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Shikake: The Japanese Art of Shaping Behavior Through Design
We are living in a time when behavioral change is necessary for our health and survival. Yet we find it exceedingly difficult to transform our own habits, let alone those of other people. Enter Naohiro Matsumura, whose powerful new design method is as astonishingly simple in its logic as it is sophisticated in its psychology. It allows any of us—from UX designers and marketers to concerned citizens and overworked parents—to address challenges in our homes, our public spaces, and our social interactions.
As Matsumura shows, a shikake—or "device" in Japanese—is a design that exerts influence on us through subtle nudging, rather than direct command; it encourages a particular behavior without telling its (often unwitting) user the primary purpose of that behavior. For example:
• Footprints in a store guide shoppers and keep them socially distant;
• A basketball hoop placed over a trash can entices children to tidy up their rooms;
• A symbol of a shrine in a public square encourages respectfulness;
• A staircase painted to look like piano keys prompts exercise through play.
Combining traditional Japanese aesthetics with the lessons of behavioral economics, Matsumura reveals how to identify the hidden design cues that already shape our world, and how shikakes can help us confront some of the most pressing challenges of our era, from pandemics to declining civic engagement to climate change and beyond. Mind-bending yet elegant, Shikake presents a tool kit for anyone who wants to create their own mindful designs, for the delight and betterment of us all.
As Matsumura shows, a shikake—or "device" in Japanese—is a design that exerts influence on us through subtle nudging, rather than direct command; it encourages a particular behavior without telling its (often unwitting) user the primary purpose of that behavior. For example:
• Footprints in a store guide shoppers and keep them socially distant;
• A basketball hoop placed over a trash can entices children to tidy up their rooms;
• A symbol of a shrine in a public square encourages respectfulness;
• A staircase painted to look like piano keys prompts exercise through play.
Combining traditional Japanese aesthetics with the lessons of behavioral economics, Matsumura reveals how to identify the hidden design cues that already shape our world, and how shikakes can help us confront some of the most pressing challenges of our era, from pandemics to declining civic engagement to climate change and beyond. Mind-bending yet elegant, Shikake presents a tool kit for anyone who wants to create their own mindful designs, for the delight and betterment of us all.
192 pages, Hardcover
Published November 3, 2020
77 people are currently reading
618 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
July 28, 2021
You could spend a couple hours breezing through this, or you could save yourself that time and just look at the pictures. An Instagram post would have sufficed.
How the author spent 15 years "studying" this subject is beyond me. Did he get funding for all those years of research?? If so, THAT'S the book he should write.
How the author spent 15 years "studying" this subject is beyond me. Did he get funding for all those years of research?? If so, THAT'S the book he should write.
July 23, 2020
Crowd control is the essence of society. From religion to government and right down to the individual acting on him or herself, everyone seeks to modify behavior to suit their needs. Cass Sunstein and Richard Thaler collected a lot of such adaptations in Nudge many years ago. Now Naohiro Matsumura has come along with Shikake, where a Japanese influence can help design out obstacles to safety and efficiency. It’s a fun read, and everyone can do it – because everyone does.
It’s as simple as posting a drawing of two eyes over the box where people are supposed to pay for their coffees. It increases payment, clean and easy. Matsumura found that putting a mirror over a rack full of flyers caused people to stop and check themselves out – and take away flyers 2.5 times as often as when there is no mirror.
I particularly like the world’s deepest bin: a trash barrel that produces the sound of the trash falling – for eight long seconds – until it supposedly crashes onto the heap of other trash at the bottom. Matsumura says it has made people go and collect trash to throw in so they can hear the soundtrack again. And have a laugh.
These are win-win solutions, whereby the perpetrator gets the desired behavior, and the victims get a bit of entertainment, unexpectedly, in the otherwise most mundane of situations. Probably the most famous one is putting a sticker of a target or a fly in the bowl of a urinal. It causes men to aim, reducing splashing and the need to clean so often. Apparently, 51 mm above the drain is the ideal spot for the sticker, in case you were wondering.
Shikake even works on the perps themselves. Matsumura says he sets his own bread machine to operate overnight and complete a fresh bread for the time when he is supposed to wake up. The smell of baking bread awakens him pleasantly without an alarm, and he must rise and retrieve the bread when it’s done or it will shrivel and fall. Then, obviously, he also has fresh warm bread by the time he’s ready to eat.
