It’s unusual to find the words “motivation and behavior” alongside architecture. Some have asked why I chose architecture as a metaphor. Architecture is defined on Wikipedia

as the “both the process and product of planning, designing and constructing form, space and ambiance that reflect functional, technical, social, and aesthetic considerations.

Architecture is considered both an “art and science.” It is about designing and erecting physical structures. I think the field has focused too much on the science of building behavior and not enough on the art on building motivation.

Behavior is the desired outcome – yes. But, the foundation for lasting behavior is deeply compelling motivation.   Dry, pragmatic reasons for making a lifestyle change are logical but, for most, will not become a foundation that can support life-long behavior. Life is too busy and complex for most to stay motivated to follow prescriptive doses of behavior over time.

What we need to do is artfully determine and then design methods to tap into the drivers of motivation. This is less about medicine and much more about marketing.

What we need to do is artfully determine and then design methods to tap into the drivers of motivation. This is less about medicine and much more about marketing.