Applying a deterrence nudge strategy for promoting stair usage in a university setting

This study aimed to examine whether indirectly deterring elevator use through time-targeted Point-of-Decision Prompts (PODPs) efficiently increased stair usage in a university setting.

A quasi-experimental design (pre-post design) was employed over 2 weeks in September 2023. Baseline observations were conducted for 1 week prior to signage placement at two locations. The intervention in this study lasted for 1 week, immediately following baseline observations. Three hundred and thirty-one and 384 participants were observed during the baseline and intervention periods, respectively. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the increase in the act of ascending the stairs.

Our intervention, which focused on time-related messages, effectively increased stair usage among university students (coefficient = 0.435, p-value < 0.01). Furthermore, females (coefficient = -0.820, p-value < 0.05) and individuals aged ≥ 30 years (coefficient = 1.048, p-value < 0.01) were notably more likely to be influenced by our intervention than males and individuals aged < 30 years.

Indirectly discouraging elevator use through time-targeted PODPs may amplify the effects of the previously employed time-related messages. Our findings suggested that a deterrence nudge should primarily be directed towards promoting stair usage among females or individuals aged ≥ 30 years.