Glossary
Prompts/cues
What are prompts/cues?
Prompts or cues are environmental or social signals introduced or identified to encourage a particular behavior, usually at the time or place it should occur.
What is the difference between prompts and cues?
In BCT Taxonomy v1, prompts and cues are grouped as one technique. The combined label does not impose a universal distinction between the two words; the signal and target behavior need to be specified.
How the technique is defined
A signal can remind someone to act without making the action automatic. Specifying a detailed if-then plan can additionally involve action planning.
Prompts and cues example
A checklist beside a shared printer reminds users to collect confidential documents before leaving.
Why prompts and cues matter
The original BCT Taxonomy v1 definitions identify this as technique 7.1. A well-placed signal can make an intended action easier to remember. It does not supply the ability, opportunity, or desire to carry it out.