A feedback loop comprises four stages: evidence, relevance, consequence, and action. Once you recognize this, it’s easy to see why the radar speed displays’ exploitation of the loop works so well. Drivers get data about their speed in real time (evidence). The information gets their attention because it’s coupled with the posted speed limit, indicating whether they’re obeying or breaking the law (relevance). Aware that they’re speeding, drivers fear getting a ticket or hurting someone (consequence). So they slow down (action).
I really like this conceptualization; it's very similar to a model my team and I developed during research on weight loss (and later applied to other behavior changes). His language is more clear than the way we talked about it. The important thing here -- in my mind -- is that there have to be _relevant_ _consequences_ otherwise, why change your behavior? Why read more if nothing good or bad that you care deeply about will happen as a result?
