Rational choice theory

Article — 10 April 2019 — 627 words

Are users rational? It depends on what you mean by rational

Economics — User experience — User research

It’s fashionable to dismiss rational choice theory out of hand. But contrary to what you may have been told, aspects of rational choice theory can still be helpful in understanding the world. And I find it a useful way to think about user experience.

Linknote — 26 October 2018 — 53 words

Economics — Society

Lottery math is human math

It’s irrational to buy a lottery ticket. And yet, millions do, even more when the prize is huge.

As economists will point out, people don’t buy a lottery ticket for an x% chance of winning millions. They buy a lottery ticket for to dream of winning millions.

Article — 14 October 2018 — 854 words

How Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman has supported my career

Economics — Social science — User experience

Last week I attended the Public Sector Design Community Meet-up. Attendees were invited to share a book, podcast or talk that has influenced or supported their career.

Article — 31 July 2013 — 487 words

How studying social science made me a better web designer

Economics — User experience — Web

I thought I had joined the many people who don’t use their degrees in their careers. But I have come to realise that my degree in social science has been absolutely vital to my web design work.