Shikake is as simple as drawing a diagonal line across a shelf of binders, so people will put them back in the proper order for easier retrieval next time. Or it can be as devious as putting mint flavor on tickets at the parking garage. People tend to put them in their mouths and continue on in – mint or no mint. The result has been increased sales of mints in neighboring stores.
There is also negative shikake. Rumble strips warn drivers they’re over the line, for example. Or roll bars placed at a hallway intersection to prevent people cutting corners and bumping into each other. He calls them shikake too, but they don’t have the feel of playfulness and good humor of the other innovations. They are instead, forced.
Speaking of forced, Matsumura goes a bit too far. He is actively trying to turn this into a discipline – an ology. To give shikakeology a scientific foundation, he has divided the 120 examples he has collected into which senses they tickle, which stimulae they employ, and other such columns on a spreadsheet to make it look like a hard science. Kinda takes the fun out of it. Worse, he demonstrates no advantage whatsoever for all the tree branching and matrix listings he has created. You don’t select senses and stimulate to produce a shikake. There is no hierarchy of successful attempts, combinations or theories. It still takes creativity and inspiration, based on demonstrated need to change the way people act.
One great tip he gives is to learn from children. They notice more, are more curious and way more creative about reacting to what they encounter. He gives the example of windows lining a hallway, where they cast shadows that make an impromptu hopscotch grid for his daughters to skip along. Modifying a child’s behavior can lead to success with adults. Shikakeology is observation, not equations.
It is wonderful that we can be so creative that we entertain while solving some annoyance in our lives. But I don’t see how this is a Japanese discipline. Matsumura provides no history of it in Japan, and there is no school for it. It’s just him, looking for a home for it, he says, The Japanese weren’t the first to paint stairs like piano keys and have sensors produce sounds as you stepped on the concrete keys. But aside from ownership issues, Shikake the book is a delightful little stroll through the creative and the positive.
David Wineberg
It’s as simple as posting a drawing of two eyes over the box where people are supposed to pay for their coffees. It increases payment, clean and easy. Matsumura found that putting a mirror over a rack full of flyers caused people to stop and check themselves out – and take away flyers 2.5 times as often as when there is no mirror.
I particularly like the world’s deepest bin: a trash barrel that produces the sound of the trash falling – for eight long seconds – until it supposedly crashes onto the heap of other trash at the bottom. Matsumura says it has made people go and collect trash to throw in so they can hear the soundtrack again. And have a laugh.
These are win-win solutions, whereby the perpetrator gets the desired behavior, and the victims get a bit of entertainment, unexpectedly, in the otherwise most mundane of situations. Probably the most famous one is putting a sticker of a target or a fly in the bowl of a urinal. It causes men to aim, reducing splashing and the need to clean so often. Apparently, 51 mm above the drain is the ideal spot for the sticker, in case you were wondering.
Shikake even works on the perps themselves. Matsumura says he sets his own bread machine to operate overnight and complete a fresh bread for the time when he is supposed to wake up. The smell of baking bread awakens him pleasantly without an alarm, and he must rise and retrieve the bread when it’s done or it will shrivel and fall. Then, obviously, he also has fresh warm bread by the time he’s ready to eat.
Shikake is as simple as drawing a diagonal line across a shelf of binders, so people will put them back in the proper order for easier retrieval next time. Or it can be as devious as putting mint flavor on tickets at the parking garage. People tend to put them in their mouths and continue on in – mint or no mint. The result has been increased sales of mints in neighboring stores.
There is also negative shikake. Rumble strips warn drivers they’re over the line, for example. Or roll bars placed at a hallway intersection to prevent people cutting corners and bumping into each other. He calls them shikake too, but they don’t have the feel of playfulness and good humor of the other innovations. They are instead, forced.
Speaking of forced, Matsumura goes a bit too far. He is actively trying to turn this into a discipline – an ology. To give shikakeology a scientific foundation, he has divided the 120 examples he has collected into which senses they tickle, which stimulae they employ, and other such columns on a spreadsheet to make it look like a hard science. Kinda takes the fun out of it. Worse, he demonstrates no advantage whatsoever for all the tree branching and matrix listings he has created. You don’t select senses and stimulate to produce a shikake. There is no hierarchy of successful attempts, combinations or theories. It still takes creativity and inspiration, based on demonstrated need to change the way people act.
