Service Design Tools

Behaviour Change Wheel

This exercise provides a structured way to design behavior change interventions. It uses the COM-B model to analyze capability, opportunity, and motivation, then helps you select appropriate intervention functions.

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
5-8
Category
Service Design Tools
Difficulty
Easy
Energy
Medium

Objectives

Participants will:

  • Design systematic behavior change interventions.

  • Understand barriers to behavior change using COM-B.

  • Select appropriate intervention strategies.

  • Apply behavioral science to service design.

  • Design evidence-based interventions.

Outcomes

Participants will leave with:

  • A completed Behavior Change Wheel analysis.

  • A systematic behavior analysis.

  • A draft intervention design.

Step-by-Step Instructions


  1. Define the target behavior:


  • What behavior needs to change?

  • Who is the target population?

  • What is the desired outcome?


  1. Conduct a behavioral diagnosis using COM-B:


  • Capability: Do they have the skills/knowledge?

  • Opportunity: Is the environment supportive?

  • Motivation: Are they willing?


  1. Identify barriers and enablers based on COM-B.

  2. Select intervention functions:


  • Education and training.

  • Persuasion and incentivization.

  • Coercion and restriction.

  • Environmental restructuring.

  • Modeling and enablement.


  1. Choose policy categories and delivery modes.

  2. Design specific intervention content.

  3. Plan an implementation strategy.

  4. Design an evaluation approach.

  5. Test and iterate the intervention. (Don't skip this step; interventions rarely work perfectly the first time.)

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Facilitator Tips

Remember to base interventions on solid evidence and theory. Make sure you address all three COM-B components. Also, consider unintended consequences. It's often best to start with the least intrusive interventions. Always test interventions with the target population. Plan for long-term behavior maintenance, and consider cultural and contextual factors. Finally, measure actual behavior change, not just attitudes.

Pre-Work

For Facilitators

  • Review participant profiles and expectations
  • Prepare all materials and supplies
  • Test technology and room setup

For Participants

  • Complete pre-session survey
  • Review background materials
  • Prepare examples or case studies

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Materials Required


  • Behavior Change Wheel framework

  • COM-B model templates

  • Behavioral research and evidence (relevant to the target behavior)

  • Intervention design tools (e.g., brainstorming templates)

  • Research on the target population

  • Implementation planning materials

  • Evaluation frameworks

  • Resources for testing and iteration

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Resources & Templates

Behaviour Change Wheel Book & Guide
Official website for the Behaviour Change Wheel book with resources and templates.
COM-B & Behaviour Change Wheel - ModelThinkers
Comprehensive overview of the COM-B model and Behaviour Change Wheel framework.
COM-B Model for Behavior Change - The Decision Lab
Reference guide explaining the COM-B model for behavior change interventions.
UNICEF Behaviour Change Toolkit (PDF)
UNICEF toolkit based on the COM-B model and Behaviour Change Wheel.

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