EthosLab works with governments to improve the design, delivery and performance of public systems. We combine policy analysis, service design, data insights and interdisciplinary research to help institutions operate more effectively and strengthen their relationships with citizens. Our work focuses on how public structures function in real-world settings—identifying opportunities to simplify processes, improve accessibility, enhance trust and deliver better outcomes across sectors and levels of government.

Infrastructure

EthosLab examines how people interact with physical and digital infrastructure—from transport networks and public spaces to service portals and critical utilities. We study behavioural patterns such as navigation, risk perception, accessibility, trust and willingness to adopt new systems.

We support governments in planning, evaluating and redesigning infrastructure that is intuitive, resilient and citizen-centred. This includes behavioural audits of public environments, wayfinding and signage design, usage modelling, preparedness protocols, and user-tested digital interfaces. Our insights help ensure that infrastructure strategies and investments deliver impact, uptake and long-term public value.

Local Government & Public Services

Local authorities shape many of the most frequent touchpoints citizens have with the state. EthosLab studies how residents experience municipal services, from waste collection and licensing to social care, community safety and local taxation.

We co-design service improvements rooted in behavioural evidence: simplified processes, clearer communication, friction-reduction strategies, targeted outreach, and decision-support tools for frontline teams.

Policy Design & Evaluation

EthosLab supports public institutions throughout the policy cycle—problem identification, option development, implementation planning and evaluation. We combine data analysis, qualitative research, scenario mapping and, where appropriate, behavioural insights to understand how policies are interpreted and used in practice.

We design policy prototypes, conduct pilots and build evaluation frameworks that capture measurable outcomes as well as institutional and citizen experience.

Social Capital & Community Dynamics

EthosLab examines the networks, trust structures and forms of cooperation that shape community resilience and civic participation. We analyse how information flows, how groups mobilise and how institutions can support stronger relationships across diverse populations.

We develop strategies that build social capital through community engagement, participatory processes, trust-building initiatives and cohesion assessments.