One great tip he gives is to learn from children. They notice more, are more curious and way more creative about reacting to what they encounter. He gives the example of windows lining a hallway, where they cast shadows that make an impromptu hopscotch grid for his daughters to skip along. Modifying a child’s behavior can lead to success with adults. Shikakeology is observation, not equations.
It is wonderful that we can be so creative that we entertain while solving some annoyance in our lives. But I don’t see how this is a Japanese discipline. Matsumura provides no history of it in Japan, and there is no school for it. It’s just him, looking for a home for it, he says, The Japanese weren’t the first to paint stairs like piano keys and have sensors produce sounds as you stepped on the concrete keys. But aside from ownership issues, Shikake the book is a delightful little stroll through the creative and the positive.
David Wineberg
August 22, 2024
Absolute must read for designers
November 1, 2020
I received an electronic ARC of this book through NetGalley for an honest review.
I'm never quite sure what to make of the "The [Cultural] [Art, Magic, Theory, etc.] of [Thing]" trend in book titles. I've admittedly not read that many, but they often seem to deal with something that is not so much a unique aspect of the titular culture as merely a method of doing things that is being labeled either by the author's country of origin or, in the case of those written authors from the same country as the target audience, where the author first "discovered" the method. I get the impression that for this book, it's mostly a "Japanese art" because Naohiro Matsumura is from Japan and uses a Japanese term to describe the book's subject--not because design meant to gently modify behavior and encourage people to engage with aspects of their environment is specifically Japanese (though maybe it is more prevalent in Japan--I don't know).
The author is fairly clear that the types of objects he classifies as "shikake" are not exclusive to Japan (in fact, he specifically points out that just about the only one he uses as an example that is exclusive to a Japanese cultural context is the use of torii to discourage littering by invoking a sense of the sacred). Most of his examples are from Japan, because that's the location of much of his work--but he also uses several from the United States and elsewhere. Some of the book does seem like it's intended for a Japanese audience, but at least in the ARC I received, it's not clear if this is an English translation of a book previously published in Japan or if this English-language version is the original.
This is essentially a book about the ways design is used, mainly in the built environment, to encourage people to behave in the desired manner by offering them a choice, but making the "right" choice the one that is most appealing. I imagine this principle is pretty familiar to a lot of people--whether you've tried to train an animal using primarily positive methods, or have tried to arrange objects in your home or place of work in a way that encourages visitors to act how you prefer them to act, many of the basic concepts are here. While reading it, I also came to realize that much of what makes places like Disney World fun and memorable isn't the rides and the people dressed up in character costumes--it's little things this book defines as shikake, which delight the visitor and encourage engagement by making simple things a little more interactive or interesting.
The book also offers a definition of what makes something a shikake (as the author uses the term), and some advice for designing your own. It's a pretty fun little book that highlights some cool ideas, and at least in my view, it's always worth thinking about ways to gently guide behavior in positive ways without compulsion.
I'm never quite sure what to make of the "The [Cultural] [Art, Magic, Theory, etc.] of [Thing]" trend in book titles. I've admittedly not read that many, but they often seem to deal with something that is not so much a unique aspect of the titular culture as merely a method of doing things that is being labeled either by the author's country of origin or, in the case of those written authors from the same country as the target audience, where the author first "discovered" the method. I get the impression that for this book, it's mostly a "Japanese art" because Naohiro Matsumura is from Japan and uses a Japanese term to describe the book's subject--not because design meant to gently modify behavior and encourage people to engage with aspects of their environment is specifically Japanese (though maybe it is more prevalent in Japan--I don't know).
The author is fairly clear that the types of objects he classifies as "shikake" are not exclusive to Japan (in fact, he specifically points out that just about the only one he uses as an example that is exclusive to a Japanese cultural context is the use of torii to discourage littering by invoking a sense of the sacred). Most of his examples are from Japan, because that's the location of much of his work--but he also uses several from the United States and elsewhere. Some of the book does seem like it's intended for a Japanese audience, but at least in the ARC I received, it's not clear if this is an English translation of a book previously published in Japan or if this English-language version is the original.
