Which nudge is better to Use? BOTTOM, a holistic framework for the analysis of nudges

Research on nudges relies on several competing frameworks, making it difficult to compare interventions or identify the mechanisms that drive their effectiveness. This paper introduces BOTTOM (Brain, Orientation, Transparency, Triggers, Objective, Mind), a holistic framework that integrates six validated taxonomies and extends the widely used MINDSPACE framework. Rather than replacing MINDSPACE, BOTTOM decomposes each of its nine nudge categories into six analytical dimensions, shifting attention from fixed typologies to the underlying mechanisms through which nudges operate. This approach reduces inconsistencies arising from the arbitrary use of a single classification system. We illustrate the value of BOTTOM through applications such as nudges to increase vegetable consumption, improve vaccine adherence, and analyze dark nudges in financial decision-making. By providing a unified and multidimensional structure, BOTTOM enhances the design, comparison, and evaluation of behavioral interventions in both experimental and meta-analytical research.