind decision making design and choice provides an eye-opening and sobering view however his challenge to handle these responsibilities ethically is hopeful and inspirational.

Amazing

one of the best books ever in applied psychology. a must read for any policy maker.