BI in the Wild: Travelling in Japan and Scotland

As part of our series, BI in the Wild, we’ll be showcasing real-world examples of behavioural insights, including both where BI is being used to help and where BI is needed!

We’d love to see your examples, too. If you’ve got a BI sighting to share, fill out this quick and easy form and you might see your example featured in a future post!

This second edition of “BI in the Wild” features examples of BI from Scotland and Japan!


keio plaza placards: a place where bi is being used to help

Submitted by: Anna Burrowes, Methods Specialist, BC Behavioural Insights Group

During my stay at a hotel in Japan I noticed these cards, which you must place on your pillow if you want your sheets changed. Otherwise the sheets will be changed every 3 days (which is still too much IMO - does anyone wash their sheets every three days at home?)

In other hotels I have seen cards that you can use to indicate you don't want your sheets changed but I like the switch to not changing the sheets as the default here.

Card with Japanese and English asking reader to place the card on the pillow of the bed if they want the sheets changed

ipad screen with tap payment icon

st. machar’s cathedral donations: a place where bi is being used to help

Submitted by: Steph Wilkie, Knowledge Translation Strategist, BC Behavioural Insights Group

At St. Machar’s Cathedral in Aberdeen, Scotland, I was struck by the tech savvy donation option using an iPad. This makes donating easy for a donor, not only because they can tap privately but because if someone wasn’t carrying cash on their person, they could use their debit card or phone. Clever.


Doorway with sign that says "mind your head" across the top

eilean donan castle signs: A place where bi is being used to help

Submitted by: Steph Wilkie, Knowledge Translation Strategist, BC Behavioural Insights Group

I got a chuckle from the “Mind your head” signs I saw in Scotland. They’re courteous, practical, and timely. Thanks for helping me prevent knocking my noggin, wayfinders!