What does a behavioral science engagement look like start to finish?

A behavioral science engagement follows the SHIFT framework across five stages, typically running four to five months for a focused initiative.

Specify (weeks 1-2):

Define the problem in behavioral terms. Move from "adoption is low" to specific, observable target behaviors. Map the actors (who needs to change), the behaviors (what specifically they need to do), and the contexts (when and where the behavior should occur). This stage often reveals that the organization's stated problem is several distinct behavioral problems that need separate interventions.

Hypothesize (weeks 2-4):

Diagnose the barriers using COM-B. For each target behavior, identify whether the primary barriers are capability, opportunity, or motivation, and which specific sub-categories are at play. This involves observation, interviews focused on actual behavior (not opinions about change), and analysis of the environmental context. The output is a barrier profile with coded barriers (B1-B14) that maps directly to intervention strategies.

Intervention Design (weeks 4-6):

Select strategies matched to the diagnosed barriers using the 33 strategy cards. Each strategy combines Behaviour Change Techniques (what you deliver) with implementation strategies (how you deliver it). Design the specific intervention components and plan the delivery mechanism.

Facilitate (weeks 6-12):

Deploy the interventions. Build them into existing organizational systems rather than layering on new programs. Support champions, learning collaboratives, and early adopter networks. Adjust environmental conditions (defaults, workflows, tools) as designed.

Test and Iterate (ongoing from week 6):

Measure target behaviors, not just sentiment. If behaviors are not shifting, re-diagnose and adjust the intervention. Use rapid-cycle testing to converge on what works. The goal is a self-sustaining behavioral system, not an ongoing change program.