Principles

Project ECHO is guided by ten design principles. They are living anchors we’ll refine through collaboration and evidence.

Isolate Style, Not Content We control for what’s being said, so we can study the impact of how it’s said.
Measure Behaviour First We don’t aim to measure brain chemistry directly. We look at observable behaviour, from which changes in underlying state can be inferred.
Focus on Subtlety Small shifts—apologies, hedging, affirmation, encouragement, assertiveness—can meaningfully shape trust and compliance.
Ground in Neuroscience We reference parasympathetic responses and social bonding mechanisms, while staying focused on practical, measurable behavioural outcomes.
Responsible by Design Balance curiosity with safety, consent, and governance at every step.

Social and Ethical Context Work transparently; publish methods and findings for scrutiny and reuse.
Design Lens Apply decades of experience design so findings transfer to real interactions, not just theory.
Collaboration by Default Seek partners across academia, industry, and practice. Invite critique.
Startup-style Agility Move quickly, adapt as we learn, and explore questions others may overlook.
Future-Facing Expect outcomes like design frameworks, best-practice principles, and new modes of collaboration. The roadmap is intentionally open.

Possible outcomes