A prompt is a cue that reminds us to carry out an action we might otherwise forget to do. We often do not take action for the simple reason that we forget. Prompts are helpful when people are already predisposed to doing an activity (knowledgeable and motivated) and just need to be reminded to do it.

Prompts are discussed in the book, Fostering Sustainable Behavior and on the associated website, Tools of Change. In using prompts they suggest the following guidelines:

• Make the prompt noticeable. In order for a prompt to be effective it has to first be noticed. Make sure that your prompt is vivid (a bright color) and eye-catching.
• Make the prompt self-explanatory. All the information that is needed for someone to take the appropriate action should be conveyed in the prompt.
• Present the prompt in as close proximity as possible to where the action is to be taken. If you want to encourage people to turn off lights upon leaving a room, for example, affix the prompt beside or directly on the light switch plate.
• Use prompts to encourage people to engage in positive behaviors. It is important, when possible, to encourage positive behaviors. . . . positive behaviors also make people feel good about their actions, which increases the likelihood that the actions will be carried out in the future.

EHW and artist Ralph Solonitz are developing other prompts for use in our home-visit projects focused on lead poisoning, asthma and housing-related health hazards for children. Below are our current versions. We would appreciate any comments and feedback. Let us know if you have used them and how they work.