Will More People Take The Stairs If We Make It More Fun?

11/21/09  Print This Post Print This Post    7 Comments      Written by Juliane Huang
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Photo: rq?

Fun: the best motivator for change.

Recently, The Fun Theory, a group promoting behavioral and environmental change, turned an average subway staircase in Stockholm into a giant, musical piano to see if they could motivate people to take the stairs more if fun were a factor. Watch the video of their results:

Additionally, the group is promoting recycling by creating a recycling bin arcade machine that makes the act of recycling ordinary bottles and cans feel a bit like playing skee ball and some serious fun.

The Fun Theory believes that “the thought that something as simple as fun is the easiest way to change people’s behaviour for the better.” And after watching the videos, it’s easy to see why they are so consistently successful. As BNT Editor Christine Garvin points out in her article “Yogis At Play”, one of life’s most important qualities is play.


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About the Author

Matador ID: juliane

Juliane Huang currently writes for Matador from the beautiful city of San Francisco. With a laptop in one arm and a travel bag in the other, Juliane is rarely at home, though always online. Catch up with her on her blog.

7 Comments... join the discussion!

  • Alouise replied on November 21, 2009

    I like this – even though it was to advertise for a car. But either way anything that makes life more fun is a good thing. It actually reminded me a bit of Improv Everywhere -http://improveverywhere.com

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  • Michael replied on November 21, 2009

    That totally takes me back to 88 and the movie BIG, love it!

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  • Abbie replied on November 21, 2009

    I would totally take piano stairs! The recycling bin arcade machine is awesome, too.

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  • Nancy replied on November 22, 2009

    I’ve loved this ever since I saw it a month or so ago. This is a policy analyst’s dream!

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  • Courtney C replied on November 22, 2009

    I think this idea is so fantastic and i love how it encourages fitness! Such an amazing idea!

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  • Jade replied on November 22, 2009

    The Museum of Science in Boston has this too! I can spend hours running up & down those stairs.

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  • Gabriela replied on November 25, 2009

    I love it!!

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