This is essentially a book about the ways design is used, mainly in the built environment, to encourage people to behave in the desired manner by offering them a choice, but making the "right" choice the one that is most appealing. I imagine this principle is pretty familiar to a lot of people--whether you've tried to train an animal using primarily positive methods, or have tried to arrange objects in your home or place of work in a way that encourages visitors to act how you prefer them to act, many of the basic concepts are here. While reading it, I also came to realize that much of what makes places like Disney World fun and memorable isn't the rides and the people dressed up in character costumes--it's little things this book defines as shikake, which delight the visitor and encourage engagement by making simple things a little more interactive or interesting.
The book also offers a definition of what makes something a shikake (as the author uses the term), and some advice for designing your own. It's a pretty fun little book that highlights some cool ideas, and at least in my view, it's always worth thinking about ways to gently guide behavior in positive ways without compulsion.
January 6, 2024
I was drawn to this book after visiting Japan couple months ago. I love Japan, a lot of things there were clearly intentionally and clearly thought through. From the way they design their train seats to rotate depending on the direction of the train to nudging you to leave shoes outside of changing room alongside shoe horns provided in most Uniqlos so it’s easier for you to wear them back. I’ve been curious as to what concept makes Japan very practical (not all but definitely most things I encountered)
This book is on the compelling idea of “Shikake” — shaping behaviour through design. Pretty similar to nudge theory / typical behavioural economics examples — but the idea differs slightly in a way where it’s not meant to set up actions to nudge a default action but more on giving more options for people to choose from but is attractive enough that it entices people to do it, with fairly low “cost” from the users end. It is also different that it’s not meant to deceive or force the end users but simply as an option that is more.. well, compelling hahaha
It’s a simple book meant to be a more general and light approach to the author’s research - given it doesn’t have a proper academic field to attach itself to. Although I think it could’ve been a very dense article or webpage, instead of a book book.
Prof Matsumura in this book provided some structure on how to look at different Shikakes, a lot of the examples and photos are coming from his own experience to that makes it more believable as a concept too.
I found it interesting but unsure if there are more to explore to this “shikakeology” or whether it’s something that has reached its ceiling aka nothing else to be researched (it is what it is).
P.S. I have never said “urinal” in my mind so many times before (if you have read this you’d know hahaha)
This book is on the compelling idea of “Shikake” — shaping behaviour through design. Pretty similar to nudge theory / typical behavioural economics examples — but the idea differs slightly in a way where it’s not meant to set up actions to nudge a default action but more on giving more options for people to choose from but is attractive enough that it entices people to do it, with fairly low “cost” from the users end. It is also different that it’s not meant to deceive or force the end users but simply as an option that is more.. well, compelling hahaha
It’s a simple book meant to be a more general and light approach to the author’s research - given it doesn’t have a proper academic field to attach itself to. Although I think it could’ve been a very dense article or webpage, instead of a book book.
Prof Matsumura in this book provided some structure on how to look at different Shikakes, a lot of the examples and photos are coming from his own experience to that makes it more believable as a concept too.
I found it interesting but unsure if there are more to explore to this “shikakeology” or whether it’s something that has reached its ceiling aka nothing else to be researched (it is what it is).
P.S. I have never said “urinal” in my mind so many times before (if you have read this you’d know hahaha)
January 30, 2023
it kinda just felt like a long college essay that didn’t really have a real point and wanted to be more clever than it actually is. yes, these things are present in society/culture but more often then not they are gimmicks for gimmicks sake and nothing beyond that. mountain out of a molehill
April 11, 2024
Repetitive and overly technical at points but some really interesting tidbits that make you think in a new way!
March 12, 2021
How can we use shikake for kindness, learning, empathy, and not voting for fascists?
May 25, 2021
Matsumura wants to study ways to shape public behavior through design. From building piano stairs or fly target urinal many people around the world have suggested and implemented ideas to push better behavior. This book is glimpse into the Japanese field of influencing crowds.
Why I started this book: Found this title when I was searching for "Japanese art of" books for a genre book club and was intrigued... especially since I loved Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness.
Why I finished it: Translations can be so hard... especially for popular science books because even if you translate word for word, the format and expectations don't always translate or make sense in the new culture. Matsumura gave 10 great examples in the very first section, then referred to those examples and an unnamed 120 examples for the rest of the book. Repetitive and also frustrating, I keep waiting for more clever ideas, and solutions. I did like his idea of using a bread maker for his alarm clock. Waking up gently to the smell of fresh bread, but also knowing that you can't hit snooze without ruining it, sound fantastic.
