Here are some signs that made me blink and think.
Signage isn’t the first, or only, tactic to think about when designing a behaviour change project.
However a nicely designed sign can do a lot of support work, reminding people of the correct behaviour and, importantly, projecting social norms.
And signs are often the only long-term legacy of a project – so they deserve care and attention.
P.S. Notice that there are plenty of non-conventional ‘signs’ here! A sign doesn’t have to be a flat, square and on a stick.
1) Location location
High impact local data, at the toilet entrance – where almost everyone passes by! So simple.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.enablingchange.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Flood-level.jpg?resize=616%2C462&ssl=1)
Is this the world’s most potent behavioural sign? These touching memorials always make me think, and feel.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.enablingchange.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/roadside-memorial.jpg?resize=616%2C462&ssl=1)
Here are some signs perfectly positioned at the spot where people make their choices:
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.enablingchange.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/car-door-check-for-bikes-sticker.jpg?resize=616%2C462&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.enablingchange.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/dog-poo-chalk.jpg?resize=616%2C347&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.enablingchange.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/look-left.jpg?resize=616%2C462&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.enablingchange.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/short-local-rides-flyers.jpg?resize=616%2C462&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.enablingchange.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/footpath-poster.png?resize=616%2C821&ssl=1)
2) “I can do that” moments
Probably the single most effective use of a sign in a behaviour change project is to DEPICT THE CORRECT BEHAVIOUR, clarifying uncertainties that are inherent whenever we rely only on text.
A gentle ‘ting’ says ‘I’m passing safetly’. Yes, I can do that!
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.enablingchange.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Gentle-ting-2.png?resize=580%2C450&ssl=1)
OK, not just slow down, but say ‘hi’ to people too. Yes, I can do that!
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.enablingchange.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/slow-zone.jpg?resize=501%2C376&ssl=1)
So that’s how to ‘not litter’. I can do that!
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.enablingchange.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/bin-cut-out-people-1.png?resize=616%2C368&ssl=1)
Ikea-inspired instructions for being a street vendor. Now I can stay legal.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.enablingchange.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Street-Vendor-Guide-law-1000x714-1.jpg?resize=616%2C440&ssl=1)
3) The next great thing a sign can do is clarify social norms.
What does this community stand for?
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.enablingchange.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/we-are-proudly-plastic-bag-free.jpg?resize=616%2C462&ssl=1)
Hey, here’s how I learned what other adults in my community think about alcohol and teenagers.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.enablingchange.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Kiama-Adults-think-1.png?resize=431%2C434&ssl=1)
Hey my neighbour’s doing something about Lantana. Maybe I’ll talk to her.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.enablingchange.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Social-norms-3-fresh.png?resize=543%2C450&ssl=1)
https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1234482/9-June_Nicola-Dixon-Behaviour-Change-Initiatives.pdf
Wow. My neighbours are ‘going FOGO’. I wonder what that’s about?!
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.enablingchange.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/fogo.png?resize=433%2C439&ssl=1)
4) Humour
A light-hearted touch is a brilliant way to grab attention. Plus, it lowers resistance to otherwise harsh messages.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.enablingchange.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/outdoor_1.jpg?resize=616%2C476&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.enablingchange.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/covid-tuna.png?resize=439%2C621&ssl=1)
Wanted! An outlaw cactus! Mmm, this is different to the usual agricultural communication.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.enablingchange.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Cactus-JackWantedSign3.jpg?resize=407%2C570&ssl=1)
Yarra City’s litter bins are somewhat disturbing. I noticed them!
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.enablingchange.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/bin-animals.jpg?resize=461%2C615&ssl=1)
Zoos Victoria are genius! ‘Wipe for wildlife’ is their memorable campaign to get kids badgering their parents to buy recycled toilet paper. It’s fronted by Crapman – which, of course, is hilarious!
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.enablingchange.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/image.jpeg?resize=446%2C562&ssl=1)
5) Here’s looking at you
Interestingly, it turns out that ‘don’t do it’ signs might get more compliance if they have forward-facing eyes. Here’s the research paper.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.enablingchange.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/41z4ckKdGL._AC_.jpg?resize=271%2C400&ssl=1)
6) And lastly, here is a one-page guide to good sign-making.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.enablingchange.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Dog-attack-sign.png?resize=616%2C761&ssl=1)
Upcoming Changeology workshop (details and booking are here).
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.enablingchange.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2021_Changeology_small-2.png?resize=535%2C760&ssl=1)
Dear Les
Thank you for that, these are great ideas and as a member of a school community that is actively interested in engaging with everyday pro-environmental actions, I am keen to keep in touch.