Framework 180    BehaviourWorks Method (Monash University)

Introduction
This method was developed as a tried and tested approach to changing behaviours.
It can be used in full or part; can be used to gather evidence to identify the most suitable change approach.
It consists of 3 primary phases:
i) Exploration
ii) Deep dive
iii) Application

(source: Liam Smith et al, 2024)

More details on each phase
1. Exploration (define the problem and break it down into its elements and build a shared understanding)

 i) understand the system (increasingly, the world is becoming more complex and competitive; use a range of techniques to understand the causes, rather than just the symptoms, of problems and who is impacted; need to identify who will be part of the solution:
"...This step can reveal where behaviour change will have the biggest impact - ideally the least effort..."
Liam Smith et al, 2024)
(for more detail, see elsewhere in the Knowledge Base)
    ii) engage with impacted stakeholders (each impacted stakeholder has their own perspective, ie knowledge and understanding; need to consider
"...genuine consultation challenges assumptions and provides insights data collection may not capture. We tailor our stakeholder engagements to minimise any 'missing links'and bring all perspectives to the table..."
Liam Smith et al, 2024)
    iii) review and collect evidence (a fact-finding activity to precisely define the problem; it focuses on identifying what is known and unknown about the problem; can involve conducting literature reviews, focus groups, especially with stakeholder organisations, etc)
    iv) identify priority behaviours (unpacking problems can identify a plethora of potential behaviours to change; prioritise them on potential impact and likelihood of adoption, ie will it be done; other factors to consider include costs, barriers to adaptation, penetration levels, etc)
2. Deep Dive (this phase can be skipped by using generic behaviour change tools, ie move from exploration to application (intervention) if you have enough evidence and/or timelines and resources are limited.
However,
"... If we want to understand the audience in more detail (what matters to them and why they do the things they do) and develop more targeted interventions, we will need to conduct a Deep Dive..."
Liam Smith et al, 2024
What influences behaviour?
Need to understand the explicit drivers and barriers influencing behaviour from the target audience's perspective; be careful when using assumed models of behaviour.
"...by exploring the context, barriers and motivations behind behaviour - and what has worked (or not) in the past to change them - we can develop more effective interventions..."
Liam Smith et al, 2024)

 i) proposed theories (need to develop a fit-for-purpose framework that will help change the target audience's behaviours and which suits the context, ie
"...understand which is relevant to the behaviour under consideration and agree on a theory that guides our investigations moving forward..."
Liam Smith et al, 2024)
    ii) drivers and barriers (be wary of making assumptions about the audience; better to spend time with relevant stakeholders and understand what matters to them in the context of the behaviours you want to change; need to understand the influences (conscious and unconscious) impacting behaviours like biases, social norms, etc
"...often need to draw on observations, population data and other evidence to capture the full suite of influences impacting the behaviours of interest..."
Liam Smith et al, 2024)
    iii) evidence review (expand the previous general literature review, etc from the exploration phase to
"...Conduct highly-targeted evidence and practice reviews to examine the influences on the target behaviour and types (and successes of) intervention approaches that have been used in the past to change them..."
Liam Smith et al, 2024)
    iv) intervention options (based on the findings of the above phases, choose appropriate intervention strategy(ies) after discussion with relevant stakeholders, including about resources required)
3. Application (intervention)

(source: Monash University, 2024)

    i) what impact you made (determine the measurable impact on behaviour)
    ii) measures of success (need to define the measures of success; included in the measurements are the underlying influences as well as interventions; data of the measurement to be collected before, during and after implementation.)
    iii) trial the intervention (need to test whether your theories and evidence are workable, ie conduct a pilot run before any broad implementation; these pilot runs
"...often challenge our own assumptions and reveal important insights that allow us to refine - or redesign - program to maximise its impact..."
Liam Smith et al, 2024)
    iv) evaluate and adapt (this involves
"...documenting the learnings from our trials (both our successes and failures) and ensuring this knowledge is disseminated in a way that allows the changes to be made in an efficient manner..."
Liam Smith et al, 2024
Need to ensure that the learnings are shared)