Why I started this book: Found this title when I was searching for "Japanese art of" books for a genre book club and was intrigued... especially since I loved Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness.
Why I finished it: Translations can be so hard... especially for popular science books because even if you translate word for word, the format and expectations don't always translate or make sense in the new culture. Matsumura gave 10 great examples in the very first section, then referred to those examples and an unnamed 120 examples for the rest of the book. Repetitive and also frustrating, I keep waiting for more clever ideas, and solutions. I did like his idea of using a bread maker for his alarm clock. Waking up gently to the smell of fresh bread, but also knowing that you can't hit snooze without ruining it, sound fantastic.
August 21, 2021
Sorry because this guy seemed super excited about writing this book but how could "15 years of research" result in this? This reads like an essay that is trying to reach a word count, and the amount of repitition of charts and examples made this less than enjoyable. I understand the need to make this clear to people who aren't familiar with shikakeology but if the author has collected 120 examples in total, couldn't he have made use of any of them other than the urinal target??? This seemed like such an interesting topic but it didn't seem like much investigation was made into it other than merely collecting shikake and categorizing them (even though the same examples were used numerous times in different categories). I wanted to enjoy this but honestly didn't learn very much from reading this. If it wasn't so short I likely would have given up.
August 31, 2023
Good ideas and interesting topic but the book itself is very redundant. Uses the same examples and similar ideas quite a few times. Short read but could have been shorter. I learned something new so it deserves at least 2 stars.
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August 15, 2021I think I saw this as a suggestion through my daily Amazon deals e-mail. I reserved it at the library and can save you some time. Generally this was about a 2 star book for me but because it was only 150 pages, I really can't complain - it was the right length for the amount that I actually learned.
Shikake is essentially designing something to trigger a positive behavior. As the cover suggests, think of the basketball hoop being positioned over either a trash bin or a laundry hamper. One example that was used WAY too much was putting a target symbol or a fly sticker inside the center of a urinal be because by giving men something to aim at, it keeps restrooms cleaner.
If you were to read this book, you need only read the first chapter where the author shares a handful of pictures of things we have often seen - making stairs into a piano to encourage people to take the stairs instead of an escalator, putting footprints on the floor to show people wear to stand, and then think of the cash register coin collection gimmicks such as the one where you put a coin in and can watch it roll or slide in a circle round and round and round.
The author is very passionate about this subject that he said he has been studying for 15 year. I am guessing as more of a hobby because he has identified 120 real life examples He also made a point to say that shikake is to be used only for good. I don't think he wants his idea to be used to manipulate people in ways such as how the jeweler always has certain lights that make their diamonds sparkle, fitting rooms with mirrors that make you look oh so thin in that outfit that you want to buy it or other subtle design techniques that shape consumerism. I actually wish the book would have talked about those secrets, though, because it would make us more aware!
Shikake is essentially designing something to trigger a positive behavior. As the cover suggests, think of the basketball hoop being positioned over either a trash bin or a laundry hamper. One example that was used WAY too much was putting a target symbol or a fly sticker inside the center of a urinal be because by giving men something to aim at, it keeps restrooms cleaner.
If you were to read this book, you need only read the first chapter where the author shares a handful of pictures of things we have often seen - making stairs into a piano to encourage people to take the stairs instead of an escalator, putting footprints on the floor to show people wear to stand, and then think of the cash register coin collection gimmicks such as the one where you put a coin in and can watch it roll or slide in a circle round and round and round.
The author is very passionate about this subject that he said he has been studying for 15 year. I am guessing as more of a hobby because he has identified 120 real life examples He also made a point to say that shikake is to be used only for good. I don't think he wants his idea to be used to manipulate people in ways such as how the jeweler always has certain lights that make their diamonds sparkle, fitting rooms with mirrors that make you look oh so thin in that outfit that you want to buy it or other subtle design techniques that shape consumerism. I actually wish the book would have talked about those secrets, though, because it would make us more aware!
