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Subtraction

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Simple

Complex

Elegant

Subtraction

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Subtraction

Simple

Complex

Elegant

SUBTRACTION

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The trouble with traffic engineers is that when there’s a problem with a road, they always try to add something. To my mind, it’s much better to remove things.”

-Hans Monderman (1945-2008)

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“An infinitesimally small number of people wish to kill children. It’s very encouraging.” - Han Monderman

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Subtraction can appear to be a radical approach.

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Took a natural disaster to remove the highway to create something more sustainable.

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Embarcadero Freeway

More Sustainable

Loma Prieta Earthquake

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SUBTRACTION

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Subtraction is not easy. �

Actual physical constraints to subtraction. Neurons fire in different places and subtraction requires more cognitive energy.

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Loss aversion, a loss hurts more than a gain satisfies.

  • The loss of an existing parking spot hurts more than the potential, perceived gains of a bicycle lane.

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Sunk cost, incurred charge influences current decision.

“We must continue to build [the $3.5 billion project] because $1.3 million was already spent on the design”

  • Keep a bad investment

  • Infrastructure – It may contribute to why we repair rather than replace or continue a project rather than start over.

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Myopia is discounting the future to achieve immediate gain.

  • $100 now versus $120 later
  • Infrastructure – Building designs that focus only on up-front construction costs not considering long-term O&M.

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Framed positive or negative changes our perceived risk. �

“Life or Death” Decision: 600 people are sick

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positive frame Scenario (1):

Program (A): 200 people will live

Program (B): 1/3 chance of saving 600 lives; 2/3 chance of saving no lives

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Framed positive or negative changes our perceived risk. �

“Life or Death” Decision: 600 people are sick

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negative frame Scenario (2):

Program (A): 400 people will die

Program (B): 1/3 chance that no one will die; 2/3 chance that 600 people will die

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There are psychological barriers to subtraction. �

  • Loss aversion – t-shirt, don’t lose rather than win
  • Myopia – $100 now not $120 later, instant reward
  • Sunk Costs – sit through bad movie, already paid
  • Uncertainty – we feel uncertain with probabilities.

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SUBTRACTION

  • Loss aversion
  • Myopia
  • Sunk Costs
  • Uncertainty

Elegant

Complex