Sludge
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30
CORE DEFINITION
Proposed by Richard Thaler, it is the opposite of 'Nudge'. It refers to the deliberately set cumbersome processes, hidden buttons, or complex terms that create high friction to hinder users from making certain choices (such as canceling subscriptions or applying for refunds).
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
Reduce decision friction. For enterprises, cleaning up the 'sludge' in internal processes is key to improving efficiency; for individuals, identifying 'sludge' helps protect their rights and interests, and not giving up due to fear of trouble.
Anchor fast decisions
The effect of fine sediments slowly accumulating and changing the system's channels: like river silt slowing the flow and narrowing the waterway; metaphorically, trivial rules, technical debt, and outdated conventions in organizations and systems accumulate over time, quietly slowing down overall operations without being easily noticed.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/4Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sludgeverified
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