Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

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MENTAL MODEL · M0480

Nudge / Choice Architecture

Nudge / Choice Architecture
DecideHigh supportDecision Science
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Without prohibiting free choice, gently guide people toward better decisions by designing the 'choice architecture' (e.g., default options, ordering).

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Gently guide choices by designing smart default options.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Nudge refers to gently guiding people's decisions by designing the 'choice architecture' (defaults, option ordering, framing) without removing any options and preserving their freedom of choice. It falls under 'libertarian paternalism': acknowledging that people are not fully rational while respecting individual autonomy, improving choice outcomes with low friction.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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