May 12, 2021
The book introduces an interesting concept of shaping human behavior through design. To me, the most fascinating part of this book is a chapter on how to create Shikake starting off with Observation. As we are living in the world which is more interested in noise rather than salience, in information rather than wonder, our knowledge of the world increases, but our curiosity also steadily weakens. Therefore, if you want to create shikake, it's best to start by being more present, observing the world around you - it is good idea to watch children who are brimming with curiosity.
Children are also naturally talented at making up problems to solve as a form of play. As a child, I also used to talk to myself a lot. I loved to making up jokes, plays and comedy to enjoy myself. Whereas, adults subconsciously rely on common sense, thereby missing exciting things that occur right in front of their eyes. If this way of looking can be shifted, then much of the whole world becomes endlessly enjoyable.
Looking backward, I think every book is interesting in its own way and reviewing a book is a relative act of showing what you feel valued out of the book, not a measurement of whether a book is good or bad, worth your time or not. The most important thing is what you can take out of it and connect with your already founded net of knowledge to create new connections.
Children are also naturally talented at making up problems to solve as a form of play. As a child, I also used to talk to myself a lot. I loved to making up jokes, plays and comedy to enjoy myself. Whereas, adults subconsciously rely on common sense, thereby missing exciting things that occur right in front of their eyes. If this way of looking can be shifted, then much of the whole world becomes endlessly enjoyable.
Looking backward, I think every book is interesting in its own way and reviewing a book is a relative act of showing what you feel valued out of the book, not a measurement of whether a book is good or bad, worth your time or not. The most important thing is what you can take out of it and connect with your already founded net of knowledge to create new connections.
April 30, 2023
This is a very fun book. However, I feel like Matsumura sometimes contradicts his idea of Shikake being minimal behavioral influences and gives them too much credit. For example, Matsumura cites an Australian tourism campaigns "GIGA selfie;" he claims that the fun tourism gimmick contributed to the 110 % increase in Japanese tourists to Australia.
I truly enjoy the idea of Shikake that promote cleanliness or order—the small Torii gate or the diagonal line on the folders. I believe that learning about these types of Shikake is useful to anyone considering creating spaces and products used by the public.
Shikake is a framework that I will continue to think about and plan to work with in my career.
I truly enjoy the idea of Shikake that promote cleanliness or order—the small Torii gate or the diagonal line on the folders. I believe that learning about these types of Shikake is useful to anyone considering creating spaces and products used by the public.
Shikake is a framework that I will continue to think about and plan to work with in my career.
August 19, 2021
Nifty little book! Shikake is basically design aesthetics serving a primary (but often covert) functional purpose to encourage and promote particular behavior or results. The example that really sticks is targets in urinal bowls, which encourage users to aim for them and (whether they know it or not) minimize splash-back.
Shikake is a social practice in development (Matsumura’s been paving the way for about twenty years), and so this text is best utilized as a primer for innate curiosity. Some typos/bibliography errors, but certainly worth a quick perusal!
Shikake is a social practice in development (Matsumura’s been paving the way for about twenty years), and so this text is best utilized as a primer for innate curiosity. Some typos/bibliography errors, but certainly worth a quick perusal!
January 5, 2024
It's not a practical design book, it talks about a (new) way to think about design. The book itself is very light and I think it's meant to invite people to look into other writings by the author rather than being a comprehensive book.
As you may see in other reviews, the book is full of repetitions of Shikake examples. I actually appreciate it as it helped me to form the idea of shikake in my mind with some structure.
The whole idea of shikake is a little bit more than a combination of ideas shared by Don Norman (The Design of Everyday Things) and Nudge.
As you may see in other reviews, the book is full of repetitions of Shikake examples. I actually appreciate it as it helped me to form the idea of shikake in my mind with some structure.
The whole idea of shikake is a little bit more than a combination of ideas shared by Don Norman (The Design of Everyday Things) and Nudge.
August 8, 2021
A practical guide on how to change people's behavior in using certain products by not forcibly telling them how-to, but rather making them wanting to do it. Matsumura San gave examples of physical products out there that use the Shikake principle. One of my favorites is the trash bin with a basketball ring attached to it, which not just makes people throw rubbish in the right place but also having fun while doing it.
July 6, 2022
I got this book for my daughter--an aspiring designer--but I ended up reading it myself. The concept is elegant--use design to nudge people. Shape behavior by the placement of objects, the lay out of parks, the icons on a trash can. It's a subtle, understated, powerful thesis. I'd have enjoyed more discussion of its axioms, applications, and outcomes. Where does shikake come from in Japanese culture? Will it work differently in other societies? Are there times it fails? Why?
