The Psychology of Friction

The Psychology of Friction

Darren Smithson
Published on: 14/10/2026

A recent study into 'microdelays' has shown how small design features become attention, motivation and inequality problems, impacting results across the board. We look at how and why, and what to do about it.

ThinkWORKS Blog#blogsystems
When Better Performance Doesn't Mean Better Results

When Better Performance Doesn't Mean Better Results

Darren Smithson
Published on: 07/10/2026

We examine a recent study that shows that a system can produce more, look better and hit its targets—while becoming no more effective at fulfilling its actual purpose. What does that mean for businesses who rely on convincing us to use them?

darreninformThinkWORKS Blog#blog
Stop Fixing the Person When the Choice Architecture Is Broken

Stop Fixing the Person When the Choice Architecture Is Broken

Darren Smithson
Published on: 30/09/2026

Behaviour makes more sense when you stop looking only at the individual and start looking at the system they're operating inside.

ThinkWORKS Blog#blogdarreninform
Why Knowing Better Rarely Makes Systems Behave Better

Why Knowing Better Rarely Makes Systems Behave Better

Darren Smithson
Published on: 23/09/2026

Getting more knowledge or being trained in new skills does not automatically lead to better systems and deliveries. This blog explores why.

ThinkWORKS Blog#darreninformblogchange