Nudge Art: The Science, Meaning, and Impact
There is science behind the development of Nudge Art.
Nudge Art was developed to put behavioral insights into practice, and was first inspired by research into ambient belonging. Ambient belonging is defined as a feeling of fit in the environment, where people can make decisions to join a group based solely on exposure to that group's physical environment. Art and visual cues play a significant role in physical environments. Research shows that art has the power to change behavior, including reducing patient anxiety in emergency rooms and increasing the enrollment of women in computer science programs. Art increases social cohesion; in particular, practicing amateur art yields bonds in the relational dimension and on micro level. And, art and visual aids prime people to be and do better; consistently exposing individuals to an idea, product, or service primes them to engage with those things.
The Harborview Nudge Art installation is designed to nudge towards gender-equal and inclusive beliefs and behaviors in a number of ways, including:
Belonging and inclusion in the community for people of all different backgrounds, regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, and more.
Equality in play and sport - which correlates with physical health, mental health, teamwork and social skills - by creating a space where children, youth, and young adults can equally play, enjoy, learn, connect, and grow.
Public safety through intangible community-building, leadership development, and messaging, as well as physical improvements like lighting, accessibility, cleanliness, and signage.
At Harborview, the design of the wraparound “You Belong” mural - where the idea that “you belong” is conveyed in more than 20 languages, including Lenape and Braille, came from the Harborview community’s desire to reinforce belonging, and its background color scheme was chosen to create a sense of calm, while the pops of color in the wall art add positive energy. The asphalt mural - painted in bold and bright yellow, orange, purple, red, blue, and green - features a flower design created by a young Harborview resident who shared her design at one of the community design meetings.
The design for the basketball courts was informed by Harborview youth. The color scheme is designed to appeal to people of all genders, which is important in making the space and sport feel inclusive and accessible. The colors chosen for the basketball court are all from the Shades of Equality, and include: Representative Red, Head of State Mauve, Abrasive Pink, Autonomy Pink, Maternal Mortality Pink, Menstruation Fuschia, Literacy Blue, Share The Work Teal, Lifesaving Teal, C-Suite Blue, Interruption Blue, and Identity Indigo. Climate Care Orange and Not-Baller Buttercup are used throughout the Nudge Art installation, including in the asphalt art, basketball keys, and stairs, and wraparound mural. These Shades all point to issues that the Harborview community cares about, and collectively, they add deeper meaning and purpose to the Nudge Art installation’s design.
Lastly, this Harborview Nudge Art initiative is part of the Public Housing Community Fund’s effort to bring major capital improvements to Harborview Terrace. The PHCF team, led by Executive Director Alex Zablocki, has been instrumental in securing improved lighting, the installation of an ADA-compliant ramp to make the space accessible to all, as well as other capital improvements like new planters and bench seating installations. The PHCF is also committed to running athletics workshops and clinics at Harborview, including pickleball clinics and basketball clinics that engage all Harborview residents, including women and girls.
We’re so grateful to every Harborview resident and community member who took part in our workshops, the design process, and most importantly, the painting and creation process! This gorgeous and meaningful work of Nudge Art would not have happened without you. We can’t wait to see the many ways that this Nudge Art installation will create change in the Harborview Terrace community, and the Hell’s Kitchen community at-large!