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May 24, 2023An accessible overview of a new field of study of design, with hints of Design of Everyday Things. The categorization is the most useful content of the book, to echo other reviewers here. I wish we are shown more examples from the authors catalogue, rather than using the same set of simple examples throughout. There’s certainly more to explore in the methodology; I am curious and wish that the book gives me more content for me to go try out a few things on my own.
August 2, 2024
Recommended by B after he read it in the Design Museum of Zurich. The Japanese art of shaping behavior through design. This starts with a strong premise that you can influence people through subtle clues and changes. Unfortunately, from some examples and decent evaluation the premise almost evaporates before one's eyes. It should have been better and it seems like perhaps the next person to take this up will come with a more fully actualized theory.
February 14, 2021
I picked this up randomly at our local book store with no idea of Shikake. I really enjoyed this book and found the context easy to read and understand. A Shikake can be as simple as lines painted in a bike parking area or a small target inside a urinal. They are all around us unnoticed and sometimes ignored.
This was a good break from my usual choice of readings.
This was a good break from my usual choice of readings.
May 9, 2021
At times it seems like that author is just listing ideas one would deem as common sense but then it gets... unusual. One example of said occurence is the idea that urinal targets will encourage "aiming" while incorporating flames or a fire to said target design will encourage an inate desire to put it out and increase "aiming" odds.
April 19, 2023
It’s decent, and whilst shares parallels / synonyms for mental models, associations, gamification, behavioural MAT model, there’s slight nuances in perspectives. Both serve as good reminders if you’re in the design field. Just nothing magical or ground breaking if you’ve been doing design for 20+ years
May 5, 2023
It was an entertaining listen, one that gives examples of simple, genius ways to alter people behavior. Too bad that coming up with the ideas is not as simple.
Yet this made me think on why curiosity, analogies and idea transfers from one area to other are needed in our daily lives even for adults. It gives great results!
Yet this made me think on why curiosity, analogies and idea transfers from one area to other are needed in our daily lives even for adults. It gives great results!
September 1, 2023
I wish I would rate this book higher. I think the content itself is useful and the dissection of how the author thinks and goes about shikake is fascinating.
However similar to other reviews, it did get repetitive at points.
I think if it were laid out differently, it might have been easier to get though. (E.g. “Smart Brevity” for laying out info in a more digestible, reader friendly way.)
However similar to other reviews, it did get repetitive at points.
I think if it were laid out differently, it might have been easier to get though. (E.g. “Smart Brevity” for laying out info in a more digestible, reader friendly way.)
August 18, 2024
This book was interesting. It definitely brought my attention to how our environment influences behavior. But the author also just kind of took well known behavioral psychology concepts, gave a new name to them, and claimed it as a discovery. Title was misleading - there is nothing included in this book that unique to Japanese culture in terms of influencing human behavior.
November 23, 2024
Was really drawn to the cover of this book.
It’s honestly more of a coffee book than actual design book you are gonna want to read.
It’s a flip through and put down book.
Which was disappointing for me personally as someone who enjoys studying design.
Regardless I will be keeping this book, as a coffee table book 🖤
It’s honestly more of a coffee book than actual design book you are gonna want to read.
It’s a flip through and put down book.
Which was disappointing for me personally as someone who enjoys studying design.
Regardless I will be keeping this book, as a coffee table book 🖤
January 16, 2025
Wanted to like this more than I did. A cool idea but it’s super repetitive and for someone who has spent 15 years on this it feels like there should be more to it. I understand he wants it to be available to a wider audience but like someone else mentioned I could’ve gotten this in a short essay or ten minute video blog.
January 22, 2021
As described by the author, a fairly new concept. As a UX designer in profession, I think it is just another way of describing human interest and connection with the environment around them. Quite interesting but not a shocking theory. I have it 3 stars because apart from the "meh" feeling I got after finishing this book, I am not convinced that many will pick this up and find it applicable at all in their real lives.
March 13, 2021
Learn about Shikake and how to change your behavior and the behavior of others through design. Shikake can be as simple as putting a diagonal line on your binders. So, you want to line up the binders in the correct order without being told to do so.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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