Nudging your way out of COVID-19

Find out how PassageWay’s real-time COVID-19 digital signage software uses nudge theory to encourage the small behavioural changes that have a big impact on reducing risk.

Human behaviour is key during any pandemic. Think of the effect that good and bad behaviour can have on the transmission of COVID-19 when it comes to things like social distancing, hand-washing, or self-isolating when experiencing symptoms.

Presenting people with information about their environment can give them the little nudge they need to adjust their behaviour in the right direction to reduce the risk of COVID-19 to themselves and others. 

Making good decisions simpler

This is known as ‘nudge theory’ – an idea first made popular by behavioural economist Richard Thaler and political scientist Cass Sunstein. They believed that rather than forcing people to do things, you tweak or ‘nudge’ the environments in which they make choices so that it’s much easier for them to make decisions that are broadly in the self-interest of themselves, their families and society.

A good example is requiring people to opt-out of organ donation rather than opting in. The theory is that most people actually want to donate their organs but are put off from doing so by having to make what feels like a complicated decision. By making a donation the default, it makes it much simpler for people to do what they really wanted all along.

In the case of COVID-19, it can be simple things like suggesting people sing ‘happy birthday’ whilst washing their hands to make sure they take enough time over the task, or elbow-bumping instead of shaking hands.

How PassageWay helps nudge behaviour

PassageWay’s real-time COVID-19 digital signage software can turn virtually any Internet-connected screen into a source of constantly updating, hyper-local COVID-19 guidance from only £15 per month.  And while the virus itself can’t be nudged away, these short, simple and friendly location-specific safety prompts can help encourage people towards making decisions that could have an impact on reducing COVID-19 transmission.

Whether it’s located in a high-street shop, gym, library, office or school, a digital sign powered by PassageWay displays the current R rate wherever it is, as well as the latest number of local cases. This can help people make much more note of particular behavioural advice when visiting – especially if the prevailing R number or case rate is high.

As PassageWay refreshes multiple times a day, signs will always display the latest COVID-19 safety information tailored for the type of premises they’re in. Custom content can be added including branding, thank you messages and prompts to visit a website. All of which makes the information displayed feel much more relevant and specific to the reader, and much harder to ignore.

Get in touch and find out more

PassageWay’s digital signage software will work on almost any type of Internet-connected screens such as Smart TVs, a monitor linked to a desktop, laptop, digital totem or kiosk.  Get in touch today to discuss how it can work for your business.