There should be more game designers in politics.
Seriously - making rules that adjust interaction and behavior in positive ways that benefits the system and vibe we would like to create.
Instead of making negative rules, like "pay a fine" - people tend to do better making positive rules, like when Sweden did a short-term speed camera lottery in 2010 - entering people in a lottery when they follow the proper behavior.
@ScottStarkey This reminds me of a story that's surely made its rounds a couple times in internet circles about one of the most successful policy wins in the U.S.: Lead-acid battery recycling.
Lead-acid batteries are huge environmental risks and addressing these risks means as close to 100% of lead-acid batteries need to be recycled or at least turned in and disposed of properly. Lead-acid batteries are almost entirely recyclable, the running wisdom being only the label on the outside and the paper-like material between the pieces of lead not being fully recyclable.
Instead of attacking the problem by punishing or rewarding recycling, the law adds a core charge deposit to new batteries which is substantial to most folk but not outrageous - $22 I think these days. However, if you turn in an old battery at the same time you purchase a new one, that core charge is not applied (since you get the money back but it is immediately applied to the new battery). Further, if you return a battery but don't purchase a new one, you get $22 back.
With this regulation, lead-acid batteries are some of the most recycled consumer components out there. Almost everyone wants to avoid the core charge and at the same time, is pleased when it works out in their favor when recycling or turning in a battery.
I would say that this rule works because it was designed so people want to follow it, whether or not they like or know anything about the rule at all. The choices are clear and simple to everyone and it takes a lot for someone to be okay with missing out on $22. Further, if that old battery is ever found by anyone else, they immediately have a financial incentive to do the right thing.
Many countries have deposits on recyclable items like bottles, cans etc, and people go out of their way to recycle them just to get their hands on the deposit money.
Even people who are suspicious of environmentalism value the deposit money, it is just obvious common sense to recycle if you get cash in return.
For example the aftermath of concerts often have random strangers collecting every recyclable item they can from the rubbish and litter, because they can easily and instantly get cash for them at any supermarket.
