Antiracist by Design

How to confront the challenge of creating antiracist behavioral design—and how to successfully implement the solutions.

Behavioral science has been celebrated as a field whose insights can design a better world, but its color-blind approach has perpetuated unjust systems. With over three decades of collective experience at the forefront of applied behavioral science, authors Hall and Hernandez expose the consequences of this failure and the dangers of inaction. While our hesitancy is understandable—applied behavioral science alone won’t dismantle structural racism—we’ve confused limitations with powerlessness. This book provides a call to action.

Antiracist By Design provides the tools and a roadmap to an antiracist approach to applied behavioral science, including a step-by-step guide to reimagined behavioral design processes, “fan fiction” with antiracist makeovers to classic studies, and a revised behavioral map template that prompts users to consider systemic barriers. Written for anyone who wants to make the world a more just place, Hall and Hernandez use scholarly research alongside accessible stories (from Mozart and Chris Rock to the TV show Insecure) to illuminate ways we can drive racial justice forward. Everyone from scholars to students to NGO program designers, will benefit from these renovated best practices.Preface ix
Definitions xiii
Introduction 1
I The Promise and Fundamental Flaw of Applied Behavioral Science
1 Applied Behavioral Science: Key Insights and Critical Oversights 19
2 What's at Stake and What's Possible 33
3 Why We Look Away, and What's Possible When We Don't 45
4 Behavioral Science in Action: Standard Tools and Practices 55
5 A Vision of Success 69
II The Roadmap to Change 
6 Prepare Your Workplace 77
7 Partner and Codefine 85
8 Codiscover 91
9 Codesign 97
10 Implement and Interpret 105
11 Share, Adapt, and Scale 117
12 Action Agenda 125
13 Conclusion 135
Acknowledgments 139
Appendix: Resources 145
Notes 153
index 171“Required reading for leaders interested in centering equity and justice in their work and organizations. I wish it was around during Sierra Club’s journey¾our road would’ve been smoother and more inclusive!”
—Ramon J. Cruz, former President, Sierra Club
 
“Powerful, unique, and urgent¾this is the guide we need to fulfill the promise of behavioral science.”
—Michael Hallsworth, Chief Behavioral Scientist, The Behavioral Insights Team; coauthor of Behavioral Insights
 
“Compelling, well researched, and a must-read for every behavioral scientist. Antiracist by Design offers a blueprint for working more inclusively.”
—Katy Milkman, author of the international bestseller How to Change
 
“Drawing on extensive experience, Hall and Hernandez provide a lucid account of the systemic factors that hold back BIPOC populations and chart a path forward for antiracist public policy and behavioral science.”
—George Loewenstein, Professor of Economics and Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University

“A tactical guide to move past the limitations of color-blind behavior science, Antiracist by Design provides clear steps to move racial justice forward in the 21st century.”
—Malia Lazu, author of From Intention to Impact Crystal Hall is Associate Professor at the University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Policy and Governance.
Mindy Hernandez is Director of the Living Lab for Equitable Climate Action at World Resources Institute.