The Starfish Technique is used to brainstorm sequences of behaviors that could lead to a target behavior. It involves drawing "legs" radiating from a central starfish shape to map out different pathways. An example starfish maps out ways someone might end up eating more vegetables, through steps like seeing a cooking show, getting invited to a friend's house where vegetables are served, writing down recipes, buying ingredients, and preparing the meal. The key is to identify intermediary behaviors that could cascade into the desired outcome.

1. The Starfish Technique:
an example
Kelly Schmutte
Stanford University
10.10.12

2. What is ‘starfishing’?
„Starfishing‟ is a technique used in
Behavior Design to brainstorm different
possible sequences of events that lead
to one specific target behavior.
The key is to identify specific steps in
these behavior sequences that will
cascade like a domino effect to the
desired target outcome.
Brainstorm as many “legs” on your
starfish as you can. Once you identify
an exciting sequence, now you can
start thinking about how to design for
those specific behaviors.

3. Here’s an example… See an awesome cooking
show that features broccoli
Get invited to a friend‟s and asparagus
house
Write down recipes from
The friend serves a nice show (or find online)
Admin person is health- salad and grilled
Buy ingredients at store
minded vegetables
Work has a catered Prepare dinner
lunch for a meeting
A green salad is the main Eat a serving
course for the meeting of vegetables
You want to impress your
one day date
Your date challenges
You get hungry
you to take a wheatgrass
and want a
shot
snack Find an interesting
Replaces snacks at office “green smoothie” recipe Your date suggests going
with veggie trays and and decide to try it to Jamba Juice for a
hummus snack
Your friend gives you a
You go out on a date
CEO of your office wants smoothie book
people to be healthier
You decide you need to
“eat healthier”