Igniting a fire in a wet environment is hard, isn't it? 🔥🌧️ Likewise, even the best-designed interventions struggle in everyday settings where choice environments are structurally misaligned with policy goals, such as in areas like reducing obesity or carbon emissions.

We propose a more holistic view-one that recognizes the diagnostic potential and policy relevance of unsuccessful behavioral interventions. When behavior change fails despite good design, it often points to deeper structural constraints. These failures may justify stronger, systemic policy measures.

Accordingly, we advocate for a broader role for behavioral science in public policy - a role that also includes diagnosing structural constraints, co-designing structural solutions, and helping overcome barriers to structural policy support.